Unit name | Soft Robotics |
---|---|
Unit code | EMATM0057 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Conn |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Soft Robotics has recently emerged as an important new field that extends the design possibilities of conventional robotics. Instead of only using fully rigid components and actuators, soft robotics uses a much wider range of materials and morphologies while often taking inspiration from nature. This includes polymers, silicones, hydrogels, smart materials, shape memory alloys and many others. This opens an entirely new design space and enables novel robotic systems that can deal with uncertainty in their environment more reliably.
This course presents different aspects of soft robotics including technologies, materials, actuation and sensing mechanisms. It will explore how nonlinear dynamics inherent to soft structures can be exploited to improve performance. Furthermore, students will be introduced with state-of-the-art modelling and control techniques available for soft robots.
Upon successful completion of the unit students will be able to;
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.
1 Summative Assessment, 100% - Coursework. This will assess all ILOs.
None