Speaker: Yong-Lae Park, Prof. of Mechanical Engineering, Soft Robotics & Bionics Lab at Seoul National University

Title: Shaping the Body of Soft Robots

Date and Time: Wednesday, August 7 at 12:00 PM CT

Location: Tech ME B211 and Zoom

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/CRBSeminar

? NU-authenticated attendees will be automatically admitted. Others, please email amy.nedoss@northwestern.edu to be admitted from the waiting room.

Abstract:

Soft robots, with their flexibility and adaptability, represent a significant advancement in robotics by closely mimicking the movements of biological systems. This talk explores recent technologies for designing and fabricating soft sensors and actuators, which are crucial for developing artificial skin and muscles for future robots. We will cover novel materials and fabrication methods that enhance the responsiveness of soft robots. Additionally, the potential of inflatable structures will be discussed, highlighting their importance in creating safe, human-interactive robots. By integrating these advanced components, we can develop a new generation of robots capable of seamless and safe interaction in human environments.

Bio:

Yong-Lae Park received the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA, in 2010. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea. Prior to joining SNU, he was an Assistant Professor in the Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (2013-2017) and a Technology Development Fellow in the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA (2010-2013). His research interests include artificial skin sensors and muscle actuators, soft robots, wearable robots, rehabilitation robots, and medical robots.

Prof. Park's papers on soft artificial muscles and skin were selected as cover articles in various journals, including Soft Robotics, Advanced Functional Materials, Advanced Intelligent Systems and the IEEE Sensors Journal, and his work on soft robots were featured in media, including Nature, Discovery News, New Scientist, PBS NOVA, and Reuters. Prof. Park is currently serving as Senior Editor in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, and Associate Editor in Soft Robotics and npj Robotics.