Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Steven Rich is a pioneer in the field of soft robotics, with a particular focus on untethered systems, smart materials, and adaptive adhesion. His most influential work, "Untethered soft robotics" (2018), has garnered nearly 1,000 citations, establishing a foundational framework for creating robots that move and operate without external power or control tethering—a critical step toward autonomous, flexible machines. Rich’s research on gallium’s phase-change behavior is equally transformative; his 2016 study on gallium’s reversible, switchable adhesion (111 citations) demonstrated how a simple solid-liquid transition can enable robust gripping on diverse surfaces, even underwater. This breakthrough has direct applications in pick-and-place robotics and medical devices. He also contributed to the widely-read "Roadmap on soft robotics" (2022, 105 citations), which outlines the field’s future in multifunctionality and adaptability. Rich’s work on liquid metal-integrated elastomers for low-voltage stiffness tuning (77 citations) further showcases his talent for merging materials science with practical engineering. His achievements not only advance fundamental understanding but also inspire next-generation robots that are softer, smarter, and more capable.