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About

Shilian Mao is a robotics researcher whose work centers on biomimetic robotics, underwater microrobots, and amphibious robotic systems. With a particular focus on solving real-world challenges in biomedical engineering and underwater exploration, Mao has made significant contributions to the design and development of compact, multi-functional robotic platforms capable of operating in constrained environments. Mao's most influential work—the development of an amphibious turtle-inspired spherical mother robot (75 citations)—exemplifies his innovative approach to multi-robot cooperation. Recognizing that miniaturized microrobots often sacrifice speed and operational endurance for compactness, Mao pioneered a "mother-son" robotic architecture, in which a larger amphibious carrier deploys smaller underwater microrobots to extend their operational range and capability. This system, explored across multiple highly-cited studies from 2012–2013 (totaling over 160 citations), represents a meaningful advancement in cooperative robotic systems. His research on soft biomimetic microrobots (58 citations) further demonstrates his versatility, incorporating smart actuator materials to achieve flexible, low-power locomotion across multiple motion attitudes. Altogether, Mao's body of work reflects a consistent drive to bridge biological inspiration with practical engineering solutions, making his research particularly valuable to students and professionals working at the intersection of robotics, biomimetics, and marine technology.