I research soft robotics, pneumatic actuators, and haptic feedback systems that bridge the physical and digital worlds. My projects explore how soft, flexible materials can create intimate, responsive interactions between humans and technology through material-driven design approaches.
My comprehensive exploration of inflatable actuators as visual and haptic interfaces. I investigated three fabrication methods—heat-transfer vinyl, silicone casting, and extruder heat fusing—to create programmable soft materials that respond to pneumatic control, focusing on biomimicry-inspired movement patterns.
UNFLATABLES follows a material-driven design approach where I explore soft robotics in wearable contexts. The project investigates how different materials and fabrication techniques create distinct tactile experiences. I developed three biomimicry-inspired movements—expansion, bending, and twisting—that form the foundation for haptic sensations replicating human-to-human interactions.
Drawing inspiration from soft-bodied organisms like octopi, elephant trunks, and jellyfish, I developed a systematic vocabulary of movements achievable through pneumatic actuation. Each movement pattern serves different haptic communication purposes and creates distinct user experiences.
I systematically explored three primary fabrication approaches, each offering unique material properties and interaction possibilities. Heat-transfer vinyl enables rapid prototyping with varying textures, silicone casting allows complex 3D geometries with biocompatible softness, and thermoplastic heat fusing creates precise, thin actuators with controlled stiffness characteristics.
Building on my UNFLATABLES research, I developed an integrated wearable soft robotics system featuring custom electronics, pneumatic actuators, and wireless networking. The project demonstrates advanced fabrication techniques combining PCB design, sensor integration, and material-driven interaction design for creating responsive haptic interfaces.
Haptic Heartstrings represents the evolution from material exploration to fully integrated electronic systems. I developed custom PCB designs, wireless sensor networks, and pneumatic control systems to create paired wearable devices that enable remote haptic communication between users through soft robotic actuators.
I designed and fabricated custom circuit boards integrating Xiao ESP32-C3 microcontrollers, MOSFET drivers for pneumatic control, and soft touch sensors embedded in silicone. The electronics enable wireless communication between devices and precise control of pneumatic inflation patterns for varied haptic experiences.
The system incorporates miniature air pumps controlled through PWM signals, creating programmable pressure sequences. I explored both traditional pumps and experimental piezoelectric microblowers, developing enclosure designs that integrate electronics, pneumatics, and soft actuators into comfortable wearable forms.
I developed WiFi-based networking protocols enabling communication between paired devices and created web-based control interfaces for adjusting system parameters. The project demonstrates how soft robotics can facilitate new forms of remote physical interaction and emotional connection through technology.
I explore biodegradable biopolymers like gelatine, agar, and sodium alginate as sustainable alternatives to vinyl and silicone for prototyping haptic interfaces. This work highlights the benefits of compostability, organic textures, and accessibility despite limitations in flexibility and durability.
In the context of growing importance of sustainable research practices in HCI, I adopt a material-driven design approach to propose biodegradable biomaterials for prototyping soft robotics. Biopolymers offer unique properties of organic textures, compostability, accessibility and in some cases reusability, making them valuable alternatives for specific applications.
While biopolymers have limited flexibility, functional consistency and durability compared to synthetic materials like vinyl or silicone, they provide distinct advantages. I investigate how their organic textures, environmental benefits, and accessible fabrication processes can be leveraged in soft robotics applications.
This research was presented at the ACM Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (TEI) 2025, contributing to discussions about sustainable practices in interaction design research.
Read at ACM library