Prof. Jee-Hwan Ryu Receives KAIST Breakthroughs ‘Readers’ Choice Award’ for Soft Robotics Innovation

Feb 12, 2026 1 min read

We are delighted to share that Professor Jee-Hwan Ryu has received the KAIST Breakthroughs ‘Readers’ Choice Award’ for the Fall 2025 issue.

His featured research, “A New solution enabling soft growing robots to perform a variety of tasks in confined spaces,” was selected as the most-read article of the season, highlighting the impact of the lab’s work on the future of robotics.

The research addresses a critical challenge in soft robotics: maintaining a stable internal passage while the robot grows. By developing an innovative inflatable structure, Professor Ryu’s team has enabled robots to navigate narrow, complex environments—such as disaster sites or the human body—while successfully delivering and switching tools through a stable inner channel.

The award ceremony took place on February 11, 2026, recognizing the team’s commitment to making cutting-edge engineering research accessible to a wider audience.

About KAIST Breakthroughs: Published by the KAIST College of Engineering, KAIST Breakthroughs aims to bring latest advancements in engineering and sustainability to the public through independent and unbiased scientific coverage.

Euibin Shin