Tommaso Ranzani

Variable stiffness soft wearable devices using MR fluids

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project will entail fabrication of variable stiffness structures that exploit the use of magnetorheological fluids encapsulated into soft robotic structures. Upon application of a magnetic field, the stiffness of the structure will be tuned.
The student will then investigate the possibility to exploit this mechanism in the design of wearable devices for assistive applications.

LABORATORY MENTOR

Kevin McDonald

RESEARCH GOALS

– Development of a technique to incorporate magnetically responsive fluids in soft robotic structures.
– Characterization of stiffening capabilities of MR fluid/silicone elastomer composites.
– Design of variable stiffness mechanisms.
– Design of assistive devices.

LEARNING GOALS

– Learn how to design and manufacture a soft robotic structure.
– Learn how to design and model variable stiffness mechanisms.
– Learn how to perform experimental characterizations.
– Learn how to design, fabricate, and test assistive devices.

Learn more about Professor Ranzani on his faculty page.