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About

Lindsey Hines is a pioneering researcher in soft robotics and miniature robotic systems, whose work spans soft actuator design, flapping-wing robotics, and advanced materials for robotic applications. She is perhaps best known for her landmark 2016 review, "Soft Actuators for Small-Scale Robotics," which has accumulated an remarkable 1,298 citations and remains one of the field's most comprehensive surveys of actuation methodologies across nanometer- to centimeter-scale platforms. Her research has consistently pushed the boundaries of what soft robotic systems can achieve, from developing monolithic dielectric liquid crystal elastomer actuators capable of programmable shape changes (213 citations) to pioneering inflated soft actuators with reversible stable deformations that reduce dependence on bulky pneumatic hardware. Earlier in her career, Hines made significant contributions to miniature flapping-wing robotics, developing shape memory polymer-based flexure hinges with controllable stiffness and designing scalable, controllable flapping-wing platforms. Across these diverse research threads runs a common goal: creating robotic systems that are compact, energy-efficient, and capable of safe interaction with humans and delicate environments. Her cumulative citation record reflects both the breadth and lasting influence of her contributions to the robotics community.