Minglu Zhu Associate professor

January 2018 - January 2022: Ph.D., Electronic and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore

Supervisor: Chengkuo Lee

August 2010 - May 2014: B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (USA)

September 2006 - May 2010: B.S., Business Administration, National University of Bangladesh (Bangladesh)

My research covers wearable triboelectric nanogenerators, piezoelectric nanogenerators, wearable multifunctional self‑powered sensors for human–machine interaction and artificial intelligence, wearable multimodal tactile feedback and sensing systems, as well as the integration and demonstration of corresponding programs and systems, covering a broad range of wearable platforms from flexible fabrics and elastomers to exoskeletons. Published multiple papers as first author in journals including Nature Communications, Science Advances, ACS Nano, Advanced Energy Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, Applied Physics Review, and Nano Today, and over 30 papers as co‑author in journals with impact factors above 10, in addition to more than 10 conference papers. My Google Scholar citations exceed 7,000, with an h‑index of 26. Filed 5 international patent applications (2 granted) and 33 Chinese patent applications. During doctoral studies, I participated in the Graduate Research Innovation Incubation Program at the National University of Singapore and co‑founded a start‑up company, “SenseMor”, based on multifunctional triboelectric sensor technology, securing seed funding. I have been selected for Soochow University’s “Excellent Young Scholar” Programme and the Jiangsu Province “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Doctoral Talent Programme, received the 2021 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self‑Financed Students Abroad, and was named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists for 2024 by Stanford University and Elsevier. I currently lead one project funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth Science Foundation) and one project funded by the Jiangsu Provincial Youth Foundation.

1. Research on Flexible Tactile Sensing and Feedback Fusion Devices

In response to the absence of tactile information inherent in conventional visual and auditory feedback modalities within human–machine interaction, existing haptic devices suffer from drawbacks such as system complexity and poor spatiotemporal and frequency‑domain consistency between sensing and feedback signals. To address these challenges, we innovatively propose to explore the electro‑mechanical‑thermal multi‑attributes of materials and to analyse the commonality between perceptual and actuation structures. By adopting a pixel‑level integrated design of tactile sensing units and feedback units, we aim to realise multimodal flexible tactile sensing and feedback fusion devices. The significance of this research lies in mitigating information loss and spatial mismatch during the transmission and reconstruction of tactile information in current interactive systems, thereby enhancing interaction efficiency and reducing risks in teleoperation.

2. Research on Multi‑Dimensional Sensor Devices

In the field of human–machine interaction and motion perception, we innovatively propose a fusion analysis approach for sensory information that employs simplified sensing mechanisms and structural designs, enabling the measurement of multi‑information and even cross‑modal signals. The primary significance of this study is to achieve relational mapping and decoupling of different signals, thereby extracting diverse environmental information while reducing system complexity and reliability degradation caused by an excessive number of sensing elements in wearable systems.

3. Research on Energy Harvesting and Self‑Powered Sensing

This research focuses on wearable and portable energy harvesting based on triboelectric and piezoelectric units, as well as self‑powered sensor devices. The key innovation and research significance lie in utilising the aforementioned energy harvesting mechanisms to scavenge ambient mechanical energy, thereby extending the operational duration of wireless sensor nodes.

1.National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Science Fund Project (Principal Investigator/Ongoing)

2.Jiangsu Provincial Youth Fund Project (Principal Investigator/Ongoing)

1.  M. Zhu, H. Ling, R. Wang, Z. Du, Q. Sun, K. Chen, K. Chen, L. Sun, C. Fan, C. Lee, X. Li, T. Chen, Soft tactile chip with in-situ sensing for haptic rendering and reverse feedback enhanced gross to fine teleoperation. Nat. Commun., (2026).

2.  Y. Li, S. Zhang, X. Li, C. Lee, M. Zhu, T. Chen, Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Enabled Flexible e-Skin for Cross-Media Proximity Sensing and Material Identification. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, (2026).

3.  Z. Wu, X. Li, Q. Sun, M. Zhu, T. Chen, L. Sun, Integrated geometric modeling, meshing behavior analysis, and experimental prototype validation of arc-cycloid external gear pairs. Mech. Mach. Theory219, 106323 (2026).

4.  S. Lin, C. Sun, Y. Huang, B. Cheng, H. Luo, M. Zhu, T. Chen, F. Wang, L. Sun, Machine Learning‐Assisted Intelligent Gesture Recognition and VR Space Communication Smart‐Glove System Using Strain Sensors. Adv. Mater. Technol., e01844 (2025).

5.  M. Zhu, S. He, T. Chen, C. Lee, Wearable Intelligent Human–Machine Interfaces Ready for Sustainable Edge Computing Systems. AI Sensors1, 9 (2025).

6.  Y. Zhao, J. Yang, Z. Du, M. Liu, X. Li, M. Zhu, T. Chen, Fully screen printed tailorable triboelectric sensing and thermal feedback tapes for exoskeleton based immersive robotic and virtual teleoperation. Nano Energy142, 111255 (2025).

7.  M. Liu, Z. Dai, Y. Zhao, H. Ling, L. Sun, C. Lee, M. Zhu, T. Chen, Tactile Sensing and Rendering Patch with Dynamic and Static Sensing and Haptic Feedback for Immersive Communication. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces16, 53207–53219 (2024).

8.  R. Wang, L. Jiang, J. Li, Z. Dai, M. Liu, P. Lv, X. Li, M. Zhu, Tactile and kinesthetic communication glove with fusion of triboelectric sensing and pneumatic actuation. Nano Energy131, 110273 (2024).

9.  P. Fang, M. Zhu, Z. Zeng, W. Lu, F. Wang, L. Zhang, T. Chen, L. Sun, A Multi‐Module Sensing and Bi‐Directional HMI Integrating Interaction, Recognition, and Feedback for Intelligent Robots. Adv. Funct. Mater.34, 1–15 (2024).

10.  T. Chen, Z. Dai, M. Liu, Y. Zhao, H. Ling, L. Sun, H. He, C. Lee, M. Zhu, 3D Multimodal Sensing and Feedback Finger Case for Immersive Dual‐Way Interaction. Adv. Mater. Technol.9, 1–12 (2024).

11.  W. Lu, P. Fang, M. Zhu, Y. Zhu, X. Fan, T. Zhu, X. Zhou, F. Wang, T. Chen, L. Sun, Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Gesture‐Language‐Recognition Feedback System Using Strain‐Sensor‐Arrays‐Based Smart Glove. Adv. Intell. Syst.5 (2023).

12.  M. Huang, M. Zhu, X. Feng, Z. Zhang, T. Tang, X. Guo, T. Chen, H. Liu, L. Sun, C. Lee, Intelligent Cubic-Designed Piezoelectric Node (iCUPE) with Simultaneous Sensing and Energy Harvesting Ability toward Self-Sustained Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT). ACS Nano17, 6435–6451 (2023).

13.  Y. Yang, X. Guo, M. Zhu, Z. Sun, Z. Zhang, T. He, C. Lee, Triboelectric Nanogenerator Enabled Wearable Sensors and Electronics for Sustainable Internet of Things Integrated Green Earth. Adv. Energy Mater.13, 2203040 (2023).

14.  H. Sun, Z. Li, Y. Wu, X. Fan, M. Zhu, T. Chen, L. Sun, Analysis of Sequential Micromixing Driven by Sinusoidally Shaped Induced-Charge Electroosmotic Flow. Micromachines13, 1985 (2022).

15.  M. Zhu, Z. Sun, C. Lee, Soft Modular Glove with Multimodal Sensing and Augmented Haptic Feedback Enabled by Materials’ Multifunctionalities. ACS Nano16, 14097–14110 (2022).

16.  Z. Sun, M. Zhu, X. Shan, C. Lee, Augmented tactile-perception and haptic-feedback rings as human-machine interfaces aiming for immersive interactions. Nat. Commun.13, 5224 (2022).

17.  Z. Bai, T. He, Z. Zhang, Y. Xu, Z. Zhang, Q. Shi, Y. Yang, B. Zhou, M. Zhu, J. Guo, C. Lee, Constructing highly tribopositive elastic yarn through interfacial design and assembly for efficient energy harvesting and human-interactive sensing. Nano Energy94, 106956 (2022).

18.  T. Ding, X. Hou, M. Zhu, J. Zhou, Y. Liu, Z. Na, G. Gao, T. Zhang, D. S. Tan, Y. Wang, T. Chen, H. Yue, C. Lee, A flexible self-perceiving/repairing parachute (FSPRP) system adapted to the Martian dust storm environment. Nano Energy99, 107358 (2022).

19.  X. Hou, M. Zhu, L. Sun, T. Ding, Z. Huang, Y. Shi, Y. Su, L. Li, T. Chen, C. Lee, Scalable self-attaching/assembling robotic cluster (S2A2RC) system enabled by triboelectric sensors for in-orbit spacecraft application. Nano Energy93, 106894 (2022).

20.  Q. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Q. Liang, Q. Shi, M. Zhu, C. Lee, All in One, Self‐Powered Bionic Artificial Nerve Based on a Triboelectric Nanogenerator. Adv. Sci.8, 2004727 (2021).

21.  Z. Sun, M. Zhu, Z. Zhang, Z. Chen, Q. Shi, X. Shan, R. C. H. Yeow, C. Lee, Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) Enabled Virtual Shop Applications Using Self‐Powered Sensor Enhanced Soft Robotic Manipulator. Adv. Sci.8, 2100230 (2021).

22.  M. Zhu, Z. Sun, T. Chen, C. Lee, Low cost exoskeleton manipulator using bidirectional triboelectric sensors enhanced multiple degree of freedom sensory system. Nat. Commun.12, 2692 (2021).

23.  M. Zhu, Z. Yi, B. Yang, C. Lee, Making use of nanoenergy from human – Nanogenerator and self-powered sensor enabled sustainable wireless IoT sensory systems. Nano Today36, 101016 (2021).

24.  J. Zhu, M. Zhu, Q. Shi, F. Wen, L. Liu, B. Dong, A. Haroun, Y. Yang, P. Vachon, X. Guo, T. He, C. Lee, Progress in TENG technology—A journey from energy harvesting to nanoenergy and nanosystem. EcoMat2, 1–45 (2020).

25.  Z. Zhang, T. He, M. Zhu, Z. Sun, Q. Shi, J. Zhu, B. Dong, M. R. Yuce, C. Lee, Deep learning-enabled triboelectric smart socks for IoT-based gait analysis and VR applications. npj Flex. Electron.4, 29 (2020).

26.  T. Jin, Z. Sun, L. Li, Q. Zhang, M. Zhu, Z. Zhang, G. Yuan, T. Chen, Y. Tian, X. Hou, C. Lee, Triboelectric nanogenerator sensors for soft robotics aiming at digital twin applications. Nat. Commun.11, 5381 (2020).

27.  M. Zhu, T. He, C. Lee, Technologies toward next generation human machine interfaces: From machine learning enhanced tactile sensing to neuromorphic sensory systems. Appl. Phys. Rev.7, 031305 (2020).

28.  F. Wen, Z. Sun, T. He, Q. Shi, M. Zhu, Z. Zhang, L. Li, T. Zhang, C. Lee, Machine Learning Glove Using Self‐Powered Conductive Superhydrophobic Triboelectric Textile for Gesture Recognition in VR/AR Applications. Adv. Sci.7, 2000261 (2020).

29.  M. Zhu, Z. Sun, Z. Zhang, Q. Shi, T. He, H. Liu, T. Chen, C. Lee, Haptic-feedback smart glove as a creative human-machine interface (HMI) for virtual/augmented reality applications. Sci. Adv.6, eaaz8693 (2020).

30.  F. Wen, H. Wang, T. He, Q. Shi, Z. Sun, M. Zhu, Z. Zhang, Z. Cao, Y. Dai, T. Zhang, C. Lee, Battery-free short-range self-powered wireless sensor network (SS-WSN) using TENG based direct sensory transmission (TDST) mechanism. Nano Energy67, 104266 (2020).

31.  H. Liu, W. Dong, Y. Li, F. Li, J. Geng, M. Zhu, T. Chen, H. Zhang, L. Sun, C. Lee, An epidermal sEMG tattoo-like patch as a new human – machine interface for patients with loss of voice. Microsystems Nanoeng., 1–13 (2020).

32.  T. Chen, Q. Shi, M. Zhu, T. He, Z. Yang, H. Liu, L. Sun, L. Yang, C. Lee, Intuitive-augmented human-machine multidimensional nano-manipulation terminal using triboelectric stretchable strip sensors based on minimalist design. Nano Energy60, 440–448 (2019).

33.  T. He, Z. Sun, Q. Shi, M. Zhu, D. V. Anaya, M. Xu, T. Chen, M. R. Yuce, A. V.-Y. Thean, C. Lee, Self-powered glove-based intuitive interface for diversified control applications in real/cyber space. Nano Energy58, 641–651 (2019).

34.  C. Sun, Q. Shi, D. Hasan, M. S. Yazici, M. Zhu, Y. Ma, B. Dong, Y. Liu, C. Lee, Self-powered multifunctional monitoring system using hybrid integrated triboelectric nanogenerators and piezoelectric microsensors. Nano Energy58, 612–623 (2019).

35.  Q. Shi, C. Qiu, T. He, F. Wu, M. Zhu, J. A. Dziuban, R. Walczak, M. R. Yuce, C. Lee, Triboelectric single-electrode-output control interface using patterned grid electrode. Nano Energy60, 545–556 (2019).

36.  M. Zhu, Q. Shi, T. He, Z. Yi, Y. Ma, B. Yang, T. Chen, C. Lee, Self-Powered and Self-Functional Cotton Sock Using Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Hybrid Mechanism for Healthcare and Sports Monitoring. ACS Nano13, acsnano.8b08329 (2019).

37.  T. Chen, Q. Shi, M. Zhu, T. He, L. Sun, L. Yang, C. Lee, Triboelectric Self-Powered Wearable Flexible Patch as 3D Motion Control Interface for Robotic Manipulator. ACS Nano12, 11561–11571 (2018).