Molecular Mechatronics Lab

Soft Tactile Sensors
A transparent stretchable touch sensor based on low cost stretchable gel ionic conductors and silicone materials was developed, towards wide applications in soft robotic skin, wearables, and flexible consumer electronics. Transparent tactile sensors based on metal and carbon conductive materials can operate while bent, while our device demonstrates sensitivity to even finger proximity during […] Read More
Piezoionic Gels
When a polymer swollen in electrolyte experiences mechanical deformation, it creates an inhomogeneous ionic distribution that causes a generation of voltage. This is theorized to be due to the difference in mobilities between cationic and anionic species, which creates a localized charge gradient when pressure is applied. We are investigating the usage of this effect […] Read More
Stretchable Batteries
Low cost stretchable, washable batteries could enable rapid adoption of smart wearables, such as communication and health monitoring systems, into our daily lives. Advantages Rechargeable, stretchable, washable, portable Safe and comfortable to be used in flexible wearable electronics Simple to fabricate Capable of being used as bending and stress sensors Low-cost and non-toxic […] Read More
Conducting Polymer Actuators
Conducting polymers, such as PEDOT and Polypyrrole (PPy), feature a combination of properties such as bio-compatibility, low density, low operating voltage, high work density, and scalability, which makes them promising for use in medical, tactile feedback and other applications. Read also about our Steerable Catheter project using conducting polymer actuators. In particular, the combination of […] Read More
Nylon Actuators
We are part of an international team that developed high-strength polymer fibers twisted into coils to make low-cost highly efficient actuators with powerful, large stroke and high stress capabilities, as published in Science. They can contract by almost 50%, lift loads >100 times heavier than human muscle of the same length and mass and generate […] Read More
Stretchable Printed Circuit Board
We are developing a platform technology to enable highly conformal wearable electronics. This platform is composed of a soft stretchable circuit board substrate with the ability to pattern complex circuits and solder surface mount components directly onto it. This makes it easily adaptable to conventional manufacturing processes with the added benefits of the high conformability […] Read More