Project description
Models for designing physical structures with lifelike movements
Advances in additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have made it possible to create exceptionally complex designs using a constantly expanding range of materials, giving rise to fascinating opportunities. However, this has also resulted in a rapidly growing gap between what can be produced and what can be designed. The EU-funded 3DPBio project aims to take advantage of the amazing design possibilities that AM technologies have created by bridging the fields of computer animation and computational fabrication. To this end, it will develop the computational and mathematical foundations for the algorithmic design of physical structures that can generate lifelike movements. This work will establish new ways to algorithmically create digital designs that can be turned into mechanical lifeforms at the push of a button.
Objective
"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."
Fields of science
- 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)
Funding Scheme
ERC-COG - Consolidator GrantHost institution
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland