Cat Arase

Cat Arase is a graduate student in mechanical engineering whose work advances soft-rigid hybrid systems to enable higher-payload, more durable soft robots for healthcare applications. Current soft robots suffer from limited payload capacity and reliability, restricting their deployment in practical settings like physical therapy. To address these limitations, Cat develops soft-rigid metamaterials inspired by stingray fin architectures that strategically embed rigid inclusions within compliant matrices. Using MATLAB, she maps biological cartilage networks from X-rays and analyzes anisotropic bending stiffness and mechanical jamming phenomena. Cat has also developed a flocking-based fabrication strategy that dramatically strengthens soft-rigid interfaces, enabling scalable overmolding of complex geometries. Related work on strain-limiting textiles has increased average actuator force output compared with standard approaches. As a MathWorks Fellow, Cat will develop generative design tools for strategic placement of reinforcement elements. Her research could establish manufacturing foundations for next-generation soft robots capable of safe human interaction.