Emulating Biology To Engineer Dynamic Structures

The goal of our group is to uncover the physical laws and mathematical principles that govern the innate dynamic functions of living structures. Drawing inspiration from the actuation mechanisms and material architectures seen in musculoskeletal systems, we are seeking to mimic biological functions to provide insights into their complex yet elegant and efficient dynamics. These insights help us establish new scientific and engineering foundations for creating living structures that go beyond the typical design objectives such as strength, stiffness, toughness and low mass, towards a new class of structures capable of dynamic functions, such as actuation, sensing, self-healing, and adaptation.

The illimited LAB benefits greatly from collaborative interactions within the University of Washington, and with colleagues in U.S. and international research laboratories and centers. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of The illimited LAB, the scientific breakthroughs target applications such as adaptive and dynamic aeronautic and astronautic structures, flexible robots for health monitoring and inspection in constrained spaces, biomedical devices, self-actuated prosthetics, and wearable assisted actuators for elderlies. The alignment of our research with current funding opportunities in DoD, DoE, National Science Foundation, and various international organizations and industry is ensuring the financial support necessary for high impact research activities and an abundance of collaborative opportunities.

The current research efforts at the illimited lab are bringing new capabilities in multi-functional structures, architectured materials, soft actuators, and biomimicry to engineering engineered dynamic materials and living structures with distributive control for robotics and aerospace systems. The knowledge created at the illimited lab is transitioning to academia, Sandia National Laboratories, the US Department of the Navy, and nScript 3D Printing. Additional information on the illimited lab research projects and the lab outputs can be found on our research and publication tabs.