Trevor L. Buckner
Yale University, University of New Haven, Purdue University West Lafayette
Papers
10
Total Citations
343
H-Index
8
About
Trevor L. Buckner is a leading researcher at the intersection of soft robotics and functional materials, with a focus on creating adaptive, fabric-based robotic systems. His work centers on variable stiffness materials, robotic fabrics, and soft actuators—technologies that enable robots to change shape, stiffness, and function on demand. Buckner’s major contributions include pioneering the use of phase-changing metal microparticles to create composites with dramatically tunable stiffness and stretchability, as demonstrated in his highly cited 2019 paper (125 citations). He has also advanced the field of robotic fabrics by integrating functional fibers for actuation, sensing, and structural support, as outlined in his 2020 work (87 citations). His innovations in move-and-hold pneumatic actuators and soft bidirectional bending actuators have expanded the capabilities of soft robotics. Buckner’s recent work addresses grand challenges in burrowing soft robots and untethered dynamic fabrics, showcasing his commitment to practical, deployable systems. With over 340 total citations and a growing portfolio of high-impact publications, Buckner is shaping the future of soft, adaptive, and fabric-based robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Roboticizing fabric by integrating functional fibers87 citations · 2020
- 3Functional fibers for robotic fabrics40 citations · 2018
- 4
- 5Design for Control of a Soft Bidirectional Bending Actuator20 citations · 2018
- 6Grand challenges for burrowing soft robots13 citations · 2025
- 7Robotic Skins With Integrated Actuation, Sensing, and Variable Stiffness11 citations · 2023
- 8Shape Memory Silicone Using Phase-Changing Inclusions8 citations · 2020
- 9
- 10