Our research originates from the core theme of exploiting the vast potential of stimuli-responsive (or smart) materials, in particular piezoelectrics and shape memory alloys, in applications from instrumentation to structures. In particular, we are interested in the intelligent design of robotic and mechatronic systems through the understanding of responsive materials, the development of dynamic models, the discovery of new fabrication techniques, and the use of advanced control.

Responsive materials (or smart materials) are materials that can change their properties based on an external stimulus or input. For instance, piezoelectric materials are responsive materials that expand or contract due to the application of an electrical stimulus. Piezoelectric materials also exhibit the opposite effect, when pressure is applied to the material it will generate an electrical signal. Hence, piezoelectric materials can be used in both actuation and sensing applications. On the other hand for example are shape memory alloys, which are materials that exhibit the shape memory effect. This refers to the ability of the material to remember a specific shape. After it is deformed, the application of heat will cause the material to respond and return to its initial shape.
Our main research area lies in the use of smart materials to create robotic and mechatronics systems. Very broadly, we are interested in: smart materials and structures; compliant mechanisms; finite element analysis; parallel robotics; responsive material models; applications of control theory; piezoelectric actuators; shape memory alloys; and bioinspired robotics.
The Responsive Materials & Robotics Laboratory (RMR LAB) was started in 2019 and is currently based in the Petrie Science and Engineering Building Room 425 for test and verification (and limited fabrication) while Room 027 - the fabrication lab - is currently being renovated. Our current facilities include a CO2 laser, 3D printers, fume hood, furnaces, press, microscopes, high voltage and current power supplies, high-speed camera, load cells, linear motion stages, laser displacement sensor, and a dedicated real-time computer with data acquisition system.
