Robotics and Biomimetics
Design soft robotic hands and insect-inspired robots using biomimicry and engineering principles.
Design soft robotic hands and insect-inspired robots using biomimicry and engineering principles.
In this project, students will dive into a world full of creativity and challenges, designing small robots that mimic insect movements and soft bionic hands! By observing how insects crawl and jump, students will apply their engineering knowledge and materials science to transform these complex natural movements into functional robotic models.
Students will start with basic mechanical structures, learning how to design soft robots that mimic insect crawling. By using flexible materials and advanced technology, they can develop soft robotic hands, akin to an octopus’s, capable of precise gripping and manipulation. This project not only hones engineering skills but also offers an innovative experience that closely ties science with nature.
While designing and building these robots, students will face various fun challenges, requiring teamwork and creative problem-solving. This will enhance their technical skills and deepen their understanding of material properties, mechanical principles, and programming. Ultimately, they will witness their robots mimicking insect movements in the real world, experiencing the immense satisfaction that comes from the fusion of design and technology. Relevant papers from this project have been published in top journals like Science and PNAS.
This project encourages students to master hard skills while fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovative thinking, laying a solid foundation for future technological advancements.
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Nanoribbons, Biomimetic Materials & Devices, Smart Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Soft Robotics, Morphogenesis Mechanics (Embryonic Development, Biofilm Growth), Advanced Materials Engineering, Solid Mechanics
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Dr. Zi Chen is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a Member of the Faculty at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chen received his PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University. Dr. Chen’s research interests range from solid mechanics and material science to biomechanics and mechanobiology, covering such diverse topics as mechanical instabilities of materials, energy harvesting, soft robotics, biomimetic materials/devices, smart personal protection equipment (PPE), nanofabrication (e.g., nanowires, nanoribbons, grapheme sheets), mechanics of morphogenesis in biological systems (embryonic development, biofilm growth, etc.), cell biomechanics (e.g., epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer cell migration), and mechanics of DNA structures. Dr. Chen has been involved in research projects that have collectively been supported by over $17 million in grants with around $3.8 million grants to Dr. Chen’s laboratory from National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Society in Science, and Facebook Inc. Dr. Chen has received a number of prestigious awards and honors including Society in Science – Branco Weiss fellowship, International Association of Advanced Materials Innovation Award, Marquis Who’s Who in the World, Outstanding Paper Award at the ASME 2013 2nd Global Congress on Nano Engineering for Medicine and Biology (NEMB), American Academy of Mechanics Founder’s Award, MRS Graduate Student Award Silver Award, etc. He is a founding co-Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Postdoctoral Research, and an editorial board member of Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering and Journal of Material Science & Engineering.
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