Weixuan Liu

Southern University of Science and Technology

Papers

Total Citations

158

H-Index

About

Weixuan Liu is pioneering the frontier of autonomous soft robotics through the innovative use of topology and smart materials. His research centers on designing self-regulating hydrogel robots that achieve persistent, lifelike motion without external dynamic stimuli—a fundamental challenge in the field. Liu’s major contributions include demonstrating how geometric topology, such as twisted ribbon structures and knot-like forms, can invoke self-sustained motions under static light, eliminating the need for complex fabrication or heterogeneous inputs. His 2024 paper on “Animating hydrogel knotbots” has garnered 89 citations for introducing topology-invoked self-regulation, while his work on closed twisted ribbons (48 citations) and 3D-printed tough hydrogel robots (21 citations) showcases rapid, photo-steered multimodal locomotion. By integrating gold nanorods and metallo-supramolecular chemistry into printable hydrogel fibers, Liu achieves robust, fast-responding robots with unprecedented simplicity. His achievements represent a paradigm shift in soft robotics, offering a blueprint for autonomous machines that harness material intelligence. For students and researchers, Liu’s work is a compelling gateway into the intersection of topology, materials science, and bio-inspired engineering.