DURIP 3D Printing Cluster for Printed Soft Robots and Robotic Materials

Abstract

This DURIP proposal seeks to acquire a 3D Printing Cluster that will provide new capabilities in the multiscale fabrication of softrobots and architected robotic materials. The proposed cluster comprises two state-of-the-art 3D printers. The first is a high-resolution (10µm) microstereolithography printer that will enable the printing of custom extrusion nozzles for novel robotic materials and actuators, as well as microscale optical components for optoelectronically actuated artificial muscle tissues. The second is a high-throughput digital light processing printer for the direct printing of soft sensorized robots and soft sensor skins. Both printers will drive new collaborations in the design and fabrication of architected materials for soft robotics. The 3D Printing Cluster will immediately support two DOD Young Investigator Award Projects (ONR and AFOSR) led by the PI and several ongoing DOD projects led by the PI#s collaborators. Overall, this 3D Printing Cluster brings unique manufacturing capabilities to Northwestern University andthe McCormick School of Engineering. It will provide graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral scholars new fabrication tools to support their research and coursework projects.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 15, 2024
Source ID
N000142412196

Entities

People

  • Ryan L Truby

Organizations

  • Northwestern University
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • Autonomy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems