ROBOTIC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF NATURE-INSPIRED, TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZED, AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL SMART MATERIALS-BASED DESIGNS

This multidisciplinary research project pioneers a novel design and manufacturing framework that merges nature-inspired principles, multifunctional smart materials, and topology optimization with state-of-the-art robotic additive manufacturing technologies.

The project establishes a comprehensive methodology that draws from nature-inspired structures to create lightweight, structurally efficient, and highly functional components. It integrates advanced topology and field optimization techniques to reduce material use while maintaining mechanical performance in applications ranging from aerospace parts to smart consumer and artistic products. A central technological development is the design and implementation of a multi-axis robotic additive manufacturing system capable of hybrid deposition using both metal and polymer feedstocks. This includes the development of a custom laser-based metal wire deposition head and the generation of its trajectory..

In collaboration with a robotics enterprise partner, the project addresses key scientific and industrial challenges. It aims to translate academic research into practical, scalable solutions, leading to peer-reviewed publications, patents, and the foundation of a technology-based startup. Its long-term vision is to bridge industrial design aesthetics with engineering precision, enabling the next generation of customizable, sustainable, and multifunctional structural components.