Special Topic: Foldable Robots: Origami-inspired design meets mechatronics

12 units · Graduate

Intermittent: 12 units The way we make robots have changed dramatically since the limitations on the material space was removed. Instead of using "nuts-and-bolts" approach that helped us to make robust, rigid, industrial robots, we can make light-weight, compliant, conformable robots out of paper, fabric, and polymers. In this class, we will explore foldable robots with a multifaceted perspective: Kinematics, design, fabrication, control, and application. We will design and manufacture mechanisms for targeted applications, such as manipulation, bio-inspiration, medical, architecture, using laminates with integrated joints and limited number of actuators.