專題演講 Seminar

2026/03/24(Tue) 11:00 -12:30 一樓演講廳 1F, Auditorium

Title

Odd active matter across scales: from living crystals to adaptive robotic swarms

Speaker

Dr. Tzer Han Tan (Department of Physics, UC San Diego, USA)

Abstract

Nonreciprocity in biological and synthetic active matter gives rise to distinctive material properties, including odd moduli, sustained wave propagation, and transverse responses. In this talk, I first highlight the odd elastodynamics that emerge in living chiral crystals composed of spinning starfish embryos. Combining experiments, theory, and simulations, we show that their formation, dynamics, and dissolution are governed by hydrodynamic interactions and development. These living crystals exhibit self-sustained oscillations and unconventional deformation responses consistent with predictions for odd elastic materials. Building on these insights, we develop a bioinspired robotic swarm with programmable nonreciprocal interactions.
By tuning interactions, the system transitions from solid-like to fluid-like states, with emergent oscillations and odd parity mechanical responses. We then incorporate decentralized, physics-aware information processing, enabling the swarm to adapt, navigate, and remain robust under perturbations. Together, these results show how combining nonreciprocal physics with local computation enables active matter with adaptive and programmable collective behavior.

Language

演講語言 (Language): in English

Hosted by

平岩徹也 副研究員
Hiraiwa, Tetsuya / Associate Research Fellow