Tommy Zhang

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About

Tommy Zhang is a pioneer in the emerging field of magnetic soft robotics, where his work has fundamentally reshaped how we think about untethered, bio-inspired motion at small scales. His landmark 2015 study, “Controllable ‘somersault’ magnetic soft robotics,” introduced a novel class of actuators that achieve linear locomotion through a cyclic magnetic field, using polymeric magnet discs embedded in an elastomer. This work, which has garnered 7 citations, demonstrated a previously unseen “somersault” motion, enabling precise, controllable movement without rigid joints or onboard power sources. Zhang’s core contribution lies in the elegant design and fabrication of these compliant structures, which can be cut into various shapes to tailor their gait and function. By harnessing magnetic fields for both actuation and control, he has opened new pathways for applications in targeted drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, and micro-manipulation. His research stands as a foundational reference for scientists and engineers seeking to create soft, agile robots that can navigate complex, confined environments, marking him as a key innovator in the next generation of intelligent materials and systems.