Minhee Lee

Papers

Total Citations

460

H-Index

About

Minhee Lee is a pioneering force in the field of bioinspired microrobotics, with a core focus on developing self-powered, environmentally responsive actuators. Her most celebrated contribution is the "Hygrobot," a self-locomotive ratcheted actuator that harvests energy from environmental humidity, eliminating the need for artificial power sources. This groundbreaking work, published in 2018 and garnering over 460 citations, demonstrated a biologically inspired bilayer structure capable of agile, autonomous motion—a feat with profound implications for medical, military, and industrial applications. By mimicking natural moisture-responsive systems, Lee has opened new avenues for lightweight, untethered microrobots that can operate in remote or resource-limited settings. Her research elegantly bridges materials science and robotics, showcasing how subtle environmental cues can drive complex mechanical tasks. Beyond the Hygrobot, Lee’s work continues to inspire innovations in soft robotics and sustainable actuation, cementing her reputation as a visionary engineer whose creations move without motors, powered by the air itself.