Feng Ni

About

Feng Ni is a pioneering researcher in soft robotics, with a focus on pneumatic actuation, bio-inspired locomotion, and low-cost, accessible robot design. His major contributions include the development of a jumping robot that uses soft silicone elastomer-based pneumatic actuators to achieve vertical and directional leaps, demonstrating how rapid pressurization can propel a lightweight platform (22 citations). He also introduced a soft damper for quick stabilization of soft actuators, solving the critical problem of oscillation control in bending motions (13 citations). Ni’s work extends to paper-based and untethered self-folding robots, such as a locomotive robot that uses sticky pneumatic actuators and a fan-like folding mechanism, emphasizing simplicity and everyday materials (4 and 3 citations). Additionally, he has explored Giacometti robotics with a hexapod design featuring extremely long, light, and thin legs, pushing the boundaries of safety and unconventional robot morphology (2 citations). His research has been recognized for its creativity and practical impact, particularly in making soft robotics more accessible and controllable.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   A jumping robot using soft pneumatic actuator

   22 citations · 2015
2. 2
   Soft damper for quick stabilization of soft robotic actuator

   13 citations · 2016
3. 3
   Paper-based Pneumatic Locomotive Robot with Sticky Actuator

   4 citations · 2016
4. 4
   An untethered self-folding locomotive paper robot using pneumatic actuators

   3 citations · 2016
5. 5
   Design of Hexapod Giacometti Robot with Very Long, Light, and Thin Legs

   2 citations · 2015

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links