Name (English):Gaoyu Liu
School/Department:School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Education Level:With Certificate of Graduation for Doctorate Study
Business Address:Room C206b, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xiaoxiang Campus, Central South University
Degree:Doctoral degree
Academic Titles:Associate Professor, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Equipment
Alma Mater:The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Teacher College:School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Discipline: Mechanical Engineering
Admission Discipline: Mechanical Engineering
Personal Profile
Teacher homepagePersonal 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: My given name + My surname (No middle symbol and space)@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
Patents
• United States Patents
[02] W.-H. Liao, F. Gao, G.-Y. Liu, B. L.-H. Chung, and H. H.-T. Chan, Human joint energy harvesting apparatus and wearable electronic device comprising the same, United States Patent US11508900B2, 2022.
[01] W.-H. Liao, F. Gao, and G.-Y. Liu, Method for recognizing a motion pattern of a limb, United States Patent Application US20210401324A1, 2021.
• China Patents
[03] W.-H. Liao, F. Gao, G.-Y. Liu, B. L.-H. Chung, and H. H.-T. Chan, Human joint energy harvesting apparatus and wearable electronic device comprising the same, China Patent CN112847299B, 2022.
[02] W.-H. Liao, F. Gao, and G.-Y. Liu, Method for recognizing a motion pattern of a limb, China Patent Application CN113850104A, 2021.
[01] Z. Rao, N. Ta, G. Liu, and K. Lu, A kind of thrust bearing base dynamic vibration absorber based on magnetorheological elastomer and its using method, China Patent CN107191529B, 2017.
Conference Presentations
[06] G. Liu, W.-H. Liao. “Research on Performance Enhancement of Magnetorheological Dampers with Multi-groove Piston Structure (Invited Talk)”, Qinhuangdao Academic Forum on Electromagnetic Rheology, Qinhuangdao, China, 2026.
[05] C. Zhou, H. Liao, H. H.-T. Chan, G. Liu, and W.-H. Liao, "Fuzzy Neural Network-Based Admittance Control for Robot Under Unknown Environments," in IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO), Chengdu, China, 2025, pp. 1858-1863.
[04] H. Liao, H. H.-T. Chan, C. Zhou, G. Liu, X. Zhao, and W.-H. Liao, "Biomechanics and Design of a Flexible Back-Support Exoskeleton for Versatile Lifting Task Assistance," in IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO), Bangkok, Thailand, 2024, pp. 887-892.
[03] F. Gao, G. Liu, F. Liang, and W.-H. Liao, "IMU-based locomotion mode identification for ankle-foot prostheses," in Proceedings of the SPIE Conference on Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems, California, United States, 2023, Vol. 12486, pp. 30-38.
[02] G. Liu, F. Gao, and W.-H. Liao, “Magnetorheological damper with micro-grooves: design and experiment,” in Proceedings of the ASME 2020 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, Virtual, Online, 2020, Art. no. V001T04A020.
[01] G. Liu, K. Lu, N. Ta, X. Gong, and Z. Rao, “Study on semi-active dynamic vibration absorber of ship propulsion shafting based on magnetorheological elastomer,” in The Sixteenth National Symposium on Modal Analysis and Testing, Tianjin, China, 2016, pp. 1-11.
Research Projects
• Major participant (before joining Central South University)
[05] MRP/030/21, "Embedded Generators for Self-Powered Smart Watches and Wristbands," Midstream Research Programme for Universities, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong, June 2022-March 2025.
[04] SGDX20220530111005036, "Gait Planning and Motion Control of Stroke Patients with Assistance of Lower Limb Exoskeleton," Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Science and Technology Program, Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Guangdong, May 2023-October 2025.
[03] MHP/043/20, "Wearable Health Monitoring and Dynamic Gait Analysis of Neurodegenerative Parkinson’s Disease," Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong, February 2022-November 2024.
[02] 14210019, "Intelligent System and Control of Wearable Exoskeleton for Motion Assistance," General Research Fund, Research Grants Council, Hong Kong, January 2020-January 2023.
[01] ITS/367/18, "Self-powered Smart Prosthetic Knee," Innovation and Technology Support Programme, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong, August 2019-July 2021.
Journal Publications
[23] G. Liu, H. Liao, C. Zhou, J. Cao, and W.-H. Liao, “A Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybrid Tactile Sensor for Force Measurement and Human Motion Monitoring,” IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 7215-7226, 2025.
[22] G. Liu, H. Liao, C. Zhou, J. Cao, and W.-H. Liao, “A self-powered magnetoelectric 3D tactile sensor with adjustable sensitivity for robot arms,” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 374, Art. no. 115455, 2024.
[21] H. Liao, H. H.-T. Chan, G. Liu, X. Zhao, F. Gao, M. Tomizuka, and W.-H. Liao, "Design, Control and Validation of a Novel Cable-Driven Series Elastic Actuation System for a Flexible and Portable Back-Support Exoskeleton," IEEE Transactions on Robotics, vol. 40, pp. 2769-2790, 2024.
[20] G. Liu, H. Liao, X. Zhao, W.-H. Liao, and J. Cao, “Haptic device and interface to reproduce force and tactile feedback of biological tissues,” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 366, Art. no. 115022, 2024.
[19] G. Liu, H. Liao, X. Zhao, J. Cao, and W.-H. Liao, “A self-powered magnetoelectric tactile sensor for material recognition,” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 366, Art. no. 114942, 2024.
[18] G. Liu, H. Liao, X. Zhao, J. Cao, and W.-H. Liao, “Simulating mechanical properties of human tissues or organs based on magnetorheological fluid for tactile display,” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 32, no. 5, Art. no. 055007, 2023.
[17] H. Liao, H. H.-T. Chan, F. Gao, X. Zhao, G. Liu, and W.-H. Liao, "Proxy-based torque control of motor-driven exoskeletons for safe and compliant human-exoskeleton interaction," Mechatronics, vol. 88, Art. no. 109279, 2022.
[16] G. Liu, F. Gao, and W.-H. Liao, “Design and optimization of a magnetorheological damper based on B-spline curves,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 178, Art. no. 109279, 2022.
[15] G. Liu, F. Gao, D. Wang, and W.-H. Liao, “Medical applications of magnetorheological fluid: a systematic review,” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 31, no. 4, Art. no. 043002, 2022.
[14] G. Liu, F. Gao, and W.-H. Liao, “Shape optimization of magnetorheological damper piston based on parametric curve for damping force augmentation,” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 31, no. 1, Art. no. 015027, 2022.
[13] D. Zou, G. Liu, Z. Rao, J. Cao, and W.-H. Liao, “Design of a high-performance piecewise bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester,” Energy, vol. 241, Art. no. 122514, 2022.
[12] F. Gao, G. Liu, X. Wu, and W.-H. Liao, “Optimization algorithm-based approach for modeling large deflection of cantilever beam subject to tip load,” Mechanism and Machine Theory, vol. 167, Art. no. 104522, 2022.
[11] D. Zou, G. Liu, Z. Rao, T. Tan, W. Zhang, and W.-H. Liao, “Design of a multi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester with programmable equilibrium point configurations,” Applied Energy, vol. 302, Art. no. 117585, 2021.
[10] F. Gao, G. Liu, X. Fu, L. Li, and W.-H. Liao, “Lightweight Piezoelectric Bending Beam-based Energy Harvester for Capturing Energy from Human Knee Motion,” IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 1256-1266, 2022.
[09] D. Zou, G. Liu, Z. Rao, Y. Zi, and W.-H. Liao, “Design of a broadband piezoelectric energy harvester with piecewise nonlinearity,” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 30, no. 8, Art. no. 085040, 2021.
[08] G. Liu, F. Gao, and W.-H. Liao, “Magnetorheological damper with multi-grooves on piston for damping force enhancement,” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 30, no. 2, Art. no. 025007, 2021.
[07] D. Zou, G. Liu, Z. Rao, T. Tan, W. Zhang, and W.-H. Liao, “Design of vibration energy harvesters with customized nonlinear forces,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 153, Art. no. 107526, 2021.
[06] D. Zou, G. Liu, Z. Rao, T. Tan, W. Zhang, and W.-H. Liao, “A device capable of customizing nonlinear forces for vibration energy harvesting, vibration isolation, and nonlinear energy sink,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 147, Art. no. 107101, 2021. (ESI Highly-Cited Paper)
[05] F. Gao, G. Liu, F. Liang, and W.-H. Liao, “IMU-Based locomotion mode identification for transtibial prostheses, orthoses, and exoskeletons,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 1334-1343, 2020.
[04] D. Zou, J. Zhang, G. Liu, N. Ta, and Z. Rao, “Study on characteristics of propeller exciting force induced by axial vibration of propulsion shafting: Theoretical analysis,” Ocean Engineering, vol. 202, Art. no. 106942, 2020.
[03] D. Zou, H. Zhao, G. Liu, N. Ta, and Z. Rao, “Application of augmented Kalman filter to identify unbalance load of rotor-bearing system: Theory and experiment,” Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 463, Art. no. 114972, 2019.
[02] F. Gao, G. Liu, B. L.-H. Chung, H. H.-T. Chan, and W.-H. Liao, “Macro fiber composite-based energy harvester for human knee,” Applied Physics Letters, vol. 115, no. 3, Art. no. 033901, 2019.
[01] G. Liu, K. Lu, D. Zou, Z. Xie, Z. Rao, and T. Na, “Development of a semi-active dynamic vibration absorber for longitudinal vibration of propulsion shaft system based on magnetorheological elastomer,” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 26, no. 7, Art. no. 075009, 2017.
Research Interests
• Smart materials and structures
(1) Magnetorheological materials
(2) Magnetoelectric materials
(3) Triboelectric materials
(4) Liquid metals
(5) Origami structures
• Sensors and actuators
(1) Self-powered sensors and tactile display
(2) Damping and energy absorption devices
(3) Smart actuators
• Vibration and dynamics
(1) Vibration control
(2) Vibration energy harvesting
Teaching
• Before joining Central South University
MAEG2030: Thermodynamics 2020-2021 Term 2
Teaching assistant (Lecture and experiment tutoring) The Chinese University of Hong Kong
ENGG2720B: Complex Variables for Engineers 2020-2021 Term 1
Teaching assistant (Lecture tutoring) The Chinese University of Hong Kong
ENGG2430C: Probability and Statistics for Engineers 2019-2020 Term 2
Teaching assistant (Lecture tutoring) The Chinese University of Hong Kong
MAEG3010: Mechanics of Materials 2019-2020 Term 1
Teaching assistant (Lecture and experiment tutoring) The Chinese University of Hong Kong
ENGG2430C: Probability and Statistics for Engineers 2018-2019 Term 2
Teaching assistant (Lecture tutoring) The Chinese University of Hong Kong
ENGG2420E: Complex Analysis and Differential Equations for Engineers 2018-2019 Term 1
Teaching assistant (Lecture tutoring) The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Professional Services
• Academic Society
Member of American Society of Mechanical Engineerers (ASME Member)
Member of Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (CSTAM Member)
• Journal Reviewer
Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing
IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
Structural Health Monitoring
Smart Materials and Structures
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures
Mechatronics
IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Measurement Science and Technology
Measurement
Honors and Awards
• 2025: Institute of Physics (IOP) Trusted Reviewer
• 2024: IEEE-ROBIO T.J. TARN Best Paper Award in Robotics: "Biomechanics and Design of a Flexible Back-Support Exoskeleton for Versatile Lifting Task Assistance"
• 2021: Silver Medal of International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva: "Harvesting energy from walking human body"
• 2018-2022: Postgraduate Studentship of The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• 2018: Outstanding Graduate of Shanghai
• 2017: National Scholarship for master students from Ministry of Education of People’s Republic of China
• 2016: LiuGong Outstanding Scholarship of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• 2015: LiuGong Guangxi New Talent Scholarship of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• 2012: The third prize of mathematical modeling of Xi’an Jiao Tong University
• 2011: Siyuan Scholarship of Xi’an Jiao Tong University
Educational Experience
Teacher homepage1
2018.6 - 2022.7The Chinese University of Hong Kong 一 Mechanical and Automation Engineering 一 Postgraduate (Doctoral) 一 Doctor of Philosophy
2
2015.9 - 2018.3Shanghai Jiao Tong University 一 Mechanical Engineering 一 Postgraduate (Master's Degree) 一 Master of Engineering
3
2010.9 - 2014.7Xi'an Jiao Tong University 一 Mechanical Engineering and Automation 一 Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree) 一 Bachelor of Engineering
Education and Teaching
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