Contact Details

Yuen K. Yong
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
The University of Newcastle
Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
+61 2 4921 6438

yuenkuan(dot)yong(at)newcastle.edu.au

Biography

Yuen Yong- Award night

Yuen Kuan Yong received the B.Eng. degree (1st Class Hons.) in mechatronic engineering and the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Adelaide, Australia, in 2001 and 2007, respectively. She was previously an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow with the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Newcastle, Australia. Her research interests include the design and control of nanopositioning systems, high-speed atomic force microscopy, actuation and sensing of microcantilever, finite-element analysis of smart materials and structures, MEMS and miniature robots.

Dr. Yong is a recipient of the 2008 and 2016 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM) Best Conference Paper Finalist Award, The University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Research Excellence and the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research Performance. She is an Associate Editor for the IEEE/ASME Transactions of Mechatronics, and the Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering (specialty section Mechatronics). She is also a steering committee member for the International Conference on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales (MARSS).

Awards/Fellowships

  • 2016: Best Conference Paper Finalist Award at the IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM).
  • 2014: Vice-chancellor’s award for research excellence.
  • 2014: Pro Vice-chancellor’s award for excellence in research performance.
  • 2013: Australian Research Council DECRA – This award was highly competitive with a success rate of only 15.6%.
  • 2012: University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – one of the only four recipients at the University of Newcastle.
  • 2008: Best Conference Paper Finalist Award at AIM – for the novel design and control techniques of nanopositioning devices.

Supervised Student Awards

  • Shannon Rios – Best Student Conference Paper Finalist Award, the 2015 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics.
  • Yik Ren Teo – Best Student Conference Paper Finalist, the 2015 IEEE Multi-Conference on Systems and Control (MSC).
  • Sachin Wadikhaye – Best Postgraduate Research Poster, the 2012 IEEE Technologies of the Future.
[Detailed list here]

  • 2017: ARC Discovery Project, $296,000 (sole CI).
  • 2015: University Strategic Pilot, $3,000 (Sole CI).
  • 2013: University Strategic Pilot, $13,668 (Sole CI).
  • 2013: ARC DECRA, $375,000 (Sole CI).
  • 2012: University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, $119,075.
  • 2011: University Near Miss Grant, $25,000 (Second CI).
  • 2010: University Special Project Grant, $18,000 (Sole CI).
  • 2007: University Early Career Research Grant, A$15,500 (Sole CI).

Professional Activities

  • Associate Editor: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, 2017.
  • Associate Editor: Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, specialty section Mechatronics (Nature Publishing Group), 2015 – present.
  • Associate Editor: International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, 2012 – present.
  • Steering Committee Member: International Conference on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales, Paris, France, 2016.
  • Local Arrangement Chair: IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics, Wollongong, Australia, 2013.
  • Organising Committee Member: 2nd Workshop on Dynamics and Control of Micro and Nanoscale Systems, Newcastle, Australia, 2012.
  • Invited sessions organizer:
    • 2016 (lead organiser): “Design and Control of Precision Mechatronic Systems”, at the International Conference
      on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales, Paris, France;
      2014 (lead organiser) & 2015 (co-organiser): “Advances in Micro and Nano-Scale Positioning Systems: Design
      and Control”, at the IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent;
      2012 (lead organiser): “Control of Micro and Nano Systems”, at the IEEE Conference on Decision and Control,
      Maui, Hawaii;
      2012 (lead organiser): “Compliant Nanopositioning”, at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and
      Automation, St. Paul, MN, USA.
  • International Program Committee Member for the following conferences:
    • IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics, 2009 – 2013, 2017.
    • IEEE Multiconference on Systems and Control, 2015.
    • International Conference on Manipulation, Manufacturing and Measurement on the Nanoscale, 2011 – present.
    • Asia International Symposium on Mechatronics, 2010.

Research Impact

  • 74 Publications, 36 Journal Papers, 38 Conference Papers, 2 Book Chapters.
  • 1716 Citations, H-index: 19 (Google Scholar).
  • Consulting: 3M Ltd. Pty., Svitzer, PiezoDrive, etc.

Publications

2024

117.
Thermal Protection of Piezoelectric Actuators Using Complex Electrical Power Measurements and Simplified Thermal Models

Y. K. Yong; A. A. Eielsen; A. J. Fleming

Thermal Protection of Piezoelectric Actuators Using Complex Electrical Power Measurements and Simplified Thermal Models Journal Article Forthcoming

In: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, Forthcoming, ISBN: 1083-4435.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2023

116.
Modeling of soft fluidic actuators using fluid-structure interaction simulations with underwater applications

M. S. Xavier; S. Harrison; D. Howard; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

Modeling of soft fluidic actuators using fluid-structure interaction simulations with underwater applications Journal Article

In: International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, vol. 255, iss. 108437, pp. 1-11, 2023, ISSN: 1879-2162.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2022

115.
Soft Pneumatic Actuators: A Review of Design, Fabrication, Modeling, Sensing, Control and Applications

M. S. Xavier; C. D. Tawk; A. Zolfagharian; J. Pinskier; D. Howard; T. Young; J. Lai; S. Harrison; Y. K. Yong; M. Bodaghi; A. J. Fleming

Soft Pneumatic Actuators: A Review of Design, Fabrication, Modeling, Sensing, Control and Applications Journal Article

In: IEEE Access, vol. 10, pp. 59442-59485, 2022, ISSN: 2169-3536.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

114.
Nonlinear Estimation and Control of Bending Soft Pneumatic Actuators Using Feedback Linearization and UKF

M. S. Xavier; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Nonlinear Estimation and Control of Bending Soft Pneumatic Actuators Using Feedback Linearization and UKF Journal Article

In: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 27, iss. 4, pp. 1919-1927, 2022, ISSN: 1083-4435.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

113.
High Performance Raster Scanning of Atomic Force Microscopy Using Model-free Repetitive Control

Linlin Li; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong; S. S. Aphale; LiMin Zhu

High Performance Raster Scanning of Atomic Force Microscopy Using Model-free Repetitive Control Journal Article

In: Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 173, no. 109027, 2022, ISSN: 0888-3270.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

112.
Model-Based Nonlinear Feedback Controllers for Pressure Control of Soft Pneumatic Actuators Using On/Off Valves

M. S. Xavier; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Model-Based Nonlinear Feedback Controllers for Pressure Control of Soft Pneumatic Actuators Using On/Off Valves Journal Article

In: Frontiers in Robotics and AI, vol. 9, 2022, ISSN: 2296-9144.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

111.
Simultaneous tip force and displacement sensing for AFM cantilevers with on-chip actuation: Design and characterization for off-resonance tapping mode

N. F. S. de Bem; M. G. Ruppert; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Simultaneous tip force and displacement sensing for AFM cantilevers with on-chip actuation: Design and characterization for off-resonance tapping mode Journal Article

In: Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 338, pp. 113496, 2022, ISSN: 0924-4247, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

110.
Experimental Analysis of Tip Vibrations at Higher Eigenmodes of QPlus Sensors for Atomic Force Microscopy

M. G. Ruppert; D. Martin-Jimenez; Y. K. Yong; A. Ihle; A. Schirmeisen; A. J. Fleming; D. Ebeling

Experimental Analysis of Tip Vibrations at Higher Eigenmodes of QPlus Sensors for Atomic Force Microscopy Journal Article

In: Nanotechnology, vol. 33, iss. 18, pp. 185503, 2022, ISSN: 1361-6528, (This work was supported in part by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2021

109.
3D-printed omnidirectional soft pneumatic actuators: Design, modeling and characterization

M. S. Xavier; C. D. Tawk; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

3D-printed omnidirectional soft pneumatic actuators: Design, modeling and characterization Journal Article

In: Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical , vol. 332, iss. 2, pp. 113199, 2021, ISSN: 0924-4247.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

108.
A Control and Drive System for Pneumatic Soft Robots: PneuSoRD

T. R. Young; M. S. Xavier; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

A Control and Drive System for Pneumatic Soft Robots: PneuSoRD Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, Prague, Czech Republic , 2021, ISSN: 2153-0866.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

107.
Five-Axis Bimorph Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage: Design, Modeling, and Characterization

M. Omidbeike; S. I. Moore; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

Five-Axis Bimorph Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage: Design, Modeling, and Characterization Journal Article

In: Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 332, iss. 1, 2021, ISSN: 0924-4247.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

106.
Characterization of Active Microcantilevers Using Laser Doppler Vibrometry

M. G. Ruppert; N. F. S. de Bem; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Characterization of Active Microcantilevers Using Laser Doppler Vibrometry Book Chapter

In: Vibration Engineering for a Sustainable Future , Chapter 45, Springer, 2021, ISBN: 978-3-030-48153-7, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

105.
Design and Control of Pneumatic Systems for Soft Robotics: a Simulation Approach

M. S. Xavier; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Design and Control of Pneumatic Systems for Soft Robotics: a Simulation Approach Journal Article

In: IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, vol. 6, iss. 3, pp. 5800-5807, 2021, ISSN: 2377-3766.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

104.
Serial-kinematic monolithic nanopositioner with in-plane bender actuators

S. I. Moore; Y. K. Yong; M. Omidbeike; A. J. Fleming

Serial-kinematic monolithic nanopositioner with in-plane bender actuators Journal Article

In: Mechatronics, vol. 75, no. 102541, 2021, ISBN: 0957-4158.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

103.
Finite Element Modeling of Soft Fluidic Actuators: Overview and Recent Developments

M. S. Xavier; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Finite Element Modeling of Soft Fluidic Actuators: Overview and Recent Developments Journal Article

In: Advanced Intelligent Systems, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 2000187, 2021, ISBN: 2640-4567.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

102.
Active atomic force microscope cantilevers with integrated device layer piezoresistive sensors

M. G. Ruppert; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Active atomic force microscope cantilevers with integrated device layer piezoresistive sensors Journal Article

In: Sensors & Actuators: A. Physical, vol. 319, pp. 112519, 2021, ISSN: 0924-4247, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2020

101.
Integrated force and displacement sensing in active microcantilevers for off-resonance tapping mode atomic force microscopy

N. F. S. de Bem; M. G. Ruppert; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

Integrated force and displacement sensing in active microcantilevers for off-resonance tapping mode atomic force microscopy Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales (MARSS), pp. 1-6, 2020, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

100.
Sensing and Decentralized Control of a Five-Axis Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage

M. Omidbeike; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

Sensing and Decentralized Control of a Five-Axis Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage Proceedings Article

In: IFAC World Congress, pp. 9087-9092, 2020, ISSN: 9087-9092.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

99.
Modelling and Simulation of Pneumatic Sources for Soft Robotic Applications

M. S. Xavier; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Modelling and Simulation of Pneumatic Sources for Soft Robotic Applications Proceedings Article

In: IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics, Boston, MA, 2020.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

98.
Electrode Configurations for Piezoelectric Tube Actuators With Improved Scan Range and Reduced Cross-Coupling

D. S. Raghunvanshi; S. I. Moore; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Electrode Configurations for Piezoelectric Tube Actuators With Improved Scan Range and Reduced Cross-Coupling Journal Article

In: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 1479-1486, 2020, ISSN: 00346748.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

97.
Amplitude Noise Spectrum of a Lock-in Amplifier: Application to Microcantilever Noise Measurements

M. G. Ruppert; N. J. Bartlett; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

Amplitude Noise Spectrum of a Lock-in Amplifier: Application to Microcantilever Noise Measurements Journal Article

In: Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 312, pp. 112092, 2020, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

96.
AFM Cantilever Design for Multimode Q Control: Arbitrary Placement of Higher-Order Modes

S. I. Moore; M. G. Ruppert; Y. K. Yong

AFM Cantilever Design for Multimode Q Control: Arbitrary Placement of Higher-Order Modes Journal Article

In: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, pp. 1-6, 2020, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2019

95.
Image-Guided Locomotion of a Pneumatic-Driven Peristaltic Soft Robot

M. S. Xavier; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Image-Guided Locomotion of a Pneumatic-Driven Peristaltic Soft Robot Proceedings Article

In: IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, Dali, Yunnan, China, 2019, ISBN: 1-4244-0570-X.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

94.
Experimental Characterisation of Hydraulic Fiber-Reinforced Soft Actuators for Worm-Like Robots

M. S. Xavier; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Experimental Characterisation of Hydraulic Fiber-Reinforced Soft Actuators for Worm-Like Robots Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Control, Mechatronics and Automation, Delft, Netherlands, 2019, ISBN: 978-1-7281-3787-2.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

93.
Scan Rate Adaptation for AFM Imaging Based on Performance Metric Optimisation

K. Wang; M. G. Ruppert; C. Manzie; D. Nesic; Y. K. Yong

Scan Rate Adaptation for AFM Imaging Based on Performance Metric Optimisation Journal Article

In: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, 2019, (early access).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

92.
Capacitive Instrumentation and Sensor Fusion for High-Bandwidth Nanopositioning

S. I. Moore; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Capacitive Instrumentation and Sensor Fusion for High-Bandwidth Nanopositioning Journal Article

In: IEEE Sensor Letters, vol. 3, no. 8, pp. 2501503, 2019, ISBN: 2475-1472.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

91.
An optimization framework for the design of piezoelectric AFM cantilevers

S. I. Moore; M. G. Ruppert; Y. K. Yong

An optimization framework for the design of piezoelectric AFM cantilevers Journal Article

In: Precision Engineering, vol. 60, pp. 130-142, 2019, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

90.
Design and Analysis of Low-Distortion Demodulators for Modulated Sensors

S. I. Moore; M. G. Ruppert; D. M. Harcombe; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Design and Analysis of Low-Distortion Demodulators for Modulated Sensors Journal Article

In: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 1861-1870, 2019, ISSN: 10834435, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

89.
Multivariable Model-less Feedforward Control of a Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage With FIR Filter Inversion

M. Omidbeike; A. A. Eielsen; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

Multivariable Model-less Feedforward Control of a Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage With FIR Filter Inversion Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales (MARSS), Helsinki, Finland, 2019, ISSN: 978-1-7281-0948-0.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

88.
A Five-Axis Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage Constructed from a Bimorph Piezoelectric Sheet

M. Omidbeike; Y. K. Yong; S. I. Moore; A. J. Fleming

A Five-Axis Monolithic Nanopositioning Stage Constructed from a Bimorph Piezoelectric Sheet Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales , Helsinki, Finland, 2019, ISSN: 978-1-7281-0948-0.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

87.
Model-based Q Factor Control for Photothermally Excited Microcantilevers

M. G. Ruppert; B. S. Routley; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong; G. E. Fantner

Model-based Q Factor Control for Photothermally Excited Microcantilevers Proceedings Article

In: Int. Conference on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales (MARSS), Helsinki, Finland, 2019, ISSN: 978-1-7281-0948-0, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

86.
Adaptive Scan for Atomic Force Microscopy Based on Online Optimisation: Theory and Experiment

K. Wang; M. G. Ruppert; C. Manzie; D. Nesic; Y. K. Yong

Adaptive Scan for Atomic Force Microscopy Based on Online Optimisation: Theory and Experiment Journal Article

In: IEEE Transactions on Control System Technology, 2019, (accepted for publication).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

85.
Multimodal atomic force microscopy with optimized higher eigenmode sensitivity using on-chip piezoelectric actuation and sensing

M. G. Ruppert; S. I. Moore; M. Zawierta; A. J. Fleming; G. Putrino; Y. K. Yong

Multimodal atomic force microscopy with optimized higher eigenmode sensitivity using on-chip piezoelectric actuation and sensing Journal Article

In: Nanotechnology, vol. 30, no. 8, pp. 085503, 2019, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

2018

84.
Design of Hybrid Piezoelectric/Piezoresistive Cantilevers for Dynamic-mode Atomic Force Microscopy

M. G. Ruppert; Y. K. Yong

Design of Hybrid Piezoelectric/Piezoresistive Cantilevers for Dynamic-mode Atomic Force Microscopy Proceedings Article

In: IEEE/ASME Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM), Auckland, New Zealand, 2018, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | BibTeX

83.
A monolithic serial-kinematic nanopositioner with integrated sensors and actuators

S. I. Moore; M. Omidbeike; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

A monolithic serial-kinematic nanopositioner with integrated sensors and actuators Proceedings Article

In: IEEE International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics, Auckland, New Zealand, 2018.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

82.
Arbitrary placement of AFM cantilever higher eigenmodes using structural optimization

S. I. Moore; M. G. Ruppert; Y. K. Yong

Arbitrary placement of AFM cantilever higher eigenmodes using structural optimization Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Manipulation, Automation and Robotics at Small Scales (MARSS), 2018, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | BibTeX

81.
A Comparison Of Scanning Methods And The Vertical Control Implications For Scanning Probe Microscopy

Y. R. Teo; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

A Comparison Of Scanning Methods And The Vertical Control Implications For Scanning Probe Microscopy Journal Article

In: Asian Journal of Control, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 1-15, 2018.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

80.
Piezoelectric Bimorph Actuator with Integrated Strain Sensing Electrodes

S. Z. Mansour; R. J. Seethaler; Y. R. Teo; Y. K. Yong; A. J. Fleming

Piezoelectric Bimorph Actuator with Integrated Strain Sensing Electrodes Journal Article

In: IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 18, no. 4, 2018, ISSN: 1530-437X.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

79.
Advanced Sensing and Control with Active Cantilevers for Multimodal Atomic Force Microscopy

M. G. Ruppert; S. I. Moore; M. Zawierta; G. Putrino; Y. K. Yong

Advanced Sensing and Control with Active Cantilevers for Multimodal Atomic Force Microscopy Conference

7th Multifrequency AFM Conference, Madrid, Spain, 2018, (This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP170101813).

Abstract | BibTeX

78.
Monolithic Piezoelectric Insect with Resonance Walking

S. A. Rios; A. J. Fleming; Y. K. Yong

Monolithic Piezoelectric Insect with Resonance Walking Journal Article

In: IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 524-530, 2018, ISSN: 10834435.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX