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About

Youchao Zhang is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics, micro-manipulation, and biomedical engineering, whose work is transforming how we interact with biological systems at the single-cell level. His primary research areas encompass automated cell micromanipulation, robotic-assisted microinjection, and soft robotics for delicate object handling. Zhang’s major contributions include the development of a robotic micromanipulation system that can automatically dissect intact single cells from tissue sections—a breakthrough that bridges information science and bioscience. He has also designed innovative tools such as a microinjector integrated with a fiber Bragg grating force sensor for precise robot-assisted cell injection, and a programmable magnetic microgripper that enhances automated cell handling. His work on a closed-loop force control method for pneumatic-driven soft grippers enables damage-less grasping of fragile fruit, addressing critical challenges in the postharvest industry. With over 70 citations across his most-cited papers, Zhang’s impact is evident in his novel microfluidic chip for continuous zebrafish embryo microinjection and his design of soft microjoints that improve dexterity in micromanipulation tasks. His achievements represent significant strides toward fully automated, high-throughput biological experimentation and agricultural robotics.