Laura K. Treers

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, University of California, Berkeley, University of Vermont

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Laura K. Treers is a pioneering roboticist whose work bridges bio-inspired design and practical, high-impact engineering. Her research centers on developing novel robotic systems for locomotion, manipulation, and assistance, drawing profound inspiration from the natural world. A standout contribution is her work on lightweight supernumerary robotic limbs for sitting and standing assistance, a project that has garnered 26 citations and demonstrates her commitment to assistive technology. In a remarkable feat of bio-mimicry, Treers studied the mole crab to create a robot capable of vertical self-burrowing—achieving speeds four times faster than the most rapid bivalve mollusk. This 2022 paper, with 25 citations, tackles the fundamental challenge of moving through granular media, where upward resistive forces are a major obstacle. Her investigation into tether friction for mobile robots, using the capstan effect to amplify holding force in non-idealized terrains, offers a simple yet powerful solution for tugging heavy payloads. Most recently, Treers has expanded into collective construction, analyzing the architecture of social insect nests to uncover general principles of swarm-built structures. By combining rigorous analysis with creative, nature-inspired solutions, Treers is shaping the future of resilient, adaptive robotics.