Developing Novel Material Platforms for Medical Soft Robotics

Soft robotics allows us to combine expertise in soft materials with traditional
robotics to explore new possibilities in a medical context. The wide range of
properties which are attainable using polymers makes them a good candidate
material for use in this emerging field.
To develop materials which are relevant for use in soft robotics, it will be key to
develop an understanding of the properties required for specific applications. To do
this, it will be necessary to use computational modelling techniques in order to
simulate the conditions in which materials will be used. A key challenge in this area
is the complexity associated with modelling the non-linear behaviour of soft
materials in response to mechanical stimuli. To complement computational studies,
characterisation of polymer materials using techniques including NMR
spectroscopy, LCMS spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, mechanical testing, and
electron microscopy will be used to understand how their structures can be
manipulated on multiple length scales in order to achieve the desired properties.
Once characterisation has identified the most suitable polymers, we will carry out
cell studies. When paired with quantitative volumetric Raman imaging, in which the
Stevens group has particular expertise, this approach provides a powerful toolset
with which to examine the efficacy of candidate materials in a biological context.
The objective of this body of research will be to identify novel materials which can
enable new use cases for soft robotics within a biomedical context. Developing an
understanding of the requisite properties for such materials, how they can be
processed and ultimately how they are translated to functioning robotic devices will
draw on knowledge from researchers within multiple disciplines, delivering novel
research which can drive development in medical soft robotics.