Morphological Computation
Exploring wearable robots for the post-pandemic era
INT93-LS Summer 2021
Summer Research Academies at UCSB
Disciplines: Biomimicry, Computational Design, and Human-Computer Interaction.
Morphological computation, in soft robotics, is a broad concept that tries to connect the body (or mechanics), the brain (or controller), and the environment. In this course, we will focus on the emerging field of soft robotics, bring together research and applications of wearable technology, emphasizing the current issues of the post-pandemic era. We will introduce the concept of biomimicry in soft robotics and computational design using 3D digital modeling tools. Specific topics include body architecture, inflatable structure, origami robots, soft material, wearable sensory, embodied intelligence, machine learning, and control systems. By the end of the course, students will design, model, and build a digital wearable device and conclude by analyzing the human-robot interaction.
Instructor
Yin Yu
Research Teaching Assistant
Diarmid Flatley
Communication Teaching Assistant
Alanna Bartolini
Syllabus (UCSB's students access only)