Step into the world of Prof. Richard GU, Assistant Professor of the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), whose remarkable journey from northeastern China to HKUST's innovation hub has fueled his groundbreaking work in microrobots and magnetic materials! Inspired by childhood LEGO building and nature's ingenious designs, Prof. GU is revolutionizing medical robotics while preparing to unleash students' creativity through hands-on machine design courses. Curious how his ant colony-inspired systems could transform precision surgery? Join us as we explore this bandana-wearing innovator's vision for the future!

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Could you tell us more about you e.g. where do you from and why joining HKUST, and something you are working on now e.g. current research, and course that you will teach in coming Spring term? 

I grew up in Changchun, a vibrant city in northeastern China renowned for its cold winters and strong cultural heritage. My academic path has taken me across China, Japan, Switzerland, and Germany, allowing me to explore a variety of research cultures and technological perspectives. Ultimately, I chose to join HKUST because it provides an exciting environment that values innovation and interdisciplinary collaborations—perfect for advancing my research interests. Currently, I focus on microrobots, swarm robotics, and medical robotics, with a special emphasis on creating structured magnetic materials that behave in unexpected ways through cooperative interactions. Although I am not teaching this Spring, I am busy preparing a new course related to creative machine design for the Fall semester. I’m currently designing engaging, hands-on projects that will encourage students to release their creativity in the classroom and learn the fundamentals of designing novel machines.

What inspired you to specialize in this line of research?

My research often feels like a blend of science, engineering, and playful experimentation. As a child, I loved building with LEGO blocks, and I’ve found that working with magnets offers a similar sense of boundless creativity. The dynamic interactions of magnetic structures can be explored simply by hand, revealing surprising possibilities. Beyond playful exploration, I draw significant inspiration from nature—particularly from small insects like ants. Observing how an ant colony coordinates to carry objects far heavier than individual ants reminds me of what can be achieved through simple yet powerful cooperative strategies. This vision motivates me to build robotic systems that harness collective strength and intelligence, pushing engineering boundaries and striving to outperform solutions already perfected by nature. Every day, I’m reminded of the vast potential hidden in these tiny yet powerful systems.

What impact do you want your work to have on society?

I see medical applications as the most exciting frontier for my research on microrobots and magnetic materials. Today’s surgical tools are evolving to be smaller, softer, and more autonomous, aiming to minimize invasiveness and improve outcomes for patients. Robotic systems like the da Vinci surgical robot have already made groundbreaking strides in this direction, but we’re only at the beginning. I hope that the research in my lab will lead to the next generation of surgical robots—more agile, intuitive, and capable of performing complex tasks inside the human body. By collaborating with medical professionals and integrating real-world needs into our designs, we can envision a future where precision microsurgery becomes safer, faster, and more accessible, ultimately enhancing patient care around the globe.

Do you have any advice for students interested in your research area?  

My strongest advice is to start exploring early and embrace hands-on experimentation. There’s only so much you can learn from textbooks before stepping into a lab and getting your hands dirty. In this field, direct engagement—building prototypes, running experiments, and refining designs—accelerates both skills and understanding. It’s also crucial to connect with end-users, such as surgeons or clinicians, to uncover the genuine problems that need solving. By doing this, you’ll direct your creativity toward meaningful breakthroughs. Engaging in a small-scale project is a fantastic way to sharpen your focus, manage real-world constraints, and gain a sense of ownership over your work. Ultimately, the lessons learned from both trial and error in the lab will guide you in mastering this fast-growing and highly interdisciplinary field.

Could you share a fun fact about you?
One of my most noticeable personal quirks is my collection of bandanas. I wear them regularly not just to make a style statement but primarily because they’re practical and help keep my hair in check during the day. Over time, this simple accessory has become something of a signature for me. People often remember me by my bandanas, which come in various patterns and colours.