Imagine a world where the materials and objects we interact with can adapt and transform, as if they were alive. Advanced materials present compelling opportunities and challenges for Design and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). By integrating sensors, actuators, and control systems, we can develop robotic material interfaces in various forms, such as coatings and structures, suitable for everyday use. Applications include interactive surfaces, wearables, smart textiles and shape-changing interfaces.
The discovery of advanced materials in Design-HCI has sparked novel research into their dynamic form and adaptive behaviors. The focus has evolved from purely functional aspects to exploring shape, material, and movement, vastly expanding the design possibilities of these systems. Interaction design now requires new fabrication tools and methodologies to unlock novel functionalities and interactions.
Harnessing the power of heat, light, or electric fields, Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) can reversibly change their size, shape, and optical properties. With thermoplastic LCEs, designers now have access to a versatile actuator that is both re-processable and recyclable. This advancement enables the creation of customized, intricate 3D structures through fabrication and assembly methods, such as 3D/4D printing, injection molding, casting and thermoforming. These methods allow for finer-grained manipulation of material behaviors, paving the way for novel form-factors to scale into applications.
You will engage in hands-on prototyping with thermoplastic LCEs for robotic material interfaces, facilitating knowledge transfer between Industrial Design and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. Your work will lead to the creation and development of new interactions with LCEs, with a focus on fabrication and developing interdisciplinary research methods.
Key Areas of Research:
Candidate Profile:
We are looking for candidates with a strong background in design, human-computer interaction, chemistry, or related fields. Experience with design prototyping and fabrication (e.g., 3D/4D printing, injection molding, casting and thermoforming) will be advantageous. This position is a collaboration between the Interactive Matters Cluster, department of Industrial Design and the Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD) Group, department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology. Depending on the stage of the project, you will spend time at the department of Industrial Design and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, ensuring embedding in both departments and interaction with team members that have experience in advanced materials, soft robotics and interaction design.
The SFD Group develops responsive polymers and integrates them into devices to address challenges in sustainable energy, healthcare, and personal comfort. The group is internationally recognized for a complete chain-of-knowledge approach spanning from synthesis to device fabrication. In their view, integration of newly-developed polymers into devices that employ their functionality is essential for demonstrating scientific and economic value. The team expertise includes prototype manufacturing and testing, using top-down methods like 3D printing, and bottom-up strategies such as the self-assembly of liquidcrystals. This combination of techniques allows them to create stimuli responsive materials with diverse molecular architectures and functionalities. www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/stimuli-responsive-functional-materials-devices.
The Interactive Matters Cluster of the Industrial Design Department at TU/e focuses on tangible and embodied Interaction, as well as Aesthetics of Interaction. This cluster takes embodiment and aesthetics to the next level by incorporating advanced technologies such as advanced materials, sensing, signal processing, and artificial intelligence. The cluster explores the benefits of Embodied Intelligence by creating tangible multimodal experiences to support the interaction of humans and non-humans with their connected smart environments. The candidate will join the Material Aesthetics lab that works at the cross-section of interaction design, biology, robotics, and material science. Researchers at the lab develop and investigate tools and methods through the design and (co-) creation of experience prototypes. www.materialaesthetics.com.
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
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Application
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