Song Young-min

Professor Song Young-min is joining the Department of Electrical Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) as a Professor, with his appointment beginning July 1, 2025. His research focuses on developing innovative bio-inspired optical systems for robotics, with particular expertise in biomimetic cameras and neuromorphic vision systems.

Professor Song's research interests span flexible optoelectronic devices and nanophotonics, with specific applications in biomimetic cameras for intelligent robots, optoneuromorphic devices and systems, nanophotonics-based reflective displays, and infrared-controlled radiative cooling devices. His work bridges electrical engineering, materials science, and biological inspiration to create energy-efficient vision systems that reduce computational demands.

His recent publications demonstrate significant advancements in bio-inspired vision technology, particularly in feline-inspired vertical pupil systems that improve object tracking stability and cuttlefish-inspired W-shaped pupil designs for uneven lighting conditions. These innovations show how hardware improvements can substantially reduce energy consumption in robotic vision systems.

Professor Song has established significant research collaborations with institutions including MIT (working with Frédo Durand on the Artificial Compound Eyes with Artificial Intelligence project), EPFL, and Northwestern University. His work has been published in high-impact journals including Nature, Science Robotics, and Science Advances.

His laboratory focuses on developing next-generation vision systems that integrate biological inspiration with cutting-edge optical engineering, with applications ranging from surveillance robots to autonomous vehicles. Current projects include improving wide-angle imaging capabilities and developing more efficient optic flow processing systems for drone navigation.