There is an increasing demand for more adaptable, mobile, and flexible robots in complex environments. In Zoom Lab, solutions focus on learning and controls algorithms and embedded intelligence in mechanical structures.
We explore designing novel robotic systems inspired by biology: Zoom in to understand the mechanisms of small scale physics of locomotion in different environments and build engineering prototypes that perform the motion we observe in nature. In order to achieve this, we search for multi-functional materials and develop fabrication strategies. Then we zoom out to utilize our findings in answering questions of biology, developing engineering systems such as novel actuators, and building robots for various applications areas including surgical robotics, search-and-rescue, multi-agent systems, and micromanipulation.
