01
Mechanically intelligent actuation
Soft actuators that use structure, material behavior, and embodied mechanics to adapt their response to changing tasks.
- Soft manipulators
- Bio-inspired design
- Embodied intelligence
Postdoctoral Researcher · Reconfigurable Robotics Lab · EPFL
Designing robots that interact intelligently.
I develop mechanically intelligent robotic systems by combining soft actuators, fluidic circuits, reconfigurable mechanisms, embedded sensing, and bio-inspired design. My work aims to make robot–world interaction safer, more adaptive, and more sustainable.
Soft robotics
Robotic interaction
Research vision
“Mechanical intelligence can turn softness, structure, and material behavior into useful sensing, adaptation, and control.”
Research
Robotic interaction through materials, mechanisms, and control.
My research spans mechanical design, fabrication, sensing, electronics, modeling, and control, with a focus on embodied and mechanically intelligent robotic systems.
02
Soft fluidic control
Compact pneumatic circuits and scalable control architectures for multi-chamber and multifunctional soft robots.
- Fluidic DEMUX/MUX
- Soft pneumatic circuits
- Sequential control
03
Reconfigurable and variable-stiffness mechanisms
Origami-inspired transmissions, jamming structures, and adaptive mechanisms that transform shape and mechanical behavior.
- Multi-DoF mechanisms
- Variable stiffness
- Jamming media
04
Wearable sensing and haptic interfaces
Soft material sensors and bio-signal interfaces for robust intention recognition and intuitive human–robot interaction.
- sEMG sensing
- Bio-impedance
- Soft haptics
Selected publications
Recent work and foundational contributions.
2025
Review article · Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering
Using biopotential and bio-impedance for intuitive human–robot interaction
Kyungseo Park, Hwayeong Jeong (co-first author), Yoontae Jung, Ji-Hoon Suh, Minkyu Je, and Jung Kim
2025
Research article · Soft Matter · Back cover, issue 31
Comprehensive low-profile transmission design for multi-DoF feedback control
Hwayeong Jeong, Jung Kim, and Jamie Paik
2024
Research article · Science Advances
Skin-preparation-free, stretchable microneedle adhesive patches for highly reliable electrophysiological monitoring and exoskeleton robot control
Heesoo Kim, Juhyun Lee, Ung Heo, et al., Hwayeong Jeong, et al.
2023
Research article · IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
Ossicle reinforced porous structure for variable stiffness soft actuator inspired from echinoderms
Hwayeong Jeong and Jung Kim
2022
Research article · IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters · Best Paper Award
2.5D laser-cutting-based customized fabrication of long-term wearable textile sEMG sensor: From design to intention recognition
Hwayeong Jeong, Jirou Feng, and Jung Kim
Projects & grants
Current directions and independently led research.
Selected projects from my current and previous research, including externally funded and independently led work.
Scalable Surface Interaction Modalities
Independent project with responsibility for conception, execution, and management, focused on scalable surface-based robotic interaction.
Lead researcher
Embeddable hybrid fluidic DEMUX/MUX
A scalable architecture for addressing and controlling multi-chamber soft robotic systems with compact fluidic hardware.
Research and system development
Granular–elastomer hybrid jamming media
Variable-stiffness media designed for soft actuators that must retain complex shapes while remaining compliant when needed.
Mechanism, material, and control design
Complex sequential patterns and REACT
Surface interaction methods using viscous-flow control and actuated tremors to generate, transport, and reorient distributed elements.
Collaborative research
Experience & education
A research path across soft machines, sensing, and control.
Sep 2023—Present
Research
Postdoctoral Researcher
Reconfigurable Robotics Lab, EPFL · Lausanne, Switzerland · Prof. Jamie Paik
Mar 2019—Aug 2023
Education
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
KAIST · A soft high-radix fluidic demultiplexer for controlling multi-chamber soft robots · Prof. Jung Kim
Jul—Dec 2019
Research visit
Visiting Researcher
Reconfigurable Robotics Lab, EPFL · Lausanne, Switzerland · Prof. Jamie Paik
Mar 2017—Feb 2019
Education
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
KAIST · Echinoderm-inspired variable stiffness soft actuator with connected ossicle structure · GPA 3.98/4.3
Feb 2012—Feb 2017
Education
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
KAIST · Daejeon, Republic of Korea · Cum Laude
Teaching & invited talks
Translating research into education and exchange.
I teach project-based design, mentor student researchers, and present work on intelligent interaction between robots and the physical world.
Teaching at EPFL
Main instructor, 2023–2025
- Mechanical Product Design and Development
- Advanced Design for a Sustainable Future
- Project mentoring in mechanics, circuits, fabrication, programming, and presentation
Selected invited talks
Intelligent interaction between robots and nature
- POSTECH seminar, 2026
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 2025
- Pusan National University and KWSE Global Webinar
Recognition
Selected honors and awards.
Future Talent Award
Korean Federation of Women’s Science & Technology Associations
IEEE RA-L Best Paper Award
IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters
Best Paper Award
ICROS Daejeon–Chungcheong Branch & Korea Robotics Society
Best Poster Award
International Symposium on Precision Engineering and Sustainable Manufacturing
WISET–ICROS Young Researcher Prize
Women in Science, Engineering and Technology & ICROS
Patents
Selected protected technologies.
Echinoderm-inspired variable-stiffness soft actuator with connected ossicle structure
Signal processing method compensating for changes in sEMG electrode location
Fabric-based surface electromyography sensor and 2D laser-printing fabrication method
Contact
Let’s build the next generation of adaptive robots.
I welcome research collaborations, invited talks, student projects, and conversations around soft robotics, mechanical intelligence, and robotic interaction.
hwayeong.jeong@epfl.ch