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About

Lejun Cen is a versatile robotics and mechanical engineering researcher whose work spans two distinctive yet complementary domains: bio-inspired aquatic robotics and robotic precision machining. His early contributions explored fish-like locomotion through the innovative application of macro-fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric laminates, culminating in the widely cited 2013 paper on piezohydroelastic actuation (125 citations), which demonstrated noiseless, scalable, and efficient propulsion systems inspired by carangiform swimming — a landmark contribution to untethered aquatic robotics. Cen subsequently pivoted toward industrial robotics, making significant strides in robotic milling for aerospace manufacturing. Recognizing the cost and flexibility advantages of articulated robotic arms over traditional CNC machine tools, he developed wireless force-sensing methods (74 citations), dynamic milling force models accounting for robot structural dynamics (67 citations), and pioneering chatter detection and avoidance strategies (85 and 59 citations) — collectively advancing the reliability and precision of robotic machining systems. His body of work has accumulated over 400 citations, reflecting substantial influence across academic and industrial communities. Cen's research is particularly valuable for students and engineers seeking to understand the intersection of smart materials, biomimetics, and advanced manufacturing automation.