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About

Muhao Chen is a leading researcher in the field of tensegrity robotics and soft robotic systems, with a focus on creating adaptive, deployable, and bio-inspired structures. His work centers on the mechanics, control, and design of cable-driven tensegrity robots, which leverage networks of strings and bars to achieve unprecedented flexibility and strength. Chen’s major contributions include the development of gyroscopic tensegrity robots that enhance mobility and manipulation through controllable spinning wheels, and the introduction of modular shape-changing tensegrity blocks for self-assembling robotic structures. His research has garnered significant attention, with his most-cited paper on clustered cable-actuation strategies accumulating 37 citations. Notably, Chen has pioneered adaptive tensegrity foot designs for quadruped robots, enabling navigation of unstructured terrains like pipes and slopes, and has advanced rapid prototyping with SoftSnap, a snap-together module system for untethered soft robots. His work on an untethered bioinspired robotic tensegrity dolphin for aquatic locomotion further showcases his innovative approach to mimicking biological flexibility. With over 100 total citations, Chen’s research is shaping the future of adaptive, resilient robotic systems for exploration, manipulation, and construction.