IIT People Search

Altair Sales Coutinho Junior

Post Doc
Soft BioRobotics Perception
Altair Sales Coutinho Junior
Research center
About

My work focuses on the development of multifunctional soft robotic systems, integrating programmable morphology, distributed actuation, and fluidic sensing. I research actively reconfigurable lattice structures and architected soft materials, exploring how mechanical design and selective actuation can enable adaptive behaviors, and intelligent manipulation. My work combines computational design, additive manufacturing, and experimental characterization to develop versatile soft robotic systems. 

Previously, at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea, I specialized in high-performance soft pneumatic actuators and fluidic actuation systems.






Education

Title: Combined Master/Ph.D. Course in Mechanical Engineering
Institute: Sungkyunkwan University
Location: Suwon
Country: South Korea
From: 2019 To: 2025

Title: Bachelor of Science in Control and Automation Engineering
Institute: Estacio de Sa University
Location: Belem
Country: Brazil
From: 2011 To: 2017

Title: Exchange Student in Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Institute: Sungkyunkwan University
Location: Suwon
Country: South Korea
From: 2014 To: 2015

Experience External

Title: Post Doc
Institute: Soft Robotics Laboratory
Location: Sungkyunkwan University
Country: South Korea
From: 2025 To: 2025

All Publications
2026
Jang J.H., Coutinho A., Cheong E., Oh N., Song S.-H., Choi T., Rodrigue H.
Conductive Sensing Jamming Layers for Resistive Sensing of Layer Jamming Brakes
IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
Article Journal
2026
Auh E., Oh I., Lee J., Pico N., Park Y., Jang J.H., Lee H., Coutinho A., Park J., Jung B., Koo S., Kim K.-H., Rodrigue H., Moon H.
Development of a Dual-Arm Autonomous Container Unloading Robot System for Various Logistics Packages
IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine
Article Journal
2026
Coutinho A., Exley T., Trunin P., Nardin A., Beccai L.
Distributed Actuation and sensing for Embodied Soft Robotic Behavior
Workshop "When Muscles Think" IROS 2026
Poster Conference
2026
Exley T., Coutinho A., Beccai L.
Selective Unit-Cell Actuation in Lattice Structures for Distributed Morphology in Soft Robots
The 2026 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2026)
Conference Paper Conference
2025
Chung S., Oh N., Coutinho A., Busby B., Rodrigue H.
3-D Printed Telescopic Actuator for Bidirectional Actuation With Large Range of Motion
IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
Article Journal
Awards and Achievements
2024
Coutinho A.
Best Oral Presentation
2024
Coutinho A.
SKKU Research Encouragement Scholarship
2023
Coutinho A., Rodrigue H.
Best Paper Award