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About

Bilige Yang is a pioneering researcher in soft robotics, whose work is fundamentally redefining how machines can change shape, stiffness, and even their own physical structure to adapt to dynamic environments. His research centers on bioinspired shape-changing robots, soft actuation, and morphogenetic systems, with a particular focus on enabling dynamic plasticity—a key trait of biological organisms that artificial systems have long lacked. Yang’s most influential contribution is his work on tensile jamming and kirigami layer jamming, which allows soft robots to reprogram their shape and stiffness on demand, moving beyond traditional inert materials. His highly cited 2020 paper, “Shape Changing Robots: Bioinspiration, Simulation, and Physical Realization” (149 citations), and his 2021 work on reprogrammable soft actuation via tensile jamming (108 citations) have become foundational references in the field. More recently, Yang has explored radical new capabilities such as self-amputation and interfusion in machines, pushing the boundaries of adaptive robotics. His work has been featured in *Advanced Materials*, and he continues to lead efforts in creating robots that can morph, shed limbs, and fuse—bringing us closer to truly lifelike, adaptive machines.