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About

Zhicong Deng is a robotics and control systems researcher whose work spans soft robotics, mechatronics, and autonomous manipulation. He is best known for his pioneering contributions to the development of soft robotic tables — deformable, computer-controlled surfaces capable of manipulating objects through shape changes inspired by caterpillar locomotion. His research addresses the full engineering pipeline of these systems, from mechatronics design and embedded infrared sensing to closed-loop control, motion modeling, and multi-object trajectory planning. Deng's most cited work (2018, 12 citations) introduced a comprehensive design and characterization framework for soft robotic tables, while subsequent papers advanced closed-loop control strategies enabling simultaneous independent manipulation of multiple objects — a significant advantage over conventional robotic arms and conveyor systems. His 2023 contribution introduced hierarchical search on time-varying potential fields for multi-object trajectory planning, reflecting the growing sophistication of his control approaches. Earlier work on wheeled mobile robot dynamic tracking (2002, 6 citations) demonstrates his broader grounding in classical robotics and nonlinear control theory. With a cumulative body of work attracting over 50 citations, Deng's research makes meaningful contributions to the emerging field of compliant robotic manipulation, offering flexible and scalable alternatives for industrial automation applications.