Lihaoya Tan

University of Bristol, Nanyang Technological University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Lihaoya Tan is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of sustainable soft robotics and bioinspired adhesion systems. Their work centers on developing environmentally responsible robotic components, with a particular focus on biodegradable and edible shape-memory polymer artificial muscles that enable environmentally modulated deformation—a critical advancement for reducing e-waste in robotics. Tan’s most cited paper, “Edible, optically modulating, shape memory oleogel composites for sustainable soft robotics” (2023, 14 citations), introduces a novel class of oleogel composites that combine optical modulation with shape memory effects, offering a path toward truly sustainable soft robots. In earlier work, Tan explored biologically inspired neural architectures, developing a hippocampal-inspired robot localization model using KFLANN (Kohonen Feature Learning Artificial Neural Networks) that enables simple robotic platforms to navigate using ultrasonic sensors—a contribution that bridges neuroscience and robotics. Most recently, Tan has advanced gecko-inspired adhesion by integrating electroadhesive forces into soft robotic grippers (2024, 3 citations), significantly enhancing tactile gripping performance. This work demonstrates how combining biological adhesion principles with active electrostatic control can improve the dexterity and reliability of soft manipulators. Tan’s research portfolio uniquely spans from fundamental bioinspired design to practical sustainability challenges, positioning them as a leading voice in the next generation of eco-conscious robotics.