Hello, I am an engineer and researcher working in robotics. The ultimate aim of my research is to create a link between robotics/soft-robotic systems and humans. For this purpose, I try to develop new concepts and frameworks to expand the functionality of robotics/soft-robotic interfaces in human-robot interaction (HRI). To do this, I position myself in soft actuation and sensing areas and focus on smart materials, digital fabrication, embodied intelligence, wearable robots, and mechanical metamaterials. I received my B.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yildiz Technical University, Turkey, and my M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University with a minor in Mechanical Design. Prior to finishing my master’s degree, I studied at TU Delft for a short duration and I worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer in the industry for a while. After that, I worked as a full-time research scholar at the Carnegie Mellon University / Morphing Matter Lab and conducted research on soft actuation systems, soft robotics, and mechanical metamaterials for wearable applications. Currently, I am a 1st year PhD Student at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Biodesign Lab, my research includes soft wearable interfaces for assistive technologies.

Umut Civici