We’re looking forward to introducing you to Yihan Luo. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Yihan , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
To me, energy and integrity are what bring intelligence to life. I’ve always been a high-energy person, whether in life or design – like with my Pikapoo project. From undergrad to grad school, I kept evolving this dog waste recycling vehicle because sustainability isn’t just a design trend, it’s a responsibility. The energy to keep improving it year after year, and the integrity to tackle unglamorous but important problems – that’s what transforms raw intelligence into meaningful innovation
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Yihan Luo, and I’m a product and interaction designer passionate about creating innovative solutions at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and human behavior.
My design philosophy is rooted in empathy and systems thinking—I strive to uncover overlooked challenges in everyday life and reimagine them through intelligent, human-centered design. One of my signature projects is Pikapoo, an award-winning autonomous pet waste management robot that addresses urban hygiene through a sustainable, health-focused solution. It was exhibited at Milan Design Week 2025 and has received several international honors, including the iF Design Award and IDA Design Award.
Currently, I’m exploring how robotics and AI can be integrated into future living systems, and I co-lead the curatorial efforts for the International Arts and Robots Exhibition 2025 in Beijing. This exhibition brings together outstanding designers and artists from around the world to explore the creative fusion of technology and art. I believe design has the power not only to solve problems but to reshape the relationships between people, technology, and the environments we live in.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was in middle school, when I realized I wasn’t afraid to question rules or challenge the status quo. At the time, the school’s dance club only accepted students with formal dance training—but I was deeply passionate about dancing and eager to join. After being rejected, I decided to take action. I gathered a group of students who, like me, loved dancing but didn’t meet the club’s strict requirements. Together, we applied to start a new dance group at school.
We taught ourselves by watching online videos, rehearsed tirelessly, and eventually organized our own dance showcase. It wasn’t easy—we faced setbacks and self-doubt—but we pushed through and created something meaningful. Looking back, that experience was a turning point. It showed me the power of initiative and collaboration, and it helped shape the bold, determined mindset I carry into my work today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Keep being curious and brave—what makes you different now will become your greatest strength later.”
I’ve always had a strong sense of individuality, which wasn’t easily accepted in the context of a traditional Chinese education system. Back then, I often questioned myself—wondering if being bold, outspoken, or simply following my own path was somehow wrong. I was frequently misunderstood, and at times, deeply hurt. But looking back now, I’m truly grateful to my younger self for holding on, for staying true despite the pressure to conform. That courage became the foundation of who I am today.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely yes. I’m someone who doesn’t feel the need to hide behind a curated image. What you see is who I truly am—both in life and in my work. I value honesty and direct communication, whether I’m collaborating on a creative project or simply having a conversation. I believe authenticity builds trust and deeper connections, and that’s something I carry into every interaction. Being open and straightforward not only helps me express ideas more clearly, but also invites others to do the same. For me, design and relationships both thrive on realness.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
There are two moments when I feel truly at peace. The first is when I’m by the ocean. The rhythm of the waves has a calming effect on me—it makes me feel embraced and accepted, as if the sea understands and holds space for whatever I’m feeling.
The second is when I’m racing. I’m passionate about car-racing , and interestingly, it’s in those high-speed moments that I feel the most peaceful. When I’m fully focused, eyes locked on the track ahead, everything else fades away. That intense concentration brings me clarity and calm, almost like meditation in motion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yihanluo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yihan_art_design?igsh=aGZ5OW0ydnE0ZWQy
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sakura-yihan-luo-a151451b1
