Charlotte Folinus

Charlotte Folinus is a graduate student in mechanical engineering working to redefine how soft and soft-rigid hybrid robotic systems are designed and built. Her research focuses on integrating materials science, fabrication methods, and mechanical modeling to address long-standing challenges in reliability and real-world performance. As a MathWorks Fellow, Charlotte will develop interactive MATLAB-based tools that help designers navigate material trade-offs, predict failure modes, and optimize the geometry of origami-inspired soft actuators. MATLAB is central to every stage of her work, from building a searchable database of over 600 soft materials to processing data from more than 1,000 mechanical tests. Her custom analysis and visualization tools reveal how subtle differences in bonding, geometry, and processing impact mechanical behavior. By challenging assumptions and prioritizing manufacturability, Charlotte is building a rigorous, data-driven foundation for the next generation of soft robotics. Her work could unlock new possibilities for deploying soft robots in clinical rehabilitation, in-home care, and other settings where human interaction and mechanical resilience are equally essential.