Papers
11
Total Citations
575
H-Index
10
About
Ni Yao is a pioneering researcher in optical fiber sensing and human-machine interfaces, whose work has fundamentally advanced the application of optical micro/nanofibers (MNFs) in next-generation sensing technologies. With a research portfolio spanning tactile sensing, wearable devices, soft robotics, and distributed sensing systems, Yao has established a remarkable reputation for translating nanophotonic principles into practical, high-performance devices. Among Yao's most celebrated contributions is the development of compact tactile sensors leveraging MNF technology, enabling ultrasensitive hardness discrimination with direct applications in minimally invasive robotic surgery — work that has garnered over 107 citations. Building on this foundation, Yao pioneered multimodal sensing approaches capable of simultaneously measuring temperature and pressure using a single optical microfiber (91 citations), a breakthrough with profound implications for healthcare monitoring and robotics. Yao's research extends elegantly into smart textiles and human-machine interfaces, integrating optical nanofiber architectures into flexible, wearable systems including gesture-recognition wristbands enhanced by machine learning. The consistent thread across this body of work — totaling over 560 citations — is an innovative fusion of photonics, materials science, and artificial intelligence, positioning Yao as an influential voice shaping the future of intelligent sensing technologies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Optical Micro/Nano Fibers Enabled Smart Textiles for Human–Machine Interface82 citations · 2022
- 4Optical fibre taper-enabled waveguide photoactuators64 citations · 2022
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- 7Optical Nanofiber Skins for Multifunctional Humanoid Tactility39 citations · 2023
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- 9Recent progress of optical tactile sensors: A review28 citations · 2024
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