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About

Shyh-Shiuh Lih is a pioneering figure in space robotics, whose work has fundamentally advanced the design of lightweight, dexterous manipulators for planetary exploration. His research centers on the integration of novel composite structures and piezoelectric actuation—specifically rotary ultrasonic motors—to create robotic systems that are both robust and exceptionally light. Lih’s most significant contribution is the development of the 'MarsArmII,' an all-composite robotic manipulator that achieved a 40% weight reduction over its predecessors, a critical breakthrough for Mars missions where every gram matters. His highly cited papers (e.g., 18 and 13 citations) detail the application of these technologies for in-situ sample acquisition, visual inspection, and instrumented analysis on the Martian surface. Working with JPL engineers, Lih demonstrated these capabilities using a 1:1 scale replica of the NASA Mars Surveyor '98 mission lander, showcasing practical approaches to robotic science functions. His work on actuators using piezoelectric stacks and displacement enhancers further underscores his deep expertise in the core mechanisms that drive modern space robotics, making him a key architect of the tools used to explore other worlds.