Jonas Papenbrock
Born in Dortmund, Germany, and having spent half of my life in Prague, Czech Republic, I've been shaped by the dynamic environments of both cities. Surrounded by their industrious atmospheres, I immersed myself in the complexities of mechanical systems, profoundly developing a passion for engineering and design. In 2007, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Czech Technical University in Prague, where I focused on constructing a high-speed spindle in cooperation with the Research Center for Manufacturing Technology RCMT. In 2020, I earned my Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University Dortmund, completing a thesis on developing components for mobile long-term blood pressure measurement in collaboration with Charité - University Hospital Berlin. From May 2020 to July 2023, I worked as a Design Engineer at STC-Steyr Wälzlager Deutschland GmbH in Berlin, engaging in hybrid design projects. Additionally, I gained valuable experience through various trainee and internship positions at Herzog Edelstahl in Schwerte, the Institute for Production Systems at TU Dortmund, and PRAŽSKÁ STROJÍRNA A.S. in Prague. I am currently a researcher at the Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics in Siena, continuing to pursue my passion for engineering and innovation.
Robotics, Mechanical Systems, Structural Analysis and Simulation, Manufacturing Technology, Innovation in Engineering
My research focuses on the development and practical implementation of sensor-equipped flexible joints for soft robotic assistive devices. Specifically, I am working on Robotic Sixth Fingers designed to restore grasping abilities in individuals with mobility impairments. This involves accurately tracking the trajectory of robotic finger segments to ensure proper object manipulation. My goal is to create lightweight, durable, and cost-effective solutions for monitoring the movement of these segments, leveraging advancements in flexible materials and sensor technologies. By achieving these goals, I aim to enhance the functionality and reliability of assistive robotic devices, ultimately improving the quality of life for users. This involves not only developing new materials and sensors but also testing and validating these components to ensure their effectiveness in real-world applications. My work contributes to the broader field of soft robotics, emphasizing the importance of proprioceptive and tactile sensing in creating more responsive and adaptable robotic systems.
The characterization of the mechanical properties of joint materials was done in collaboration with INRiM (Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica).