Yihong Yang

Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Yihong Yang is a rising leader in bio-inspired soft robotics, with a primary focus on developing high-performance aquatic robots that merge transparency with rapid locomotion. His most notable contribution is the design of the *Ocyropsis*-inspired transparent soft robot, which uniquely combines electro-hydraulic actuation with the propulsion mechanism of the *Ocyropsis* ctenophore. This work, published in *Advanced Functional Materials* (2025), demonstrates a robot capable of fast swimming while maintaining optical camouflage—a dual capability critical for unobtrusive marine exploration and biological interaction. The flagship paper has already garnered 14 citations, signaling strong early impact in the field. Yang’s research addresses a key challenge in aqueous soft robotics: balancing speed, transparency, and environmental adaptability. By mimicking the soft, transparent bodies of marine creatures, his robots offer safe interaction with delicate ecosystems and high maneuverability in unstructured underwater environments. His work has been featured as a cover article, highlighting its significance. For students and researchers, Yang’s innovations represent a compelling convergence of materials science, biomechanics, and actuation design, paving the way for next-generation, animal-like robots that can seamlessly operate in sensitive aquatic habitats.