Wen-Yung Li

Tokyo Institute of Technology, National Taiwan University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Wen-Yung Li is a pioneering roboticist whose work sits at the intersection of bio-inspired design and soft robotics. His primary research areas include biomimetic locomotion, soft robot manipulation, and tensegrity-based mechanisms. Li’s most impactful contribution is his 2020 paper on a novel soft robot hand configuration, which has garnered 69 citations. In this work, he introduced a groundbreaking design combining biotensegrity with thin McKibben artificial muscles, creating a humanoid hand with multiple degrees of freedom and a unique actuation pattern that mimics natural motion. This innovation represents a significant step forward in creating more adaptable and safe robotic grippers. Li has also made notable contributions to the field of arboreal robotics, developing both the dynamic modeling and physical implementation of a spider monkey robot. His 2017 papers on this subject, while less cited, demonstrate his commitment to understanding and replicating complex biological locomotion—specifically brachiation—through rigorous Lagrangian dynamics and careful mechanical design. By translating the biomechanics of spider monkeys into functional robotic systems, Li has opened new pathways for robots capable of navigating complex, unstructured environments, showcasing his talent for merging theoretical analysis with tangible engineering.