Description
Background
Artificial intelligence allows robotic machines to autonomously adapt to their environments and perform complex tasks. However, micro- and nanomachines cannot accommodate the bulky computational units required for such intelligence. Instead, the intelligence of these small-scale machines, including their ability to sense, control, and adapt, must arise from their physical structures through various responsive mechanisms. Despite significant progress in this area, the integration of diverse types of intelligence into micromachines remains largely unexplored.
This project aims to develop a versatile bottom-up strategy to create intelligent micromachines with multiple responsive capabilities. The outcomes of this project will address fundamental questions in robotics and advance the development of intelligent micromachines for sophisticated biomedical and environmental applications.
The following experience or skills would be ideal but not necessary:
- Experience or knowledge in microfluidic devices.
- Prior experience in chemistry lab.
- Know-how in hydrogel synthesis.
Goal
- Manipulation of droplet-generation microfluidic systems. (~ 1 month)
- Develop microfabrication process to produce micromachines from different responsive polymers. (~ 3 months)
- Investigate and test the fabricated intelligent micromachines under different environmental cues. (~ 2 months)
Reference
M. Hu et al. “Multi-compartment supracapsules made from nano-containers towards programmable release.” Materials Horizons 9.6 (2022): 1641-1648.
Curious? Please contact minghu@ethz.ch (Dr. Minghan Hu, Ambizione group leader).
About Multi-Scale Robotics Lab
This project is part of an Ambizione grant funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The Master student will work directly under the supervision of the Ambizione grantee, Dr. Minghan Hu.
