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About

Licheng Zheng is a pioneering researcher in the field of bio-inspired robotics, with a primary focus on the design, optimization, and hydrodynamics of robotic fish that mimic the locomotion of rays and manta rays. His major contributions center on the development of innovative propulsion systems using oscillating paired pectoral fins, drawing inspiration from the cow-nosed ray and manta ray. Zheng’s most cited work, “Design and Experiments of a Robotic Fish Imitating Cow-Nosed Ray” (2010, 87 citations), established a foundational platform for studying pectoral fin propulsion by analyzing natural locomotion and translating it into simplified mechanical models. His subsequent paper, “Design Optimization of a Bionic Fish with Multi-Joint Fin Rays” (2012, 45 citations), advanced this research by optimizing flapping motion through simple mechanical structures, enabling more efficient and realistic swimming. Zheng also contributed to the development of the robotic manta ray BH-RAY3 (2010, 5 citations), which achieved a speed of 1.09 body lengths per second, demonstrating high maneuverability and smooth shell design. His work has significantly impacted the understanding of bio-inspired underwater vehicles, offering insights into efficient, agile propulsion for marine robotics.