Tommaso Ranzani

Variable Stiffness Soft Wearable Devices Using MR Fluids

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project will entail fabrication of variable stiffness structures that exploit the use of magnetorheological fluids encapsulated into soft robotic structures. Upon application of a magnetic field, the stiffness of the structure will be tuned.The student will then investigate the possibility to exploit this mechanism in the design of wearable devices for assistive applications.

LABORATORY MENTOR
Kevin McDonald 

RESEARCH GOALS
• Development of a technique to incorporate magnetically responsive fluids in soft robotic structures
• Characterization of stiffening capabilities of MR fluid/silicone elastomer composites
• Design of variable stiffness mechanisms
• Design of assistive devices

LEARNING GOALS
• Design and manufacture a soft robotic structure
• Design and model variable stiffness mechanisms
• Perform experimental characterizations
• Design, fabricate, and test assistive devices

TIMELINE
Weeks 1-3:  training on processes, learning design and manufacturing
Weeks 4-8: Design and testing
Weeks 9-10: Finalization and presentation of results

Learn more about Tommaso Ranzani on his faculty page.