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Mechanical Engineering MS Thesis Defense by Rafsan Subad

When: Tuesday, June 7, 2022
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Description: Mechanical Engineering MS Thesis Defense by Rafsan Subad

DATE:
June 7, 2022

TIME:
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

LOCATION:
Charlton College of Business, Room 115 (CCB-115)

TOPIC:
Design of Cost-Effective Multimodal Shape and Force Sensing System for Underwater Soft Robotics

ABSTRACT:
The domain of underwater soft robotics has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with the ocean through robotic control. In order to perform a broad range of conformable object manipulation, developments in multi-modal sensing technologies are needed in the underwater realm of soft robotic end-effector development. However, concurrent tactile technologies have certain limitations over directional force and shape sensing. In particular, they are expensive, difficult to fabricate, and mostly unsuitable for underwater use. In this work, we propose a simple and cost-effective solution for a novel shape sensing algorithm and multi-directional force sensing system based on widely available and inexpensive piezo-resistive flex sensors. Both sensing systems are intended to be utilized in a soft robotic gripper which is fabricated to be employed for underwater applications in our lab. The shape sensing algorithm estimates the curvature of the soft gripper quite accurately based upon two-part compound radius flex-sensor readings embedded in each finger. We also make use of four flex sensors within a silicone-made hemispherical shell structure for the synthesis of a flexible multi-directional force sensing system to get the force readings. Each sensor was placed 90° apart and aligned with the curve of the hemispherical shape. If the force is applied on the top of the hemisphere all the flex sensors would bend uniformly and yield nearly identical readings. When force is applied from a different direction, a set of flex sensors would characterize distinctive output patterns to localize the point of contact as well as the direction and magnitude of the force. The deformation of the fabricated soft sensor due to applied force was simulated numerically and compared with the experimental results. The fabricated sensor was experimentally calibrated and tested for characterization including an underwater demonstration. The overall goal of this work is to demonstrate a viable conceptual design solution for waterproofed multi-modal sensing within the soft robotic design framework for a wide variety of underwater robotic applications.

ADVISOR:
Dr. Kihan Park, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, UMass Dartmouth

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
-Dr. Wenzhen Huang, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, UMass Dartmouth
-Dr. Caiwei Shen, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, UMass Dartmouth

Open to the public. All MNE students are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please contact Dr. Kihan Park (kihan.park@umassd.edu).

Thank you,

Sue Cunha, Administrative Assistant
Mechanical Engineering Department
UMass Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300

scunha@umassd.edu

508-999-8492
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