Multifunctional materials, in usable forms, will be the key enabler of the discrete sensor that can detect multiple signals at once, the actuator that recreates the sense of touch, and the energy harvester to power the electronics where other technologies can’t go.
Here, we study the device design and engineering needed to bring our novel responsive materials into practical applications in the areas of:
We develop advanced sensors for physical parameter detection, targeting integration into electronic skin, wearable devices, smart surfaces, structural electronics, and IoT systems. These sensors are designed to enable real-time interaction and control in automation and emerging technologies through reliable and adaptive sensing capabilities.
Novel haptic feedback devices that are mechanically flexible and conformal to curved shapes. We dream to pioneer ferroelectrets structurally integrated into soft robotic actuators, combining piezoelectric-like response, mechanical support, and responsive actuation in a single multifunctional platform.
We focus on developing compact micro-scale energy harvesters based on ferroelectret materials, optimized for low-frequency sources such as human motion and ambient vibrations. These devices are designed to operate where conventional harvesters fail, providing sustainable energy solutions for powering distributed microelectronics.