In SMART-Lab, we are primarily focused on the development of novel soft, and programmable materials. We aim to employ these materials in the design, and fabrication of emerging generations of mobile soft robots, functional devices, and artificial biological organisms.
With a multidisciplinary approach, we utilize our knowledge of molecular engineering, chemistry, materials science, and micro/nanotechnology to create smart materials with programmed properties and responses to external cues such as heat, light, electrical, and magnetic fields.
We envision this class of materials can augment locomotion, and manipulation capabilities of existing medical robotic systems. In addition, they can be great candidates for the development of the new generation of medical micro-robots, soft miniature bio-devices, and artificial living organisms.
News
Robots for medicine move like a sea snail
Researchers are developing a robot that is modelled on sea snails. Thanks to specially aligned liquid crystal molecules [View original article]
Control underwater robots with light
Scientists have developed a gel-like robot that moves underwater without any external drive [View Original article], note the original article is written in German.
Soft robot takes cues from a sea slug’s swimming stroke
A robot made from gel bends in response to light, allowing for a wide variety of motions [View Original article]