This project will study arthropods through 3D printing. Arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods, are a phylum of invertebrates with bodies built of hardened segments connected by membranous joints. These hard-soft compliant structures, which can be driven by internal hydraulic systems, are a fantastic model for bio-inspiration of soft robots and lightweight actuators. This project will take place in the Bio-Inspired Manufacturing (BAM) Laboratory, who previously established methods to 3D print soft structures with fully integrated fluidic circuitry in a single print run.
The project will take advantage of the lab's printing facilities, from macro- to micro-scale fabrication technology. Students will explore this ubiquitous group of animals, select specific features they can additively manufacture, and integrate microhydraulics to build compliant structures such as micro-grippers and invertebrate-inspired metamaterials.
3D printing, fluidics, CAD
- Aerospace Engineering
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Fire Protection Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
- College of Computer, Mathematical, & Natural Sciences
- College of Information Studies
Preferred Interests & Preparation
Interest in bio-inspired design. Experience with CAD and 3D printing is helpful but not required.
Mondays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Location to be announced
*Team members will be expected to attend a weekly lab meeting. Date, time, and location for lab meetings will be determined during the first class session*
Molly Carton (she/her)
mcarton@umd.edu
Mechanical Engineering
Ryan Sochol (he/him)
rsochol@umd.edu
Mechanical Engineering
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