Papers
40
Total Citations
1,294
H-Index
17
About
Min Xu is a robotics researcher whose work spans soft robotics, bio-inspired locomotion, and rehabilitation engineering, with a particular focus on shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation and amphibious robotic systems. His research has garnered over 900 citations, reflecting its broad influence across academic and engineering communities. Xu's most celebrated contributions involve the design of soft, SMA-driven robotic structures inspired by natural organisms. His development of the Smart Modular Structure (SMS) — a multi-layered, tentacle-like actuator capable of lifelike bending and recovery — has become foundational in soft robotics, earning 148 citations. Companion work on a starfish-inspired soft robot and an SMA-coil-driven robotic arm further cemented his reputation for translating biological principles into functional machines. Equally influential is Xu's AmphiHex series of amphibious hexapod robots, which feature transformable leg-flipper mechanisms enabling seamless locomotion across land, water, and transitional terrains like mud and sand. These platforms, developed iteratively from 2012 through 2018, demonstrate sophisticated propulsion design and CPG-based control strategies. More recently, Xu expanded into human-centered applications, contributing to a soft rehabilitation glove capable of closed-loop fine motor assistance — signaling a meaningful pivot toward assistive and medical robotics with real-world impact.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Design and Implementation of a Soft Robotic Arm Driven by SMA Coils136 citations · 2018
- 3
- 4On a CPG-Based Hexapod Robot: AmphiHex-II With Variable Stiffness Legs114 citations · 2018
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10