Papers
1
Total Citations
60
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1
About
Yao Cheng is a pioneer in the field of bioinspired soft robotics and smart materials, with a particular focus on developing hydrogel-based systems that mimic complex biological movements. Their most notable contribution is the creation of a groundbreaking bioinspired hydrogel capable of both swimming and walking, driven by light-controlled local density changes. This innovative material, detailed in their highly cited 2015 paper (60 citations), achieves real-time, depth-controllable swimming by replicating the volume modulation found in fish bladders. Beyond simple locomotion, Cheng demonstrated that this hydrogel could perform a remarkable repertoire of motions—including rolling, somersaulting, and even bipedal-like walking—by carefully designing or combining light patterns. This work represents a significant leap in soft robotics, offering a versatile platform for untethered, light-responsive actuators. By merging principles from biology, chemistry, and materials science, Yao Cheng has opened new pathways for creating adaptive, autonomous soft robots with potential applications in biomedical devices, environmental monitoring, and micro-manipulation, establishing them as a leading voice in the next generation of intelligent materials.
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