Michael Rouleau
Papers
9
Total Citations
272
H-Index
6
About
Michael Rouleau is a robotics researcher whose work spans soft wearable robotics, humanoid disaster response, and adaptive metastructures. His most impactful contribution is the development of a lightweight, portable soft exosuit for paretic ankle assistance after stroke, which has garnered 146 citations. This innovative device addresses the asymmetric and inefficient gait common in stroke survivors by improving both plantarflexion for forward propulsion and dorsiflexion for foot clearance, directly enhancing mobility and quality of life. Rouleau also played a key role in Team THOR’s entry in the DARPA Robotics Challenge, where he contributed to the design of modular, low-cost humanoid platforms like THOR-OP and the electromechanical biped ESCHER, demonstrating robust locomotion and tool manipulation for unstructured environments. His work on underactuated robotic end-effectors for power tool manipulation and disaster response further showcases his focus on practical, real-world applications. Additionally, his exploration of temperature-tunable snapping in viscoelastic metastructures reveals a creative approach to harnessing mechanical instabilities. With a portfolio that bridges rehabilitation robotics and field robotics, Rouleau’s research has significant implications for both medical assistive technology and autonomous emergency response.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Team THOR's Entry in the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials 201346 citations · 2015
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- 6Modular low-cost humanoid platform for disaster response7 citations · 2014
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- 8THOR-OP humanoid robot for DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials 20134 citations · 2014
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