Electrically Actuated Metamaterials

To improve the performance of metamaterials, electrical actuation can be used to change the behaviour and performance of different metamaterials. This can include creating positive and negative Poisson ratios, increasing the surface area of gripping systems and creating electroadhesive surfaces for grasping different sizes of objects. In our lab, we are focused on every aspect from theory to design and have secured grant funding to undertake research in the design of a robotic gripper that can conform to surfaces and increase its frictional coefficient.