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About

Qingyun Zeng is a pioneering researcher in soft robotics and deep-sea exploration, whose work addresses the critical challenge of material stiffening in extreme underwater environments. Their most-cited paper, "Plasticized electrohydraulic robot autopilots in the deep sea" (2025, 14 citations), introduces a novel approach to maintaining soft robot compliance and actuation under high ambient pressures. By leveraging plasticized electrohydraulic systems, Zeng demonstrates how soft robots can operate autonomously in the deep sea without the performance degradation typically caused by material hardening. This contribution is pivotal for advancing autonomous underwater vehicles that require minimal environmental disturbance and robust functionality in harsh conditions. Zeng’s research bridges materials science and robotics, offering practical solutions for deep-sea exploration, environmental monitoring, and underwater infrastructure maintenance. With a focus on enhancing robot resilience and autonomy, their work has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize deep-sea operations. Zeng’s achievements highlight a commitment to overcoming fundamental barriers in soft robotics, positioning them as a key innovator in the field.