David Tan

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About

David Tan is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of bio-inspired robotics and energy harvesting, with a primary focus on developing multifunctional systems that merge propulsion with self-powering capabilities. His most impactful work, the "trout-like multifunctional piezoelectric robotic fish and energy harvester" (2021, 45 citations), introduces a breakthrough design that integrates a bluff body to generate low-power electricity from fluid-structure interactions—enabling small onboard sensors for ecological monitoring without external batteries. This innovation addresses a critical bottleneck in autonomous underwater vehicles: sustainable energy for long-duration missions. Tan also delves into the nonlinear dynamics of Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) piezoelectric actuators, as seen in his 2018 study (6 citations), where he models the coupling between piezoelectric softening, geometric hardening, and hydrodynamic loads to optimize noiseless, fish-like propulsion. By characterizing these internal nonlinearities, he provides a framework for balancing actuation force and velocity response in bio-inspired robots. His work stands out for its dual-purpose design—simultaneously advancing robotic locomotion and energy autonomy—making him a key figure in sustainable robotics. With applications ranging from environmental monitoring to defense, Tan’s contributions are shaping the next generation of self-sufficient, fish-inspired robots.