Bio-X
Graduate Student Fellowships 2006/2007
Sanjay Dastoor
Mechanical Engineering
Professor M. Cutkosky |
I am researching the application of artificial muscles to robotics and prosthetics through a novel manufacturing method. Electric motors lack many of the dynamic characteristics of biological muscle, limiting their use in biomimetic devices. Electroactive polymer actuators are a promising alternative, with muscle-like performance, light weight, low cost, and silent operation. I am developing methods for fabricating these actuators using shape deposition manufacturing, which allows customized geometries, heterogeneous materials, and embedded components. With the help of Professor Scott Delp, biomechanical modeling and analysis can be applied to these actuators, inspiring the next generation of dynamic, agile machines. |
