Xinglong Pan

Eindhoven University of Technology, DSM (Netherlands)

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Xinglong Pan is a rising innovator in the field of soft robotics and smart materials, specializing in the development of light-responsive polymer actuators. His research focuses on creating untethered, high-performance soft actuators using simple, commercially available polymers—a departure from the complex fabrication methods traditionally required for materials like liquid crystal networks or hydrogels. Pan’s major contributions include pioneering a 3D anisotropic polyethylene film that functions as a light-responsive gripper and surfing diver, demonstrating remarkable versatility in shape-morphing and motion control. This work, published in 2021, has garnered 33 citations, underscoring its impact on the field. Additionally, Pan has advanced the design of high-stress-generating actuators that respond to a broad spectrum of light—from near-infrared to ultraviolet—while significantly reducing creep rate, a common limitation in polymer actuators. His achievements highlight a practical, scalable approach to soft robotics, enabling stable and reversible actuation under low-intensity light. Pan’s research not only pushes the boundaries of material science but also opens new avenues for applications in biomedical devices, micro-robotics, and adaptive structures, making him a key figure to watch in the evolution of smart materials.