Design and Manufacturing with Soft Systems
We are currently developing soft machine concepts and routes for fabricating them. These machines will be composed of elastomers, colloidal gels, and other materials with non-linear mechanical properties and that deform in stress regimes less than those of solid metals and ceramics - opening up a new arena of human/machine interaction.
In another area, we are interested in creating new forms of Solid Free Form (SFF) fabricators, sometimes called 3D printers. By using new materials and processing techniques, we believe we can improve the speed, dimensionality, resolution, and material processing abilities of SFF machines.
Additionally, we are interested in studying the transport of discrete media (e.g., granular systems).
The framework we typically use to approach our problems is an iterative process of material & mechanical design feeding into a manufacturing step, then refining our technique into a polished result. We work well with all types of collaborators and always entertain new and exciting ideas.
We are currently seeking undergraduate, MEng, and graduate students!
Cheers!
Contact Professor Shepherd: RFS247@CORNELL.EDU
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Soft Actuators
New classes of soft actuators, based on new materials and mechanical designs will permit lifelike motions in soft machines. By taking advantage of new materials, we can make actuators thinner, lighter, and tougher. Click here for prior publications and videos of silicone based soft actuators and soft robots. |
3D Fabrication
By coupling developments in material and mechanical science, we can bring transformative changes to 3D fabricators (e.g., step changes in print speeds and material possibilities). Please click here for prior publications and media on 3D printing. |
Granular Media Engineering
Engineering with granular media, and manipulating its transport will open up new dimensions in design. |
