MSE Talks: Jie Yin

Speaker: Dr. Jie Yin, North Carolina State University

Title: Physically Intelligent Soft Machines

Abstract:Different from neuron-based computational intelligence through the brain, physical intelligence leverages structural designs and smart materials to physically encode sensing, actuation, control, adaption, and decision-making into the body of an agent. The stimuli-responsive body materials can enable autonomous sensory, actuation, powering, and other physical intelligence functions. The structural designs of soft body can simplify the required actuation for deformation and motion, as well as enable real-time feedback control-free locomotion and self-adaption.

In this talk, I will discuss our recent work in embodying mechanical intelligence of structural designs and materials intelligence of soft active materials such as liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) in soft robotics for achieving autonomy and intelligence without the need for brain. First, I will talk about how to leverage simple twisted LCE ribbons for an intelligent soft robot that is capable of self-navigating through simple and complex mazes without any on-board or external control. Then, I will discuss examples of integrating structural designs with soft active materials for achieving both autonomous periodic and non-periodic motions in complex unstructured environments.

Bio:Dr. Jie Yin is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State University. Prior to join NC State, he was an Assistant and Associate Professor at Temple University. Dr. Yin received his Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from Columbia University. He is the recipient of the Cozzarelli Prize from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), NSF Career Award, and Extreme Mechanics Letters (EML) Young Investigator Award. His group’s current research focuses on mechanics guided design of soft robotics, mechanical metamaterials, and shape-morphing functional materials for sustainability.

When 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Friday, April 5, 2024
Location EMB 105, 15 St. Mary's St.