Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Di Ni is pioneering the miniaturization of high-voltage power supplies for micro-robotics, a critical enabler for next-generation actuators. Her research centers on developing compact, lightweight kilovolt sources using pyroelectric lithium niobate crystals, integrated with 3D-printed components and electrostatic switch regulators. Her most cited work, a 2019 paper on a pyroelectric cantilever switched power supply (13 citations), demonstrated a novel approach to generating the several kilovolts needed for micro-robot displacement without bulky external electronics. Ni’s subsequent innovations include a 3D-printed conductive PLA high-voltage source (4 citations) and a PCB-integrated design (3 citations) that converts 15.5V to 1460V in under one cubic centimeter—ideal for dielectric elastomer, piezoelectric, and electrostatic actuators. Beyond power systems, she explores robotic manipulation of deformable objects, such as dough shaping (5 citations), tackling the mathematical challenges of soft object deformation for applications in surgery, home assistance, and food preparation. Her work directly addresses the size-weight constraints that have historically limited autonomous micro-robots, making high-voltage actuation practical for real-world deployment.