Biomimetics
- Group leader
- Dr Iain Anderson
- Associate researchers
- Dr Emilio Calius, Industrial Research Ltd
- Dr Shane Xie, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Graduate students
- Mr Todd Gisby
- Mr Thomas McKay
- Mr Ben O’Brien
- Mr Scott Walbran
Overview
Biomimetics is the imitation of natural systems to solve problems and develop new technology. It is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and robotics industries, where it can inspire lucrative advances in the fields.
The Biomimetics Group is committed to the creation of new technology through biomimicry. The lab has a strong focus on artificial muscle (technically known as Dielectric Elastomers) for the healthcare and prosthetics industries.
Artificial muscle has similar characteristics to real muscle, although it is forty times more powerful by weight. The lab is researching artificial muscle fabrication processes, incorporation of artificial muscle into hierarchical systems, such as artificial cilia or real muscle, control and sensing of artificial muscle, human-artificial muscle interfacing, and implementation of artificial muscle into health care and prosthetic products.
Recent publications
- McKay, T. G., Towards a Wearable Contractile Dielectric Elastomer Actuator, M.E. Thesis, The University of Auckland, 2006
- McKay, T. G., Calius, E.P. and Anderson, I.A., Modelling a Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Based on the McKibben Muscle, Smart Structures And Materials 2007: Electroactive Polymer Actuators And Devices (EAPAD), 2007
- O'Brien, B., Thode, J., Anderson, I.A., Calius, E.P., Haemmerle, E. and Xie, S., Integrated extension sensor based on resistance and voltage measurement for a dielectric elastomer, Smart Structures And Materials 2007: Electroactive Polymer Actuators And Devices (EAPAD), 2007
- Xie, S., Ramson, P., Graaf, D., Calius, E.P. and Anderson, I.A., An Adaptive Control System for Dielectric Elastomers, IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology 2005, 2005
Funding sources
- VCUDF
- IRL
Collaborators
- PERC