From Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2019
By utilizing adaptive features, smart materials can be built as sensors and actuators. Energy can be harvested from vibration and human motion. Piezoelectric and electromagnetic power generators were used to transform the mechanical energy from vibration and human motion into electrical energy. On the other hand, robotic exoskeletons that can assist people with impaired mobility have been developed. With the developed device, paralyzed individual can regain the ability to stand up and walk. Smart ankle-foot prostheses with compact cam-spring mechanism have also been implemented to help amputees walk with less effort while having more natural gait. Utilizing additive manufacturing into smart materials has led to 4D printing technology for creating structures that can change their shape and function on-demand and over time. Actuator units were designed and fabricated directly by printing fibers of shape memory polymers in flexible structures. They can serve as tubular stents and grippers for biomedical applications. In this talk, related research projects and key results will be presented.
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Wei-Hsin Liao, "Journey from energy harvesting and 4D printing to medical applications (Conference Presentation)," Proc. SPIE 10967, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XIII, 1096703 (Presented at SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation: March 06, 2019; Published: 29 March 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2514303.6020107658001.