Papers
3
Total Citations
48
H-Index
3
About
Zhekai Tong is a robotics researcher whose work focuses on advancing robotic manipulation, particularly in the challenging domain of bin picking and grasping from clutter. His key contributions center on developing novel manipulation strategies that leverage physical interaction rather than avoiding it. Tong introduced the concept of "dig-grasping," a method using asymmetric fingers to simultaneously singulate and pick objects from dense clutter, achieving effective bin picking for thin-profile objects that have traditionally eluded robotic systems. His most cited work, "Dig-Grasping via Direct Quasistatic Interaction Using Asymmetric Fingers" (2021, 23 citations), demonstrates how controlled contact interaction can transform bin picking from a struggle into a reliable process. He also pioneered the "tilt-and-pivot manipulation" technique (2020, 13 citations), enabling robots to pick thin, rigid objects from flat surfaces through dexterous in-hand reorientation. In his data-driven approach "Learning to Pick by Digging" (2022, 12 citations), Tong shows that appropriate physical interaction—rather than avoidance—is essential for successful grasping in clutter. His work bridges the gap between industrial automation needs and fundamental manipulation science, offering practical solutions for both manufacturing and domestic robotics applications.
Research Focus
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