 (Photo credits to various collaborators at Harvard and NUS)
Research on soft active materials
Videos Some representative simulations of dielectric elastomers by Soft Matter Group at A*STAR IHPC:
Job opening Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their CV to Dr. Keith Foo (foocc@ihpc.a-star.edu.sg). The positions will remain open until filled:- 1. Research Scientist position available in Singapore. 17.08.17 We are looking for a highly motivated research scientist to work in the area of applied mechanics and materials at A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC). The topic is on soft active materials and soft robots. You are expected to work on theoretical modeling and numerical implementation of finite element procedures. The applicant must hold a PhD degree; post-doctoral experience is not required. Relevant experience in (1) continuum mechanics, (2) finite element modeling and simulation is preferred. News elsewhere
Untethered soft robot capable of stable locomotion We report a soft moving robot made largely of dielectric elastomers and paper. 14.03.18 | Link. Soft fluidic pumps harnessing instabilities for large-volume pumping We report new designs of soft pumps made of dielectric elastomers, which allows for large-volume pumping across a wide range of hydrostatic pressures. Two versions of pumps: Single membrane and dual membranes. | 21.11.17 Our NUS collaborators' work on soft robots inspired by origami and inchworms are featured in the news! Delighted for Jian Zhu and his group, and honoured to be involved in their projects. 19.06.17 | Reuters Feature & (0:35 to 1:10 in this video) ICRA Soft Material Robot Challenge was held in Singapore from 30 May to 31 May. The “Origami Robot” developed by our NUS collaborators, led by Asst. Prof. Jian Zhu, won the third place in the Soft Component Technology Showcase. 02.06.17 | Link We report an analysis of laterally-constrained actuators in Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. 10.05.17 | Link Dynamic pattern of wrinkles in a dielectric elastomer We combine experiments, modeling, and simulation to show dynamic pattern of wrinkles in a dielectric elastomer. Our work is published in Soft Matter. 22.03.17 | LinkDesign tool beefs up artificial muscles Our work on viscoelastic dielectric elastomers is featured on A*STAR Research. 29.06.16 | Link A gel that is clearly revolutionary Our work on stretchable ionics is featured on A*STAR Research. 22.01.14 | Link Transparent gel speaker plays music through the magic of ionic conduction. 30.08.13 | Reported on Engadget. Bio-inspired speaker uses clear gel to play music. 29.08.13 | Reported on New Scientist. This “ionic” speaker is stretchable, see-through and mind-blowing 29.08.13 | Reported on Gizmodo. Transparent artificial muscle plays Grieg to prove a point Gel-based audio speaker demonstrates capabilities of ionic conductors, long thought limited in application. 29.08.13 | Harvard SEAS release |