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About

Kihak Lee is a researcher at the forefront of smart materials and soft robotics, with a focus on developing innovative, low-cost sensor and energy-harvesting technologies. His primary research areas include piezoelectric nanogenerators, 3D-printed bio-inspired robotics, and force-sensing resistor (FSR) sensors. Lee’s most impactful contribution is his work on enhancing piezoelectric nanogenerators, where he demonstrated that a composite of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and ZnO, fabricated via spin coating, can boost open-circuit voltage to 4.2 V—a 250% improvement over pure PVDF. This work, published in 2023, has already garnered 30 citations, underscoring its significance in the field of energy harvesting. Lee also explores environmental monitoring through bio-inspired design, as seen in his 3D-printed water strider robot, and advances rapid, cost-effective sensor fabrication, achieving performance comparable to commercial force sensors at a fraction of the cost. His achievements highlight a commitment to accessible, scalable technologies that bridge materials science and practical engineering, making him a notable figure in sustainable device innovation.