CAREER: Biologically-Inspired Integrated Sensors for Robotics Applications

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Sensor development is an extremely costly and time-consuming process at the present time. Integrated sensors based on unique performance specifications and low volume needs are unavailable for robotics use despite the advancement in sensor technologies. The full potential of integrated sensors in robotics applications is not realized. The PI proposes to introduce an artificial hair cell, which is inspired by biological hair cell receptors, as a modular building block for a variety of sensors. The broadobjective is to establish a radical sensor architecture and a new approach for the efficient development of integrated sensors for robotics applications. Specific objectives of this research project are: (1) to establish the design principles, fabrication processes, and material expertise for individual hair cell sensors and to assess and optimize their mechanical characteristics; (2) to implement artificial hair cells in twoexemplary sensor systems - a gyroscopic and an artificial lateral-linesensor for underwater robots. Excellence in education will be vigorously pursued in the PI's career. During the period of this award, the PI plans to undertake fourinitiatives including (1) a new undergraduate/graduate curriculum in thearea of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS); (2) a new MEMS class as an integral component of a joint Master of Engineering degree program to educate professionals; (3) an education outreach program that encourages high-school students to explore; (4) outreach activities. It is anticipated that these developments will significantly enrich and strengthen the educational programs in the University of Illinois and the community.