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About

Indrek Must is an Estonian robotics and materials researcher whose work sits at the intersection of soft robotics, electroactive polymers, and bioinspired actuation. His research focuses on developing novel actuator technologies that mimic biological movement strategies, drawing heavily from plant mechanics and osmotic processes to engineer compliant, adaptive robotic systems. Must's most influential contribution is his pioneering work on ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) laminates, which combine high electrically induced strain with meaningful structural stiffness — a longstanding challenge in the field. His 2014 paper on ionic and capacitive artificial muscles has garnered 176 citations, while his 2019 work on osmotically actuated, variable-stiffness tendril-like soft robots — inspired by plant hydraulics — has attracted 198 citations and represents a landmark in non-muscular, biomimetic locomotion. Beyond actuation materials, Must has explored scalable fabrication methods, pulse-width-modulated control strategies, and autonomous robotic platforms powered entirely on-board. His more recent work ventures into quantifying embodied intelligence and silk-inspired situated robotics, reflecting a broadening theoretical ambition. Across his career, Must has consistently translated biological principles into functional robotic hardware, making him a distinctive voice in the soft robotics community.