Challenges to Developing Low Cost Robotic Systems

Departments: Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Time: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 - 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Type: Seminar Series
Presenter: Mark Yim, University of Pennsylvania
Room/Office: Room 107
Location:
Mason Lab
9 Hillhouse Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
United States
See map: Google Maps

Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science Fall Seminar Series 

"Challenges to Developing Low Cost Robotic Systems"

Mark Yim
University of Pennsylvania

Abstract: The promise of robot systems as initially imagined in science fiction is that of generic machines capable of doing a variety of tasks often mimicking humans. It turns out doing that can be very expensive and is keeping robotic systems from having impact in today's society. One of the challenges includes the perception of the pursuit of low cost more than "just engineering" and a science valued by academia. This talk will present some general principles towards designing low cost systems while also presenting specific examples of novel devices ranging from mechatronic components (sensors and actuators), robotic components (grippers) to full systems (flying systems). In each case we will present some practical examples of methods that can be applied today.

Bio: Mark Yim is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Department at the University of Pennsylvania. His group designs and builds small flying robots, self-assembling structures, modular self-reconfigurable robots. Recently, his work has followed a theme of simplicity and low cost. His other research interests include product design, reactive art and architecture, origami, snake locomotion, urban search and rescue and mobile manipulation. Prior to Penn, he was Principal Scientist at the Palo Alto Research Center (formerly Xerox PARC). Honors include the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (UPenn's highest teaching honor); induction as a World Technology Network Fellow; and induction to MIT's TR100 in 1999. He has over 200 publications and patents issued (perhaps the most prominent patents are related to the video game vibration control which resulted in over US$100 million in litigation and settlements). He has started two companies, one in robotics and one medical device company.

Host: Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio