Papers
15
Total Citations
364
H-Index
10
About
Zi Chen is a leading researcher in the mechanics of soft and bioinspired structures, with a focus on understanding and harnessing the remarkable shape-changing abilities found in nature. His work bridges fundamental mechanics and applied robotics, particularly through the study of multi-stability and bistability in morphing structures—from helical ribbons and popper-like shells to the fast nastic motions of plants like the Venus flytrap. Chen’s contributions have been highly influential, with his most-cited paper, “Fast nastic motion of plants and bioinspired structures,” amassing 118 citations, and his work on shape selection in helical ribbons reaching 64 citations. He has pioneered the development of tunable, flexible, and resilient soft robots, including a remotely controlled transformable robot based on engineered cardiac tissue and an electrostatic-actuated robot “bug” that can withstand crushing. His research also extends to programmable 3D self-folding structures and finite element simulations of mechanical self-assembly, demonstrating a unique ability to translate biological principles into functional, multi-stable devices for applications in micro-robotics, morphing structures, and drug delivery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Fast nastic motion of plants and bioinspired structures118 citations · 2015
- 2Shape selection and multi-stability in helical ribbons64 citations · 2014
- 3
- 4Tunable, Flexible, and Resilient Robots Driven by an Electrostatic Actuator33 citations · 2020
- 5
- 6Bistability in popper-like shells programmed by geometric defects16 citations · 2020
- 7Bistable structures with controllable wrinkled surface14 citations · 2020
- 8
- 9Programmable 3D Self‐Folding Structures with Strain Engineering11 citations · 2020
- 10Tunable, Flexible, and Resilient Robots Driven by an Electrostatic Actuator10 citations · 2020