Faculty News
An Improved Quality of Life Carmel Majidi Develops Wearable Robotics That Overcome Disabilities
Assistant Professor Carmel Majidi is the newest faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He brings a unique focus on the emerging fields of soft robotics and active multifunctional materials that will add diversity to MechE—while complementing the Department’s
existing capabilities in biomechanics. Prior to joining MechE in September, Majidi was a postdoctoral fellow in the Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory (2009-2011) and the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials (2007-2009). He holds a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University (2001), as well as an M.S. (2004) and a Ph.D. (2007) from the University of California at Berkeley. Both his graduate degrees are in Electrical Engineer- ing and Computer Sciences. With 20 journal articles, four patents, and 17 speaking engage- ments at international conferences, Majidi is a recognized expert in soft materials properties and function- ality. In his current research, he is applying his solid mechanics and microfabrication insights to an exciting new field: the development of wearable robotics that aid in human motion.
Building Robotics for the Human Body Wearable devices and soft skins that interact with the human body represent a fast-growing area of biomechanics. These leading-edge systems can assist humans with motor impairments by providing stability, motility, and control. Majidi is at the forefront of this novel research area. “The next generation of autonomous robots, assistive medical devices, and electronics will include systems that are soft, elastically deformable, and adapt their functionality to the changing demands of both their operator and their environment,” says Majidi. “The successful development of these devices depends on creating new classes of
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multifunctional materials and soft machines for stretchable electronics, elastomer-based pneumatics, hyperelastic defor- mation sensing, and reversible shape and rigidity control.” In his Soft Machines Laboratory at MechE, Majidi will focus on overcoming these emerging challenges through a unique combination of rapid prototyping, soft-lithography microfabrication, and theoretical insights from solid me- chanics. This includes innovations in liquid-embedded elastomer electronics (LE3) for stretchable sensors, circuits, and wearable computing. He will be assisted in his research by MechE doctoral students Daniel Tepayotl-Ramirez and Andrew Fassler. The end products of Majidi’s research will be electronics, machines, and wearable devices that have no rigid parts— yet provide extreme stability and control for people with physical impairments.
“My work brings together robotics technologies with rubbers, elasto- mers, and fluids to create biomedi- cal devices that really mesh with the natural mechanics of the human body,” says Majidi. “Their soft, pliable construction will make them extremely comfortable on the skin and around the joint locations.”
Majidi will make “electronic skins” by embedding microchannels of conductive fluid into millimeter-thin films of rubber. In contrast to conventional micro- electronics and sensors, these materials will be as soft and stretchable as natural skin—stretching 5x while remaining electrically functional.
Carnegie Mellon: A Natural Fit In weighing his options for his first academic appointment, Majidi was immediately drawn to Carnegie Mellon. “The quality of the research
being done in MechE is a natural magnet for talented students who can work in my laboratory, as well as world- class faculty that I can collaborate with,” says Majidi. “The Department is known for its excellent work in both engineer- ing and robotics. And Carnegie Mellon’s global reputation speaks for itself.” In addition, Majidi—a native of Delaware—was instantly drawn to the attractions of Pittsburgh. “I have always liked Pittsburgh,” he says. “I think it’s one of the few cities that combines an urban environment with the beauty of nature. You can really enjoy the best of both worlds here.”•
CARNEGIE MECH
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