Qingyuan Cao
曹清源
Ph.D. Student
M.S., Johns Hopkins University / B.Eng., Zhejiang University
qcao19@jh.eduAbout
Qingyuan Cao is a Ph.D. student with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (GPA 4.0/4.0) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Zhejiang University. His research focuses on tactile sensing, bio-inspired robotics, soft actuators, and intelligent materials. He has published as first/co-first author on structural dynamics, large-area shear sensing, and bionic robot locomotion, and has extensive hands-on experience in sensor design, robot kinematics, FEA simulation, and soft material fabrication.
Research Interests
Education
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Selected Research Projects
Large-Area Shear Sensing in High-Density Tactile Skin
May 2025 – PresentResearcher
Designed scalable tactile sensing hardware by developing a thin elastomeric overlay that upgrades high-density pressure skins to multi-axis sensing without added electrodes, optics, or magnets. Implemented modal decoupling to achieve real-time 32×32 normal and 16×16 shear force mapping.
- Developed thin elastomeric overlay enabling multi-axis tactile sensing without additional hardware.
- Achieved real-time high-resolution normal and shear force mapping via modal decoupling.
- Optimized elastomeric surface microstructures through FEA simulation for accurate shear detection.
Bio-inspired Robotic Goat for Adaptive Steep-terrain Locomotion
Feb 2025 – PresentResearcher
Collaborated to develop modeling, inverse/forward kinematics, calibration, basic control, and experimental testbed for a bio-inspired robotic goat. Developed 3-DOF flexible feet enabling adaptive locomotion on complex terrain.
- Implemented inverse/forward kinematics and calibration for a bio-inspired quadruped robot.
- Developed 3-DOF (pitch, roll, yaw) flexible feet for adaptive complex-terrain locomotion.
- Constructed experimental testbed and performed system integration.
MXene-based Solar-driven Soft Actuators
Jan 2024 – Jun 2024Researcher
Designed and fabricated MXene-CNF/Celgard3501 light-driven soft actuators, proving complex motion functionality through FEA simulation. Applied the actuator to create biomimetic mother-of-pearl moth and inchworm soft robots achieving bidirectional and rapid motion under one-sunlight intensity.
- Proposed and optimized the manufacturing process for MXene-based light-driven soft actuators.
- Created biomimetic moth and inchworm soft robots driven by sunlight.
- Won Best Presentation Award for Graduation Thesis (10/181).
Soft Robot Design and Manufacture based on 3D Printing
Mar 2023 – May 2024Project Leader
Manufactured LCE flexible materials and light-driven soft robots through 3D printing technology. Combined LCE as thermally-actuated deformation material, PDMS as substrate, and MXene as light-absorbing material. Conducted simulation modeling and FEA to determine optimal material parameters.
- Manufactured LCE-based flexible materials via 3D printing for soft robotic applications.
- Integrated multi-material design (LCE/PDMS/MXene) for light-driven actuation.
- Performed FEA simulation to optimize material thickness and geometric parameters.
Publications
Published Papers
Cao Q*, Sun Y, Liu X, Wang Y, Ma H, and Di C, Structural dynamics and vibration with multiple degree of freedom.
AIP Conference Proceedings, 2025, 3456: 030001
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0303407Manuscripts in Preparation
Cao Q#, Slepyan A#, Thakor N*, and Li C*, Large-area shear sensing in high-density tactile skin with thin elastomeric overlays.
Cao Q#, Le D#, and Li C*, Enhancing agility and stability of a bionic goat robot on steep terrain using passive compliance.
Selected Awards & Honors
Best Presentation Award for Graduation Thesis (10/181)
2024Outstanding University-level Class Leader, Zhejiang University (<10%)
2020–2021