4D Printing: AI-driven Additive Manufacturing of Functional Composites

Additive manufacturing is well-known for its ability to place a wide variety of materials at precise locations in 3D space with very few limitations on geometrical complexity. Recent advances in active, shape morphing materials have enabled the design of structures which can change their shape or function in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, or water. By combining smart/active materials and 3D printing, a new paradigm of 4D printing can be realized where printed objects can behave in carefully pre-programmed ways to achieve target functions, directly after printing. The complex shape design offered by 3D printing can be leveraged to generate active composites for soft actuators, biomedical devices, or energy harvesters with previously unseen complexity. This talk will focus on the design and 3D printing of shape morphing materials to create active composites such as soft robots or drug delivery systems. The talk will also explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for 3D printing. Specifically, how machine learning and genetic algorithms can be leveraged to design objects in complex design spaces or create autonomous, self-correcting AM approaches towards the future of manufacturing.

Speaker: Devin Roach, Oregon State University

Room 3110