Research

Research — Integrated Sensing–Monitoring–Processing–Metrology

At LEAP Lab, laser-based micro/nano fabrication serves as a single core technology platform that we extend across every stage of a smart manufacturing pipeline — from sensing, to monitoring, to processing, to metrology. Rather than treating these as separate research efforts, we design each stage so that a laser-fabricated element sits at its center, creating a factory line where sensing, decision-making, and execution are all realized through the same underlying fabrication capability.

Sensing — Physical AI Tactile Sensor Fabrication
We fabricate tactile sensing elements for physical AI and robotic systems using laser-based micro/nano patterning, laser-induced graphene (LIG), and silver-nanowire (AgNW) patterning on PDMS. These techniques allow us to build flexible, high-sensitivity fingertip-level sensors that give a robotic hand the ability to perceive contact and force.

Monitoring — Edge AI-based Process Monitoring
Acoustic signals captured during machining are analyzed with manufacturing-AI models to distinguish normal operation from defects, and processed on a Jetson Nano-based edge-AI system for real-time tool-wear detection. This turns raw sound into an early-warning signal for process health, computed directly at the machine.

Processing — Laser Surface Treatment & Digital Twin
Our laser surface treatment work — including surface polishing of 3D-printed parts and laser shock peening — is paired with digital twin modeling, so that physical processing steps can be mirrored, monitored, and eventually optimized in a virtual environment alongside the real process.

Metrology — Quality Control Methodology
To close the loop, we quantify what we build: EFD-based analysis characterizes nanohole pattern geometry with high precision, while image-denoising techniques reduce cross-instrument noise, allowing measurements taken on different tools to be compared reliably.

Together, these four stages form a continuous research line — sense, monitor, process, and measure — all built on laser-based fabrication as the common thread.