Page 11 - ME Spring 2020 Newsletter

Research
USING ROBOTICS TO INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY WITH BIOLOGY
Professor Michael McAlpine is using robotics (3D printers) to enter the realm of what might have once been science fiction but is now a reality. The McAlpine Group has 3D printed bionic eyes and ears, and is developing technology that can print directly on human skin — so your next smartwatch might be “tattooed” right onto your wrist. McAlpine’s team is well-known for integrating 3D printing with biology, designing their own printers from the ground up. These robotic printers can print a functional device on a curved surface, or directly on the body.
Top: McAlpine Group 3D printed eye Bottom: 3D printed ink on skin
McAlpine recently took the stage at TEDxMinneapolis to talk about his work in 3D printing. Watch his presentation, “Bionic humans aren’t science fiction,” here:
z.umn.edu/McAlpineTED
HOW TEXTILES COULD CHANGE ROBOTICS
When people think of robots, they often envision industrial robotic arms, unmanned vehicles, or humanoids. Assistant Professor Julianna Abel thinks about them
differently. “Our actuating fabrics can be used as the actuator in a conventional robot to improve safety or expand
operational capabity, or as entirely new types of soft robots,” according to Abel. Conventional robots’ rigidity and strength makes them potentially dangerous to humans during collaborative operation. Abel’s designs could change that.
The fabrics Abel designs are multifunctional textiles that can be used to create:
Fibers in Abel’s Design of Active Materials and Structures Lab (DAMSL)
• Self-fitting clothing that anchor sensors to the body for augmented reality systems
• Compression garments that provide controlled therapeutic pressures to the body
• Exo-suits that assist the wearer with repetitive motions
• Wearable haptic displays that seamlessly convey
information to the wearer
“Multifunctional textiles are an essential component of enhancing and evolving interactions between humans and robots, “said Abel.
PhD student Rachael Granberry (left) demonstrates a prototype for Abel (right)
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