Ke Yang

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Ke Yang is a pioneer in the field of soft robotics, with a particular focus on bio-inspired actuation and locomotion. His most celebrated contribution is the development of unique elastomeric rotary actuators that harness pneumatically driven peristaltic motion, a concept first detailed in his highly cited 2016 paper (72 citations). This work introduced silicone-based wheels that enable a new class of soft locomotion—unlike anything found in nature—capable of withstanding impact, traversing irregular terrain, and even operating underwater. By moving beyond traditional rigid motors, Yang’s actuators have opened new possibilities for resilient, adaptive robots in search-and-rescue, environmental monitoring, and medical devices. His research elegantly merges materials science, fluid dynamics, and mechanical design, demonstrating how compliant structures can achieve complex, robust movement. With a growing citation impact and a reputation for foundational work in soft actuation, Ke Yang is shaping the future of robotics, inspiring students and researchers to rethink the boundaries of machine mobility.