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About

Jinglei Zhao is a robotics researcher whose work centers on novel locomotion mechanisms, amphibious robot design, and soft robotics. His most significant contribution is the development of the eccentric paddle mechanism (ePaddle), a versatile locomotion system based on epicyclic gear mechanisms that enables robots to perform multiple gaits for amphibious operations. His 2015 paper on non-reciprocating legged gait for robots using this mechanism has garnered 13 citations, while his efficiency analysis of the epicyclic gear mechanism (7 citations) provides foundational insights into the mechanical performance of these systems. Zhao has also explored variable-stiffness origami structures for soft robotics (2025) and optimized parallel manipulators using constrained differential evolution (2021). His work on the ePaddle mechanism, including improved designs and stability analysis for quadruped robots, directly addresses the challenge of multi-terrain mobility for search and rescue missions after natural disasters. With a total of 34 citations across his most-cited papers, Zhao’s research bridges mechanical design and practical robotics, offering innovative solutions for adaptive locomotion in challenging environments.