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Inspired by Metamorphosis, Researchers Create Materials For Shape-Shifting Architecture

mechanical and aerospace engineering

Ankit Negi holds a PMN-PT crystal, like those used in the research. Standing with him is study co-author Hwang Pill Kim.

Feb 22, 2023

Study Offers Details on Using Electric Fields to Tune Thermal Properties of Ferroelectric Materials

The work allows engineers to manipulate the flow of heat through ferroelectric materials, which are used in many devices. 
illustration shows cross-section of a clogged blood vessel, with blue lines representing the vortex ultrasound clearing the clot

Jan 23, 2023

New Tool Uses Ultrasound ‘Tornado’ to Break Down Blood Clots

The new tool was designed to reduce health risks for patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. 
image contains four photos with various angles on the complex sensor described in the attached story

Jan 3, 2023

Researchers Demonstrate New Strain Sensors in Health Monitoring, Machine Interface Tech

The new stretchable strain sensor that has an unprecedented combination of sensitivity and range. 
image includes six photos of circuits printed on curved surfaces, including a contact lens

Nov 21, 2022

Technique Prints Flexible Circuits on Curved Surfaces, From Contact Lenses to Latex Gloves

The printing technique paves the way for a variety of new soft electronic technologies. 
black and white image shows a gloved hand holding a small winged robot; small images on the side show the robot going through a range of motions, similar to swimming

Nov 18, 2022

‘Butterfly Bot’ is Fastest Swimming Soft Robot Yet

These energy-efficient soft robots can swim more than four times faster than previous swimming soft robots. 
twisted loop of transparent fiber pulls a sled-like object across a grey surface

Nov 15, 2022

Autonomous Crawling Soft ‘Ringbots’ Can Navigate Narrow Gaps

The ring-shaped soft robot crawls across surfaces when exposed to elevated temperatures or infrared light. 
beads of water on a slick surface

Oct 10, 2022

Study Opens Door to New Class of Slippery, Water-Loving Surfaces

The work runs counter to conventional wisdom regarding slippery materials, and suggests a new area of research for the field. 
twisted clear polymer "soft robot" lies next to a rotini pasta noodle

May 23, 2022

Twisted Soft Robots Navigate Mazes Without Human Or Computer Guidance

The soft robots demonstrate a concept called "physical intelligence." 
Baugh seen from the side, working at his lab bench.

Feb 1, 2022

Soft Materials Are an Interdisciplinary Game-Changer

At NC State, transformative research into soft material occurs in numerous colleges and departments. 
three separate images show a gripping device holding an egg yolk

Jan 26, 2022

Kirigami Robotic Grippers Are Delicate Enough to Lift Egg Yolks

The work has applications for both soft robotics and biomedical technologies. 
six still images show how a strip of material moves in response to changing temperatures

Dec 13, 2021

Technique Speeds Up Thermal Actuation for Soft Robotics

A new design for thermal actuators allows rapid movement in soft robotic devices. 
NC State Memorial Belltower

Nov 29, 2021

Erik Dixon Named to Board of Trustees

An alumnus of the College of Engineering who is helping connect rural areas of North Carolina is the newest member of NC State's governing board. 
A person holds two small blocks of silver metal foam.

Nov 3, 2021

Composite Metal Foam on Its Way to Influencing Market

Afsaneh Rabiei's composite metal foam can be used in numerous industries, and it has the potential to save lives. 
computer-generated image of what the inside of St. Paul's Cathedral would have looked like in 1622, looking up from the floor toward the vaulted ceiling in the cathedral's tower

Oct 5, 2021

Recreating the Sights and Sounds of 17th Century London

The project helps us place the art, literature and history of the period into context. 
photo shows four different structures: a rectangle made up of many small cubes, which can turn into two different complex structures, one of which can turn into a large structure with cubes joined at the corners, with gaps between them.

Sep 8, 2021

Inspired by Metamorphosis, Researchers Create Materials For Shape-Shifting Architecture

The researchers envision applications ranging from construction to robotics.