Marc Killpack

Marc Killpack is an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering, Brigham Young University. His research focuses on soft robotics, human-robot interaction, controls, and robot manipulation, with applications in search and rescue, disaster response, and collaborative systems. He leads the Rad Lab and teaches courses in robotics, instrumentation, and control systems.

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Georgia Institute of Technology (2013)
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech (2008)
• M.S. in Manufacturing, Arts et Métiers ParisTech (2008)
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University (2007)

Research interests span soft robot control (model predictive, adaptive, and optimal control), human-robot co-manipulation, tactile and force sensing, 3D perception, and mechanical design optimization. His work addresses robot dynamics and teleoperation for unstructured environments. Recent publications highlight soft robotics, model predictive control, haptic sensing, and human-robot collaboration in disaster response and physical co-manipulation scenarios. Awards include the 2024 Best Demonstration at IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robots, 2023 Early Career Teaching Award, and 2021 Excellence in Research Award. He has advised 16 graduate students, including current Ph.D. candidates and alumni now at institutions like Raytheon, 3M, and SkyTech Robotics. His professional roles include Associate Editor for the International Journal of Robotics Research and Outreach Co-chair for IEEE Humanoids 2024.

• 2024: Best Demonstration, IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robots
• 2023: Early Career Teaching Award, BYU
• 2021: Excellence in Research Award, BYU Mechanical Engineering
• 2020: Most Influential Faculty Award, BYU Mechanical Engineering
• 2019: Outstanding Teaching Award, BYU Mechanical Engineering
• 2016: Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, BYU Mechanical Engineering
• 2014-2017: Early Career Faculty Award, NASA

He actively contributes to IEEE Control Systems Society and ASME as a reviewer and editorial board member, while developing open-source libraries like MoLDy for soft robot modeling and control.