Yaqi Tu

Papers

Total Citations

500

H-Index

About

Yaqi Tu is a materials scientist and engineer whose research sits at the intersection of soft robotics, smart materials, and advanced sensing technologies. Tu's most influential contribution is the development of stretchable distributed fiber-optic sensors (DFOS), published in 2020 and amassing an impressive 462 citations — a testament to the work's transformative impact on the field. By extending the capabilities of silica-based DFOS systems to accommodate large mechanical strains, Tu helped bridge a critical gap between rigid sensing infrastructure and the flexible, deformable architectures demanded by modern soft robotics and wearable technologies. Complementing this breakthrough, Tu has also made notable strides in photomechanical materials, contributing to the synthesis of elastomeric photomechanical switches capable of light-driven, muscle-like actuation and self-healing — properties with profound implications for next-generation robotic systems. This work, conducted in collaboration with Robert F. Shepherd's research group, introduced an elegant two-stage polymerization strategy integrating azobenzene photochromic molecules into polyurethane elastomers. Together, Tu's contributions reflect a cohesive vision: enabling smarter, more adaptive soft systems through innovative material design and sensing integration.