Meilin Cui

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About

Meilin Cui is a rising researcher in human-computer interaction and digital fabrication, whose work explores how everyday objects can be imbued with robotic capabilities through reconfigurable design. Her most-cited paper, “Romeo” (2020, 11 citations), introduces a novel approach to transforming passive objects—such as a coffee cup holder that attaches to a chair’s armrest or a piggy bank that reaches out to ‘steal’ coins—by enabling end-users to 3D print and fabricate shape-shifting robotic functionalities. This contribution bridges the gap between static 3D design and interactive, adaptive objects, democratizing access to robotic augmentation. Cui’s research emphasizes user-driven customization, allowing non-experts to embed motion and responsiveness into everyday items without specialized engineering knowledge. While still early in her career, her work has garnered attention for its creativity and practical implications in smart environments and assistive technologies. By reimagining how we interact with physical spaces, Cui is paving the way for a future where objects are not just tools but active participants in our daily lives.