Ho‐Young Kim
Papers
17
Total Citations
839
H-Index
9
About
Ho-Young Kim is a leading figure in bioinspired soft robotics, whose work bridges mechanics, materials science, and biology to create autonomous, energy-efficient systems. His research centers on harnessing environmental energy for actuation—most notably through the **Hygrobot** (460 citations), a self-locomotive, ratcheted actuator powered solely by humidity, eliminating the need for artificial power sources. Kim also advances underwater robotics by optimizing compliant caudal fins for thrust generation in robotic fish, and his studies on granular drag reduction, inspired by self-burrowing seeds, inform novel digging mechanisms. His contributions extend to smart manufacturing, including a soft robotic gripper with embedded microneedles for delicate fabric handling and a machine vision–based automated sewing system. Kim’s work on ionic spiderwebs and agile shape-morphing particle rafts further demonstrates his knack for translating natural principles into functional materials. With over 800 citations across his top papers, Kim’s research not only deepens fundamental understanding of bioinspired mechanics but also delivers practical innovations for medical, industrial, and garment applications.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Hygrobot: A self-locomotive ratcheted actuator powered by environmental humidity460 citations · 2018
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- 3Ionic spiderwebs60 citations · 2020
- 4Bioinspired and biohybrid soft robots: Principles and emerging technologies47 citations · 2025
- 5Reduction of granular drag inspired by self-burrowing rotary seeds42 citations · 2017
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- 8A design principle of root length distribution of plants12 citations · 2019
- 9
- 10Agile reversible shape-morphing of particle rafts9 citations · 2021