Biorobotic Systems

Emphasis

This program focuses on engineering new prototype biorobotic systems to sense and actuate in response to human biology for clinical purposes. These technologies are robots and bionic devices designed to be closed-loop systems to regulate organ- and human-scale functions. Additionally, this program focuses on engineering new prototype parts and modules, such as the sensors and actuators that comprise biorobotic systems. Projects should be directed toward overcoming a technological challenge that limits biomedical adoption. This program encourages projects that use a design-build-test approach. 

Examples of technologies include but are not limited to: 

• robotic nurses to care for isolated patients
• soft robotic exoskeletons to replace lost capabilities
• semi-autonomous robots to perform minimally invasive surgeries
• artificial organs to replace function
• implantable devices to deliver therapeutic agents
• bioelectronic scaffolds for organ control
• microgrippers and drills for surgical robots
• 3D printed tactile sensors for prosthetics
• soft elastomeric actuators for assistive devices
• electrodes for prosthetics
• implantable coils for tissue stimulation
• injectable electronic meshes for device-tissue interfaces

Additional Emphasis

Furthermore, this program focuses on the discovery of design principles as key components in the design, build, and test methodology to engineer relevant biorobotic systems.