Papers
20
Total Citations
906
H-Index
9
About
Thomas Bahls is a robotics researcher whose work spans surgical robotics, advanced manipulation systems, and human-robot interaction, with particular expertise developed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He has made significant contributions to the design and development of versatile robotic platforms for medical applications, most notably through his work on the DLR MIRO lightweight robot arm, which has garnered 185 citations as a foundational platform for flexible surgical robotics. His involvement in the landmark DLR Hand Arm System — an anthropomorphic variable stiffness system that has accumulated over 430 citations — highlights his broader expertise in dexterous, compliant robotic mechanisms. Bahls has also advanced minimally invasive surgery through the development of MICA instruments and robotic waterjet debridement systems, demonstrating a consistent commitment to translating robotic technology into real clinical environments. His 2021 review of robotically assisted surgical systems reflects his growing role as a synthesizer of the field's progress. With contributions ranging from hexapod walking robots to soft robotics with variable stiffness actuators, Bahls exemplifies the interdisciplinary engineer whose work bridges mechanical design, control architecture, and practical medical application.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1The DLR hand arm system430 citations · 2011
- 2The DLR MIRO: a versatile lightweight robot for surgical applications185 citations · 2008
- 3MICA - A new generation of versatile instruments in robotic surgery63 citations · 2010
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8The computing and communication architecture of the DLR Hand Arm System11 citations · 2011
- 9THE DLR <i>MIROSURGE</i> SURGICAL ROBOTIC DEMONSTRATOR10 citations · 2018
- 10