Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dr. Nhayoung Hong is a pioneering roboticist whose work bridges soft robotics, surgical systems, and rehabilitation technology. Her most influential contribution is the landmark 2017 review "Soft robot review," which has garnered over 600 citations and serves as a foundational resource for researchers exploring compliant, bio-inspired robotic systems. In surgical robotics, Dr. Hong has made significant advances in addressing the critical issue of discontinuous surgical flow during laparoscopic procedures. She developed a head-mounted interface for intuitive vision control and a stereo endoscope system with an innovative master interface, both designed to enable continuous surgical operation without the workflow interruptions that plague conventional robotic surgery. Her work in rehabilitation robotics is equally impactful, including the development of a vision-assisted, human-in-the-loop distal upper limb rehabilitation robot. This system, validated through clinical usability tests, features simple structures and user-intent driven actuation to facilitate neuroplasticity in stroke patients. With over 668 total citations across her key publications, Dr. Hong’s research demonstrates a remarkable ability to identify practical clinical problems—from surgical workflow inefficiencies to rehabilitation challenges—and engineer elegant, user-centered robotic solutions.