Yun Seong Song

Dr. Yun Seong Song is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), directing the Physical Human-Robot Interaction Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2012), M.S. from Carnegie Mellon University (2006), and dual B.S. degrees from Seoul National University (2004). Prior to joining Missouri S&T, he conducted postdoctoral research at EPFL (2012-13) and served as a postdoc/lecturer at Georgia Tech (2014-16). Recognized for both research and teaching excellence, he has received the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and Faculty Teaching Award (2019).

His research focuses on the intersection of robotics and biomechanics, emphasizing physical human-robot interaction (pHRI), rehabilitation robotics, wearable devices, energy harvesting from human motion, and medical device design. Key projects include developing robots for overground interaction experiments and assistive technologies for mobility support. His lab explores human motor communication through stiffness modulation, haptic feedback systems, and energy-efficient human-assistance mechanisms.

Notable achievements include pioneering interactive stairs for energy-efficient mobility and a light-touch based virtual cane for walking assistance. His work integrates mechanical engineering, control systems, and biomedical applications to advance assistive technologies and human-robot collaboration.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, MIT (2012)
  • M.S. Mechanical Engineering, CMU (2006)
  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering & B.S.E. Computer Science, Seoul National University (2004)
• Awards:
  • NSF CAREER Award (2021)
  • Missouri S&T Faculty Teaching Award (2019)
• Lab Focus: Physical Human-Robot Interaction, Wearable Robotics, Biomechanical Energy Harvesting