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About

Yao Tang is a pioneering researcher at the forefront of optical fiber sensing, tactile robotics, and human-machine interaction. His work centers on harnessing the extraordinary properties of optical micro/nanofibers (MNFs) to engineer next-generation sensory systems that bridge the physical and digital worlds. Tang's most significant contributions lie in transforming ultrathin optical fibers into powerful, multifunctional sensors. His compact tactile sensor leveraging MNFs (107 citations) demonstrated breakthrough potential for minimally invasive robotic surgery and tissue palpation, while his single-microfiber design capable of simultaneously measuring temperature and pressure (91 citations) showcased remarkable engineering elegance. Extending this vision further, his optical nanofiber "skins" (39 citations) brought humanoid tactility closer to reality, enabling object recognition and dexterous robotic manipulation. Beyond sensing hardware, Tang has championed intelligent human-machine interfaces, developing gesture-recognition wristbands enhanced by machine learning (35 citations) with compelling applications in metaverse interaction and immersive computing. His more recent work integrates printed sensing with individualized adaptive machine learning, pointing toward embodied intelligence in advanced robotics. With over 280 cumulative citations across just five papers, Tang's research sits at a compelling intersection of photonics, soft robotics, and artificial intelligence, making him an increasingly influential voice in next-generation sensory technologies.