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About

Just L. Herder is a prominent robotics and mechanical engineering researcher whose work spans assistive technology, surgical robotics, parallel mechanisms, and wearable robotic systems. With a career dedicated to bridging fundamental mechanical design with meaningful human applications, Herder has made substantial contributions to improving quality of life for individuals with neuromuscular disorders, as well as advancing precision tools for minimally invasive surgery. Among his most influential contributions is the development of statically balanced arm supports, including ARMON and the wearable A-gear system, designed to restore functional independence to patients with conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His work on camera and instrument holders for laparoscopic surgery (69 citations) addressed critical ergonomic and communication challenges in operating rooms, returning camera control directly to surgeons. His exploration of haptic devices and parallel manipulators — including a 7-DOF haptic system (59 citations) and configurable platform robots — has advanced dexterous robotic manipulation significantly. Herder's research on soft actuators, including McKibben muscle-based bending actuators for wearable robots, reflects a forward-thinking integration of compliant mechanisms with assistive robotics. Collectively, his portfolio — spanning over 400 cumulative citations across these ten works alone — marks him as a highly impactful figure in human-centered robotics engineering.