Sukjun Kim

Sukjun Kim is joining Arizona State University as an assistant professor in the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. He develops miniature and soft robotic systems inspired by nature, combining innovative mechanical design, advanced manufacturing and smart materials to solve challenges that larger robots cannot.

Kim earned his doctoral degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 2023 and most recently served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Diego. He was drawn to ASU by the Fulton Schools’ commitment to transforming innovative ideas into real-world impact. He also saw opportunities to collaborate with researchers in robotics, manufacturing and across the disciplines to address complex engineering challenges.

His fascination with miniature robotics began by observing insects.

“I was amazed by how tiny insects perceive their surroundings, make decisions and perform tasks that sometimes surpass much larger animals,” Kim says. “That made me wonder why we don’t yet have robots at a similar scale that can move freely through complex environments. I get excited thinking about how miniature robots could transform search and rescue, health care and infrastructure inspection.”

At ASU, Kim will focus on enhancing the motion capabilities of miniature robots by developing new actuators, sensors and mechanisms. His research aims to expand the capabilities of tiny robots in environments that are inaccessible or unsafe for larger robotic systems.

One of Kim’s proudest accomplishments came during his postdoctoral studies, when he mentored undergraduate researchers whose work was accepted to an international robotics conference and had the opportunity to showcase their work to the robotics community.

“Watching my students grow into confident researchers was incredibly rewarding,” Kim says. “It reinforced my passion for mentoring and showed me how thoughtful guidance and encouragement can help students realize their potential.”

Kim believes resilience is one of the most important qualities an engineer can develop. He plans to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing bold ideas, embracing challenges and viewing failure as an opportunity to learn.

“Fear of making mistakes often prevents us from exploring creative ideas and innovative solutions,” Kim says. “I want my students to see failure as a chance to improve and move forward.”

Outside the lab, Kim enjoys cooking, where he sees parallels between engineering and carefully balancing ingredients, temperature and timing. He also spends time learning woodworking, a hobby that allows him to develop new hands-on skills while expressing the same creativity and craftsmanship that inspire his research and teaching.

Written by Aisha Kaddi