Jiayi Lei

Nanyang Technological University, Xiamen University

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About

Jiayi Lei is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of bioinspired robotics and socially assistive technology, with a focus on soft robotic actuation and human-robot interaction for therapeutic applications. Lei’s major contributions include the development of bioinspired mechanisms for soft robotic crawlers, drawing from the locomotion strategies of soft-bodied animals to create robots capable of navigating complex environments with unprecedented adaptability. This work, detailed in their 2025 paper “Bioinspired Mechanisms and Actuation of Soft Robotic Crawlers,” has already garnered 24 citations, signaling its growing influence in the field. Additionally, Lei has made significant strides in autism therapy through robotics, introducing the therapist-robot interactive model using the social robot YANG. Their 2022 study demonstrated how YANG can effectively engage children with autism spectrum disorder during daily training sessions, bridging the gap between robotic capability and clinical practice. This work, with 7 citations, highlights Lei’s commitment to translating engineering innovations into real-world impact. By combining soft robotics with socially assistive applications, Jiayi Lei is shaping a future where robots are both more lifelike and more compassionate.