Description du projet
Des modèles pour concevoir des structures physiques se mouvant de manière réaliste
Les progrès réalisés dans le domaine des technologies de fabrication additive (FA) ont permis de concevoir des objets exceptionnellement complexes en utilisant une gamme de matériaux en constante expansion, ouvrant ainsi un vaste champ de possibilités passionnantes. Toutefois, ces progrès sont également à l’origine d’un écart qui ne cesse de se creuser entre ce qui peut être produit et ce qui peut être conçu. Le projet 3DPBio, financé par l’UE, entend optimiser l’exploitation des immenses possibilités de conception offertes par les technologies FA en établissant un pont entre l’animation et la fabrication assistées par ordinateur. À cette fin, il développera les bases informatiques et mathématiques nécessaires à la conception algorithmique de structures physiques pouvant produire des mouvements réalistes. Ces travaux permettront d’élaborer de nouvelles solutions pour des conceptions numériques reposant sur les algorithmes susceptibles d’être transformées en formes de vie mécaniques par la simple pression d’un bouton.
Objectif
"Bridging the fields of Computer Animation and Computational Fabrication, this proposal will establish the foundations for algorithmic design of physical structures that can generate lifelike movements. Driven by embedded actuators, these types of structures will enable an abundance of possibilities for a wide array of real-world technologies: animatronic characters whose organic motions will enhance their ability to awe, entertain and educate; soft robotic creatures that are both skilled and safe to be around; patient-specific prosthetics and wearable devices that match the soft touch of the human body, etc. Recent advances in additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are particularly exciting in this context, as they allow us to create designs of unparalleled geometric complexity using a constantly expanding range of materials. And if past developments are an indication, within the next decade we will be able to fabricate physical structures that approach, at least at the macro scale, the functional sophistication of their biological counterparts. However, while this unprecedented capability enables fascinating opportunities, it also leads to an explosion in the dimensionality of the space that must be explored during the design process. As AM technologies keep evolving, the gap between ""what we can produce"" and ""what we can design"" is therefore rapidly growing.
To effectively leverage the extraordinary design possibilities enabled by AM, 3DPBio will develop the computational and mathematical foundations required to study a fundamental scientific question: how are physical deformations, mechanical movements and overall functional capabilities governed by geometric shape features, material compositions and the design of compliant actuation systems? By enabling computers to reason about this question, our work will establish new ways to algorithmically create digital designs that can be turned into mechanical lifeforms at the push of a button."
Champ scientifique
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternetinternet of things
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringroboticssoft robotics
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringadditive manufacturing
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologyimplants
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
ERC-COG - Consolidator GrantInstitution d’accueil
8092 Zuerich
Suisse