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About

Joonyoung Kim is a robotics researcher whose work bridges open-source hardware, artistic expression, and human-robot interaction. His key research areas include dynamic legged locomotion, robotic manipulation, and multi-agent coordination. Kim's most notable contribution is the design and control of PADWQ, an open-source, low-cost 3D printed dynamic quadruped robot featuring torque-controlled quasi-direct-drive joints and onboard sensing, which has garnered 30 citations for its accessibility and performance. He has also advanced robotic artistry with a system capable of drawing high-quality portraits on physical canvas in under 80 seconds, addressing the traditional trade-off between speed and quality. In manipulation, Kim developed an anthropomorphic grasping approach using imitation learning for complex-shaped objects, achieving human-like dexterity. His work extends to dual-arm companion robots capable of expressive, high-speed dancing gestures, and multi-robot systems for cooperative tidying tasks. With publications spanning 2021 to 2025, Kim's research demonstrates a commitment to practical, expressive, and collaborative robotics, making sophisticated capabilities accessible through open-source platforms and innovative control strategies.