robotics, biomechanics, programming, electronics
WHAT WE DO
Key Points:
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BioInspired design and development of robotic systems including: platforms, sensors and coding.
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Analyze and characterize the fundamental science behind bioforms and biomechanics.
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Tailor robotic platform to applications in field research, exploration or environmental monitoring.
Detailed Description:
The natural world is full of living creatures that possess incredible adaptations perfectly suited to their environment. BioInspired robotic systems are robots, materials, sensors and even coding structures that are informed by the biological advantages of natural forms. These robots are particularly suited to natural environments and have the potential to advance robot-assisted exploration, environmental monitoring and protection.
In this stream, students will learn how to combine biological research and robotic fabrication techniques by informing robotic design through the analysis of biomechanisms using engineering methods. Each robotic project will be tailored to a field research application, that is research in and involving the natural world, and will be expected to produce a result capable of operating in non-laboratory environments.
WHY IT MATTERS
Key Points:
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Robots are fast becoming an integral part of scientific exploration, environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
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Bio Inspired robotics offer unique solutions based on natural advantages.
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Robotic design and development skills are highly useful in the current technologically innovative economy.
Detailed Description:
Robotic-assisted field research is not a future possibility but a present reality. Scientific exploration of the natural world is reaching both new heights and new depths as robotic technologies help to open up previously unreachable or difficult to reach regions. At the same time, the natural world is being inundated with large amounts of harmful pollutants and biosystem changes. BioInspired robotic platforms have the potential to further improve efforts of exploration and conservation by utilizing natural advantages that are both perfectly suited to the environment and less invasive than other robotic platforms.
The robotic design and development techniques learned in this stream can be applied to any research in the quickly expanding robotics field. At the same time, this stream offers a purely interdisciplinary opportunity to combine science, technology and even arts (STEAM) to create unique robotic solutions for field applications.
WHAT YOU LEARN
Key Points:
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BioInspired design methods including biological research, bioform and biomechanical characterization and analysis.
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Robotic fabrication techniques, electrical circuit design, sensor integration.
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Computer design/programming tools such as: CAD, FEA, Vic 3D modeling, Arduino+MATLAB programming
Detailed Description:
Students will learn the techniques of biological function and mechanism research and kinematic or mathematical characterization. They will also learn how to gleen relevant information to inform the design and development process. Robotic fabrication techniques include: 3D printing, laser cutting, basic use of other cutting/drilling tools. Students will also learn electrical circuit design and fabrication, actuator/motor integration and design, soldering, computer programming in arduino and MATLAB. Finally, students will learn how to design and plan for field experiments.
