In today’s interview, we feature Wen Fan, a PhD student at I-X and the Department of Bioengineering. Wen works on the Tactile Robotics in the Multi-Scale Embodied Intelligence Lab (MSEI) led by Dr Dandan Zhang. Before joining Imperial, he completed a master’s degree in advanced control at Manchester and then joined the tactile robotics group in Bristol Robotics Lab for two years working in the research area of Vision-based Tactile Sensor. His work focuses on novel tactile sensor design through advanced manufacturing technology and explores the multi-modality tactile sensing in the robotic system. 

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AI #1: Application & Innovation

Could you tell us a bit about your PhD project and its practical applications?  

My PhD project focuses on Vision-Based Tactile Sensors (VBTS) for robotic tactile sensing. As embodied AI continues to advance, enabling robots to understand physical interactions with their environment has become increasingly urgent. Tactile sensing equips robots with the ability to capture rich contact information, including surface geometry, dynamic forces, and object properties. Compared to other tactile sensors, VBTS stands out due to its high spatial resolution and cost-effective hardware, enabling superior fine-texture sensing and adaptability across multiple robotic systems. For instance, it allows humanoid robots to grasp delicate objects like strawberries with precision, avoiding damage while accurately reconstructing the texture of the seeds on their surface.

What is innovative about your project? 

My research focuses on the design and manufacturing of novel VBTS, pioneering the use of rapid monolithic manufacturing through multi-material 3D printing. Compared to traditional methods in the VBTS field, my approach offers significant advantages in design flexibility and manufacturing efficiency.

For example, sensor designs that would be challenging to produce using mould-casting or manual assembly can now be fabricated in a fraction of the time and cost, while maintaining a high level of quality. This breakthrough not only accelerates sensor development but also enhances accessibility for researchers and engineers looking to explore new applications in tactile sensing.

 

AI #2: Area & Impact

What motivated you to work in this area of academic research?

During my previous research projects, I noticed that most tactile sensors were fabricated manually, requiring specialised skills and expertise. However, despite the effort involved, the quality was often compromised due to manufacturing inconsistencies, which negatively impacted downstream algorithms. As a beginner in this field, I encountered numerous challenges in building tactile sensors using traditional methods. This led me to question whether there was a more efficient and reliable approach. After extensive trial and error, I discovered that multi-material 3D printing offered an optimal solution, addressing many of the limitations associated with conventional sensor manufacturing.

How do you think your research could impact society or the industry?

I believe my proposed technology will fundamentally shift the way researchers and industries approach VBTS production. The widely used mould-casting method has several drawbacks, including its reliance on pre-designed moulds, which become obsolete when even minor modifications are needed. Additionally, complex internal structures are often difficult or impossible to manufacture using this approach. By leveraging additive manufacturing, these challenges can be effectively addressed. Multi-material 3D printing enables rapid iteration, allowing researchers to develop complicated sensor designs. In the industrial sector, where production efficiency and quality are paramount, 3D printing can drastically reduce manufacturing time and costs through parallel production while ensuring micron-level precision.

 

AI #3: Aspirations
& I-X

What are your aspirations as a researcher? 

As a researcher, I strive for the methods I develop to be recognised and widely adopted by the academic community. Beyond personal achievement, this would also indicate that my ideas make a tangible contribution to advancing the field. More importantly, I hope my research will serve as a foundation for others to build upon, enabling the development of even more sophisticated technologies. Ultimately, my goal is for these innovations to transition from the laboratory into real-world applications, benefiting society and becoming an integral part of everyday life.

What unique opportunities has I-X provided that you believe wouldn’t be possible elsewhere?

The greatest advantage of I-X is its interdisciplinary research environment. Unlike conventional laboratories that focus on a single research area, I-X brings together experts from diverse fields who are equally passionate about their work. Engaging with researchers from different disciplines not only broadens my perspective but also provides fresh insights that inspire new ideas in my own research. This unique collaborative atmosphere fosters innovation in a way that no other platform can offer.