Yichao Shi has successfully completed his doctoral dissertation on “Coupling Hard and Soft Interfaces to Realize Actuators and Energy Sources that Bring Robots Towards Animal Mobility” under the guidance of James Pikul, Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and Leon and Elizabeth Janssen Associate Professor at the University of Madison-Wisconsin.
Shi’s work investigated metal-air battery technologies—an innovative approach to addressing mobile robotics’ power limitations through bio-inspired energy generation. By exploring aluminum-based energy conversion, the research expanded understanding of how alternative power sources can transform robotic capabilities across remote operations, extended-range missions, and challenging environments.
The dissertation focused on three key areas: quantifying the energy gap between mobile robots and biological systems, developing a highly stretchable metal-air battery with unprecedented capacity, and demonstrating a soft crawler capable of simultaneous metal digestion and continuous locomotion. These studies revealed complex energy harvesting mechanisms, demonstrating how metal consumption can provide novel solutions to traditional power constraints in robotic systems.
Personal Reflections
One of the most cherished aspects of Shi’s doctoral experience was the mentorship and camaraderie he found within the MEAM community. Particularly memorable were the early years of his PhD, filled with enlightening conversations with senior doctoral students who generously shared research insights and life advice, often extending beyond the laboratory to explore the city of Philadelphia.
Reflecting on his journey, Shi offers, “Frustration, sense of loss, and pressure are inevitable parts of the PhD journey and will come and go throughout your time here. Keep faith in yourself and be patient – good work takes time. When you look back at the end, you’ll be amazed and proud of your achievements.”
Acknowledgments
Shi expressed deep gratitude to several key supporters throughout his academic journey. He extends special thanks to his advisor, James Pikul, for invaluable mentorship and support. His co-authors and lab-mates receive recognition for their tremendous help, and he also acknowledges his family’s continuous encouragement and support.
Building on his doctoral research, Shi will continue his scientific pursuits as a postdoctoral fellow in Pikul’s research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to conduct research in energy storage and actuators.