Introduction

Promising recent developments in materials science and processing have enabled the efforts on the design and development of novel “artificial muscles”, using dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). These polymeric actuators are capable of sizable active strains (deformation of up to 300%) in response to electrical stimulus. They have interesting properties such as down-scalability, low cost, and may be used both as actuators and sensors. DEAs are activated by an external electric field and Coulomb forces. They require typically a high voltage (typically 10V/um) but are very simple.
Sample of DEAs in action can be viewed in our website as EAP actuators.

Objectives

Focus of this project is to develop a novel gripper which uses deformation of DEAs to grasp objects. The co-op student involved in this project may assist in some of the following tasks:

     1) Design and fabrication of gripper

     2) Fabrication of DEAs which include elastomer polymer casting, spray coating a conductive ink, attaching electrode pads. 

     3) Testing the manufactured DEA samples and experimentation with the gripper

     4) Measurements and data collection from the experiments, which are going to be used for analysis of the robotic gripper performance.

     5) Exploring new matarials for artificial muscle technology

The student will work with the assistance of graduate students and/or Post doctorate fellows.  This is great opportunity to learn about cutting edge materials and technologies.

Education

• Undergraduate in Mechatronics, Systems engineering, Biomedical engineering, or Engineering Physics.
• Previous coop experience desirable but not required.

Requirements

• Good hands on experience with CAD design, mechanical design and manufacturing. 
• Primary knowledge on chemical handling.
• Willing to work long hours in the lab to fabricate polymers, conductive coatings and test fabricated samples.
• Willing to explore and research on new methods and materials
• At least 100 credit hours 
• CGPA>3

Notes

1) Minimum honorarium is provided (exception: NSERC URSA);

2) The ideal candidate would like to contribute in applied research and be willing to work on a mechatronic project.

There is a strong possibility to be involved in the publication of a scientific article.