Lai Cao

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

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About

Dr. Lai Cao is a pioneering researcher in the field of bio-inspired soft robotics, with a focus on developing untethered, agile microrobots that mimic the locomotion and adaptability of small animals. Their major contributions include the design of a cockroach-inspired soft microrobot driven by a single actuator, capable of agile navigation through tight spaces and withstanding high impacts—a long-standing challenge in the field. This work has garnered 8 citations and represents a significant leap in replicating biological exoskeleton features in controllable microrobots. Additionally, Dr. Cao introduced an untethered soft snail robot that steers with a single motor, achieving remarkable load capacity by carrying 204 grams—7.7 times its own weight—while maintaining controllable locomotion. This innovation, with 2 citations, addresses the dual challenges of adaptability and high-load capacity in small-scale soft robots. Dr. Cao’s work stands out for its elegant simplicity, using minimal actuation to achieve complex, robust behaviors, and holds promise for applications in search-and-rescue, environmental monitoring, and medical devices. Their research exemplifies how nature-inspired design can overcome engineering constraints.