Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Yoon‐Koo Kang is a leading researcher in the field of robotic in-pipe inspection systems, with a primary focus on developing highly mobile, steerable robots for navigating complex pipeline networks. His major contributions include the design of a novel inchworm-type robot that uses continuum links for steering and a crank-slider mechanism for clamping, enabling both locomotion and directional control within pipes. Kang also pioneered the kinematic analysis of crawler-type in-pipe robots, drawing parallels to parallel manipulators and applying screw theory to derive instantaneous motion. His work addresses critical challenges in branched pipe navigation, analytically determining the degrees of freedom required for stable control at junctions. With over 35 citations across his most influential papers, Kang’s research has significantly advanced the practical deployment of inspection robots in constrained environments. Notably, his 2025 review on force sensing and feedback-based navigation for mobile robots highlights his ongoing impact in integrating sensory intelligence into robotic systems. Through these achievements, Kang has established himself as a key innovator in pipeline robotics, offering foundational solutions for industrial inspection and maintenance.