Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Alena M. Grabowski is a leading researcher in biomechanics and locomotion, whose work bridges human physiology and robotics to advance understanding of movement efficiency and assistive technology. Her key research areas include the mechanics of legged locomotion, energy-efficient robot design, and the biomechanics of athletes with amputations. In her highly cited 2018 overview on principles for energy efficient robot locomotion (116 citations), Grabowski highlights a critical gap: despite robotic advancements, their energy economy lags far behind biological systems, especially in untethered legged robots. This work has shaped how engineers and biologists approach robot design by drawing inspiration from nature’s efficiency. Grabowski also made notable contributions to sports biomechanics, as seen in her study of three-dimensional takeoff step kinetics in long jumpers with and without transtibial amputations (19 citations). This research provides vital insights into joint loading and injury mechanisms, offering practical guidance for training and rehabilitation in para-athletes. Her work has profound impact on both rehabilitation engineering and competitive sports, demonstrating how understanding human movement can enhance robotic systems and improve quality of life for individuals with limb loss.