My dissertation covered the topic of soft robotics, specifically soft sensing with polyvinyl-chloride based gels. These novel materials were characterized for mechanoelectrical response as well as studied in artificial skin applications. Additional research has been conducted on other materials in this fiedl such as piezoelectrics, hydraulically amplified self healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators, and electrohydraulic actuators powered by induced interfacial charge (EPIC). This research is outlined below in academic journal and conference publications. Work is still being conducted in this field at the Active Materials and Smart Living Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
This work provides a foundation for novel polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based smart sensors, and is comprised of:
Mechanoelectrical Characterization
Theoretical Framework
Multiphysics Modeling
Artificial Skin Application
Soft Robotics in Rehabilitation discusses the inherent advantages of using soft robotics in rehabilitation due to increased dynamic comliance and impedance matching. This also includes personal work on pneumatic networks which have been used for enahncing hand dexterity with compliant rehabilitative gloves.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128185384000034
Justin Neubauer, H. Jeremy Cho, and Kwang Kim
Smart Materials and Structures (2022)
https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/ac9a8f
Justin Neubauer, Zakai Olsen, Zackary Frank, Taeseon Hwang, and Kwang Kim
Smart Materials and Structures (2021)
Ye Rim Lee, Justin Neubauer, Kwang Kim, and Youngsu Cha
Sensors (2020)
Taeseon Hwang, Zackary Frank, Justin Neubauer, and Kwang Kim
Scientfic Reports (2019)
Nazanin Minaian, Justin Neubauer, and Kwang Kim
SPIE Smart Structures + Non-destructive Evaluation (2023)
Daniel Fisher, Abdul Sennain, John Faccinto, Justin Neubauer, and Kwang Kim
SPIE Smart Structures + Non-destructive Evaluation (2023)
John Faccinto, Daniel Fisher, Abdulkarem Sennain, Justin Neubauer, and Kwang Kim
SPIE Smart Structures + Non-destructive Evaluation (2023)
Abdul Sennain, Danielisher, Justin Neubauer, and Kwang Kim
6th International Conference on Active Materials and Smart Mechatronics (2022)
John Faccinto, Daniel Fisher, Adbul Sennain, Justin Neubauer, and Kwang Kim
6th International Conference on Active Materials and Smart Mechatronics (2022)
John Faccinto, Justin Neubauer, Alex Washington, and Kwang Kim
1st Annual Competitive Research Award Workshop (2022)
A soft robotic glove was developed for glovebox workers to increase hand dexterity and safety. This device was powered via stacked PVC gel actuators for dynamic impedance matching to the human hand and also provided constant feedback via PVC gel sensors. This device is still in development for the Savannah River National Laboratory and the Department of Energy.