The Freudenstein / General Motors Young Investigator Award was established in 1996 and was funded by the General Motors Corporation through 2016.

Recipients of the Freudenstein / General Motors Young Investigator Award

2024

Mark Plecnik

2023

Dongming Gan

2020

Suyi Li, “Examine The Bending Stiffness Of Generalized Kresling Modules For Robotic Manipulation”

2017

Sreekalyan Patiballa and Girish Krishnan, “Qualitative Analysis and Design of Mechanical Metamaterials”

2016

Frederick Sun, and Jonathan B. Hopkins, “Mobility Analysis of Interconnected Hybrid Flexure Systems Using Screw Algebra and Graph Theory”

2015

Dustyn Roberts, Joseph Quacinella, and Joo H. Kim,  "Degree-of-Freedom-Based Instantaneous Energetic Cost of Robotic Biped Gait with Benchmarking Implications"

2014 (Prize is shared)

Alexander Wiens, and Amos G. Winter, V , “A Novel Pressure Compensating Valve for Low-Cost Drip Irrigation Systems”

Chin-Hsing Kuo, and Shao-Jung Lai, “Design of a Novel Statically Balanced Mechanism for Laparoscope Holders with Decoupled Positioning and Orientating Manipulation”

2013

Paul M. Loschak, Kechao Xiao, Hao Pei, Samuel B. Kesner, Ajith J. Thomas, Conor J. Walsh, “Assured Safety Drill with Bi-Stable Bit Retraction Mechanism”

2012

Xianwen Kong, "Type Synthesis of Variable Degrees-of-Freedom Parallel Manipulators with Both Planar and 3T1R Operation Modes"

2011

Shorya Awtar,  "An XYZ Parallel Kinematic Flexure Mechanism with Geometrically Decoupled Degrees of Freedom"

2010

Hai-Jun Su, "On Line Screw Systems and Their Application to Flexure Synthesis"

2009

Saeed Behzadipour,  "Tensionability of an Arbitrary Two-Link Multibody"

2007

Philip Voglewede,  "Novel design of a robotic gripper allowing for in-hand manipulation"

2005

Doug Laney and Dennis Hong  "Kinematic Analysis of a Novel Rimless Wheel with Independently Actuated Spokes"

2004

James P. Schmiedeler , "Dynamic Modeling of Quadrupedal Running Gaits Using a Simple Template with Asymmetrical Body Mass Distribution"

Honorable Mention:

 Laxman Saggere, "Modeling and Design of an Optically Powered Microactuator for a Microfluidic Dispenser"

Venkat Krovi, "Performance Evaluation of Cooperative Payload Transport by a System of Wheeled Mobile Manipulators"

2002

Ryan P. Dziedzic, Mary I. Frecker, and Randy S. Haluck, "Topology Design of Multifunctional Compliant Mechanisms with Smart Material Actuation"

2000

Just L. Herder and Hans de Visser, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands

1998

Constantinos Mavroidis, Rutgers University

1996

D. Lees and Gregory Chirikjian, Johns Hopkins University