Yen‐Wen Lu

University of California, Los Angeles, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Papers

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About

Yen-Wen Lu is a pioneer in micro-robotic end-effectors, specializing in the design and fabrication of pneumatically driven microstructures for biological manipulation. His key research areas include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), soft robotics, and biomedical microdevices. Lu’s most significant contribution is the development of articulated micro-fingers using pneumatic parylene balloon joints, first introduced in his 2004 paper (38 citations). This innovation enabled the construction of micro-hands and micro-cages capable of delicate tasks in liquid environments. His 2006 work on a pneumatically driven microcage (26 citations) demonstrated the capture of single motile microbes like Volvox and Stentor, showcasing practical applications in microbiology. Lu’s research is notable for its robust silicon-based finger segments and monolithic integration, achieving precise force control in small liquid spaces. With foundational papers from the early 2000s, his work has laid the groundwork for micro-robotic systems that operate in challenging biological environments, earning recognition for advancing MEMS-based manipulation tools. His achievements highlight a career dedicated to bridging engineering and biology through innovative micro-actuation.