Zheng Chen

Dr. Zheng Chen is the Bill D. Cook Associate Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Houston, affiliated with the Cullen College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Michigan State University (2009) and postdoctoral training from the University of Virginia (2009-2012). His research focuses on bio-inspired robotics, electroactive polymers, and energy systems, with notable projects including NASA-funded inflatable space systems (IDEAS2 Center) and robotic inspection systems for offshore oil infrastructure. He has secured over $6 million in funding as PI or Co-PI, including an NSF CAREER Award (2017) and a 2023 teaching excellence award. His lab, Bio-inspired Robotics and Controls, develops advanced actuators for prosthetics, underwater vehicles, and harsh environment applications. Key contributions include robotic fish for CO2 leak detection, dielectric elastomer-based actuators, and buoyancy control systems using reversible fuel cells. He advises multiple graduate students and teaches courses on dynamics, control theory, and robotics.

Education

• Postdoc, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia (2009-2012)
• PhD, Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University (2009)
• M.E., Control Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University (2002)
• B.E., Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang University (1999)

Research Highlights

Dr. Chen's work bridges smart materials and robotics, emphasizing soft actuators for biomedical applications and underwater systems. Recent innovations include:

• Dielectric elastomer-based prosthetic fingers and orthotic devices
• Bio-inspired robotic fish for environmental monitoring and pipeline inspection
• Hybrid buoyancy control using reversible PEM fuel cells
• Autonomous subsea robotics for hazardous environments

Grants & Collaborations

Major projects include:

• $4.9M NASA IDEAS2 Center (Co-PI, 2024-2029)
• $960K BSEE-funded robotic pipeline inspection (PI, 2023-2026)
• $500K NSF CAREER Award for prosthetic actuators (2017-2022)

Labs & Teams

Director of the Bio-inspired Robotics and Controls Lab, collaborating with industry partners like Baker Hughes and academic teams on NSF/AFRL projects. Active in IEEE, ASME, and conference organizing roles (e.g., ACC, ICRA).