Dianlei Han

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dianlei Han’s research lies at the intersection of bio-inspired robotics and terramechanics, with a primary focus on enhancing legged robot locomotion on granular terrains like sand. His major contributions center on understanding and replicating the remarkable sand-traveling capabilities of the ostrich foot. Through detailed anatomical studies and reverse engineering, Han identified the tendon-bone assembly characteristics that grant ostriches superior trafficability on loose ground. He then translated these biological principles into novel bionic mechanical feet, designing prototypes capable of adaptive, variable postures. His work systematically compares the mechanical performance of these bio-inspired feet against traditional designs—such as hemispherical, semicylindrical, rectangular, and circular feet—demonstrating significant improvements in sand intrusion and locomotion efficiency. While his most-cited paper (10 citations) on the bionic foot was published in 2023, his earlier foundational studies (8 and 5 citations) established the critical foot–terrain interaction mechanics. Han’s research is pivotal for advancing the design of legged robots intended for desert exploration, planetary rovers, and other challenging sandy environments, offering a blueprint for more resilient and efficient robotic locomotion.