Personal Basic Information

    Dr. Gaoyu Liu is currently an Associate Professor at the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Equipment, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University. Prof. Liu received his Ph.D. degree from Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2022, under the supervision of Prof. Wei-Hsin Liao, a renowned scholar in the field of smart materials and structures. Prior to that, he received his Master's degree from School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2018, under the supervision of Prof. Zhushi Rao, and his Bachelor's degree from School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University in 2014. Before joining Central South University, Prof. Liu continued his postdoctoral research as a Research Associate at Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, from 2022 to 2025. Prof. Liu's research focuses on the interdisciplinary field of smart materials and structures, advanced sensors and actuators, and robotic perception and actuation technologies, aiming to promote the application of these technologies in areas meeting national strategic needs such as rehabilitation medicine, high-end equipment, and human-computer interaction.

Previous Research Focus and Academic Contributions

    Prof. Liu's past research revolved around the core concept of "integrated actuation-sensing-power supply”, systematically exploring the design and application of various smart materials (such as magnetorheological materials, magnetoelectric materials, piezoelectric materials, and triboelectric materials) in new principle devices and structures. His contributions are mainly reflected in the following four complementary directions:

    1. Structural Innovation of Smart Materials in Actuation and Damping Devices: Addressing the challenge of performance optimization for magnetorheological dampers, Prof. Liu conducted a series of pioneering structural design studies. He proposed a multi-groove piston microstructure, effectively increasing the effective area of magnetorheological fluid. Furthermore, he was the first to introduce parametric curves (Bezier curve, B-spline curve) optimization methods into the overall morphological design of the magnetorheological damper piston, achieving a paradigm shift from "size optimization" to "shape optimization”, significantly improving key performance characteristics such as field dependent damping force and dynamic range. This series of works provides a new methodology for the design of high-performance smart dampers.

    2. Smart Materials and Structures for Vibration Control and Energy Harvesting: In vibration control, Prof. Liu developed a frequency-tunable semi-active dynamic vibration absorber based on magnetorheological elastomers, achieving effective suppression of broadband vibrations. In vibration energy harvesting, as a key collaborator, he participated in the development of a universally applicable "nonlinear force customization device”. This platform provides a powerful tool for designing various nonlinear dynamic systems (such as multi-stable piezoelectric energy harvesters, vibration absorption and isolation structures, etc.), and the related results have received widespread attention in the academic community.

    3. Display Technology for Robotic Tactile Interaction: Addressing the need for realistic force feedback in surgical robots, Prof. Liu developed a tactile display device based on magnetorheological fluid, capable of simulating the mechanical properties of biological tissues. By integrating the nonlinear force customization device with a multimodal tactile interface, he constructed a high-precision tactile display system capable of presenting nonlinear mechanical feedback, enhancing the realism of human-computer interaction.

    4. Self-Powered Flexible Tactile Sensing Technology and Sensors: In the field of sensing, Prof. Liu focused on investigating self-powered tactile sensors based on magnetoelectric and triboelectric effects. Prof. Liu has developed flexible sensors for material recognition, omnidirectional three-dimensional force sensing, and human motion monitoring through material composites and structural design. He innovatively introduced shape optimization concepts into sensor design, improving sensing performance and integration, and advancing the development of passive flexible sensing technology.

    The above-mentioned research has resulted in 23 SCI journal papers, including 10 as the first author in authoritative journals such as Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, IEEE Sensors Journal, Smart Materials and Structures, and Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, all of which are JCR Q1, with over 1000 citations and a single paper receiving over 240 citations by others. Prof. Liu also holds multiple Chinese and US invention patents. He has received IEEE-ROBIO T.J. TARN Best Paper Award in Robotics, silver medal at the Geneva International Invention Exhibition, and recognition as a trusted reviewer from the Institute of Physics (IOP).

Current Research Plan and Focus

    Relying on the high-quality platform of the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Equipment, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, and the National Key Laboratory of Precision Manufacturing for Extreme Service Performance, Prof. Liu's research group will focus on the core objective of "Research on Smart Materials and Structures for the Integration of "Actuation-Sensing-Power Supply" in Robots”, with a current focus on the following two directions:

    1. Smart Actuation and Sensing Integration: This direction aims to overcome the bottlenecks of traditional robotic actuation systems, such as large size, high rigidity, and lack of sensing. At the macroscopic level, research will explore the integration of human motion energy harvesting, adaptive tactile sensing, and smart actuation technology to construct novel robotic hand exoskeleton systems. At the microscopic level, it will delve into the design, optimization, and control of high-performance smart actuation components with integrated self-sensing functions (such as small-sized magnetorheological dampers), providing underlying support for achieving compact, efficient, and smart robotic actuations.

    2. Adaptive Tactile Sensing: This direction aims to address the challenge of existing tactile sensors having static and fixed functions, making them difficult to adapt to multi-tasking requirements. This research will explore a new paradigm of software-defined tactile perception. By integrating parametric shape optimization theory and reconfigurable readout head array technology, it will develop a novel magnetoelectric tactile sensor capable of dynamically adjusting its sensing characteristics according to task requirements. This will enhance the robot's perceptual adaptability and interactive intelligence in complex, unstructured environments.

Research Group and Recruitment Information

    Prof. Gaoyu Liu's research group is currently in a phase of rapid development and construction, possessing excellent research conditions, a vibrant academic atmosphere, and ample research funding. The group maintains close academic cooperation and exchange with relevant teams at renowned universities both domestically and internationally, including The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, and Hefei University of Technology, etc.

    We sincerely welcome and have high expectations for the following students: Those with a solid background in mechanical engineering, automation, materials science, mechanics, or related fields; a strong interest and curiosity in interdisciplinary research such as smart materials and structures, actuators, sensors, and advanced actuation technologies; strong mathematical and physical foundations, hands-on skills, programming abilities, and English literature reading and writing skills; a proactive and responsible attitude in learning and research, and excellent teamwork and communication skills.

    By joining our research group, you will have the following opportunities:

    1. Participate in cutting-edge basic research and key technology breakthroughs addressing major national needs.

    2. Receive comprehensive and systematic research training, covering the entire process from smart material property analysis, innovative device/structure design, multiphysics modeling and simulation, to system integration and experimental verification.

    3. Develop the ability to solve complex engineering science problems in challenging projects.

    4. Gain opportunities to exchange and collaborate with top research teams both domestically and internationally, broadening your academic horizons.

    We believe this will be an excellent platform for you to launch your research career, pursue your academic ideals, and realize your self-worth. We welcome young scholars interested in in-depth exploration in the fields of smart materials and structures and advanced electromechanical systems to contact us for inquiries and applications.

  Contact: gaoyuliu@csu.edu.cn

Personal Scholar Profiles of Prof. Gaoyu Liu

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3uWRZIIAAAAJ

ResearchGate

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gaoyu-Liu

Web of Science ResearcherID: Z-1836-2019

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/Z-1836-2019

Scopus Author ID: 57194614223

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57194614223

ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5136-0733

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5136-0733