Shaohui Foong

Shaohui Foong is an Associate Professor in the Engineering Product Development (EPD) pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering (2011). His research focuses on innovative robotics and UAV systems, medical technology, and design-centric pedagogy. Core projects include magnetic localization for medical devices, nature-inspired aerial robotics (e.g., THOR hybrid UAV), and competitive engineering design activities like Designettes.

Research interests span biomimetic flight systems, autonomous navigation, and interdisciplinary educational frameworks. Notable innovations include the Transformable HOvering Rotorcraft (THOR), which merges fixed-wing and rotor-wing capabilities, and magnetic localization for nasogastric tube tracking. His work emphasizes practical applications in healthcare, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.

Teaching emphasizes ethical engineering practice and hands-on design. He actively mentors students across PhD, master’s, and undergraduate levels, offering research opportunities in robotics, control systems, and medical technology. Collaborative projects with industry and academic partners are encouraged, with a focus on sustainability and technological innovation.

Current research trends reflect a blend of bio-inspired design, advanced control algorithms, and cross-disciplinary problem-solving. Recent publications highlight advancements in monocopter dynamics, hybrid UAV architectures, and sensor integration for medical and industrial applications.