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About

Wenying Qiu is a leading researcher in micro-robotics and soft electromechanical systems, whose work bridges the gap between insect-scale agility and practical, untethered operation. Her most impactful contribution is the development of electrostatic footpads that enable insect-scale soft robots to achieve precise trajectory control and rapid maneuvers—a feat previously hindered by the lack of rigid support structures. This breakthrough, published in a 2021 paper with 172 citations, demonstrates how curved piezoelectric thin films driven at structural resonance can transform soft robots into agile platforms. Qiu has also advanced human-machine interfaces with a low voltage-powered soft electromechanical stimulation patch for haptics feedback (32 citations), and pioneered an untethered crawling and jumping micro-robot (9 citations) that uses external alternating magnetic fields for locomotion. Her work on the 8 mm-long, 3D-printed soft robot, incorporating permanent magnets for frequency-controlled movement, exemplifies her commitment to creating autonomous, miniature systems. Through these innovations, Qiu is redefining the capabilities of soft robotics, making them more practical for applications in exploration, medicine, and interactive technology.