AEM Solid Mechanics Research Seminar: Brad Holschuh

Applications for Shape Memory Materials in Wearable Soft Robotics

In this talk, I will discuss applications for shape memory materials in wearable soft robotics featuring ongoing work in the UMN Wearable Technology Lab (WTL). I will specifically cover shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator development, garment integration, and systems design to enable mechanically dynamic garments: garments that can constrict, stiffen, topographically deform, or otherwise physically transform to provide benefit to the wearer. These wearable robotic systems have applications in aerospace systems, medical devices, accessibility solutions, and everyday clothing.

Professor Brad Holschuh is a Distinguished Professor of UX Design, Co-Director of the UMN Wearable Technology Laboratory, and Director of Graduate Studies of both the Design Graduate Program and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Program, College of Design, University of Minnesota.