Mark Yim

Mark Yim is the Asa Whitney Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania and Faculty Director of the Venture Labs Design Studio. He is internationally recognized for pioneering work in modular and self-reconfigurable robots—systems composed of identical active units that can rearrange themselves to form an array of morphologies, from snake-like robots to humanoid figures and multi-legged platforms. Yim’s research explores how these systems can autonomously change shape, self-assemble, and adapt their structure to meet diverse task demands. His group has developed algorithms for planning reconfiguration, variable-topology truss robots, and distributed locomotion, as well as mechanisms for soft and compliant actuation, electroadhesive clutches, visuotactile sensing, and modular aquatic robots. Recent work also includes flying modular robots and formal methods for specifying tasks so that robot configurations can be optimized for performance and versatility. Yim’s research integrates mechanical design, control theory, planning algorithms, and materials innovation to push forward the capabilities of reconfigurable, scalable, and robust robotic systems. His contributions have shaped both theoretical foundations and real-world applications in adaptable autonomy.