Yao‐Yu Xiao
Papers
10
Total Citations
985
H-Index
9
About
Yao-Yu Xiao is a prominent materials scientist whose research sits at the dynamic intersection of liquid crystal polymer networks, soft actuators, and biomimetic robotics. Working within the laboratory of Yue Zhao, Xiao has made transformative contributions to the design and engineering of stimuli-responsive materials capable of programmable shape change and autonomous movement. His most celebrated work introduced electrically powered "Janus" soft robots built from liquid crystal polymer networks — systems that exploit opposing deformations in a bilayer architecture to achieve lifelike locomotion, earning nearly 300 citations. Equally influential is his pioneering development of selective decrosslinking strategies that allow optical reconfiguration of existing actuators, enabling them to adopt entirely new functions without fabrication from scratch. Xiao has also advanced the use of Diels-Alder chemistry in liquid crystal elastomers, producing reprocessable, reprogrammable actuators with remarkable environmental adaptability. Across review articles and experimental studies accumulating nearly 1,000 citations in total, he has helped define the conceptual framework for LC polymer-based soft robotics. His work continues to push boundaries with electrically driven, light-fueled, and thermally responsive systems that bring soft machines closer to real-world application.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Liquid Crystal Polymer‐Based Soft Robots146 citations · 2020
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- 8Electrically driven liquid crystal network actuators51 citations · 2022
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