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Low-Voltage Soft Actuators for Developing Untethered Robotic Systems
We are building the next generation of HALVE (Hydraulically Amplified Low-Voltage Electrostatic) actuators which are flexible, pouch-based electrostatic actuators that operate at voltages 5–10× lower than traditional soft electrostatic systems. You will help us explore novel actuator geometries, ultra-thin functional layers, and new fabrication techniques to unlock scalable, energy-efficient soft robotic systems.
HALVE actuators are soft actuators powered by low voltages, designed for safe and scalable robotic applications. They use dielectric polymers and ultra-thin electrodes fabricated through vapor deposition and blade coating, sealed with a customized CNC technology.
We offer a wide range of topics for thesis and semester projects. Based on your interests, you can focus on material development, actuator design, experimental testing, or application-oriented integration. Projects will be highly hands-on, with access to cleanroom tools, mechanical and electrical testing equipment, and high-voltage electronics.
By the end of your project, you will have developed and tested your own HALVE actuator prototypes—and potentially helped define a new standard in soft actuation.
HALVE actuators are soft actuators powered by low voltages, designed for safe and scalable robotic applications. They use dielectric polymers and ultra-thin electrodes fabricated through vapor deposition and blade coating, sealed with a customized CNC technology.
We offer a wide range of topics for thesis and semester projects. Based on your interests, you can focus on material development, actuator design, experimental testing, or application-oriented integration. Projects will be highly hands-on, with access to cleanroom tools, mechanical and electrical testing equipment, and high-voltage electronics.
By the end of your project, you will have developed and tested your own HALVE actuator prototypes—and potentially helped define a new standard in soft actuation.
- Literature review on soft electrostatic actuators and materials
- Design of actuator geometry and electrode/dielectric layer stack
- Fabrication of thin functional films
- Experimental testing (force vs. strain, durability, etc.)
- Performance benchmarking and design iteration
- Application demo with integrated soft robotic system
- Literature review on soft electrostatic actuators and materials - Design of actuator geometry and electrode/dielectric layer stack - Fabrication of thin functional films - Experimental testing (force vs. strain, durability, etc.) - Performance benchmarking and design iteration - Application demo with integrated soft robotic system
**You ideally have:**
- Strong interest in soft robotics, materials, or actuator systems
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Experience in prototyping, fabrication, or electronics is a plus
- Familiarity with CAD, Python, or basic circuit design
- Knowledge of polymer materials and/or electrostatics
- Open to students from Mechanical, Electrical, Materials Engineering, or related fields
**You ideally have:**
- Strong interest in soft robotics, materials, or actuator systems
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Experience in prototyping, fabrication, or electronics is a plus
- Familiarity with CAD, Python, or basic circuit design
- Knowledge of polymer materials and/or electrostatics
- Open to students from Mechanical, Electrical, Materials Engineering, or related fields
