Sang Joon Lee

About

Sang Joon Lee is a pioneering roboticist whose research centers on the development of intrinsically safe, lightweight legged robots, with a particular focus on buoyancy-assisted locomotion and human-robot interaction. His major contribution lies in bridging the gap between simulation and reality for delicate robotic systems, as exemplified by his work on the Buoyancy Assisted Lightweight Legged Unit (BALLU). In his most-cited paper, "Residual Physics Learning and System Identification for Sim-to-real Transfer of Policies on Buoyancy Assisted Legged Robots" (2023, 9 citations), Lee addresses the fundamental challenge of controlling robots with soft, sensitive dynamics—a critical step toward deploying safe robots in human environments. By combining residual physics learning with system identification, he enables robust policy transfer from simulation to real-world hardware, overcoming the unique difficulties posed by BALLU’s light and compliant structure. This work not only advances the field of soft robotics but also opens new avenues for applications in search-and-rescue, healthcare, and collaborative manufacturing. Lee’s research is notable for its focus on safety and adaptability, positioning him as a key figure in the future of human-centric robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Residual Physics Learning and System Identification for Sim-to-real Transfer of Policies on Buoyancy Assisted Legged Robots

   9 citations · 2023

Key Collaborators

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