Our lab is at the forefront of research in computational design, manufacturing, robotics, and computer graphics. We strive to innovate and develop advanced technologies that bridge the gap between digital and physical realms, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in modern manufacturing and design. Our interdisciplinary approach combines expertise in geometric computing, optimization, and modeling to solve complex engineering challenges and drive industrial advancements.
Status: On-going
Summary: Despite being called 3D printing, additive manufacturing is typically done in a 2.5D manner, leading to issues like weak inter-layer strength, excess material waste, and a staircase effect on surfaces. This method also limits the printing of anisotropically strong materials and printing on curved surfaces. Vector 3D Printing (Vec3DP), which extrudes materials in varied directions, can overcome these limitations. While hardware for multi-axis motion exists, there’s a lack of computational tools for generating optimized toolpaths for complex models. Our group is pioneering the creation of such a computational kernel, addressing challenges like increased problem complexity, the need for integrated optimization across design and manufacturing, and the non-differentiable nature of topological changes. Our goal is to develop a field-based computational kernel to advance Vec3DP.
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Status: On-going
Summary: The UK fashion industry contributes up to £35 billion annually to the economy. Future retail trends are shifting towards personalized products and experiences, increasing the need for bespoke design and fabrication in high street stores. Customizable 3D mannequins are essential for garment production and fitting. Soft robotic systems, made from deformable materials, offer more degrees of freedom than conventional rigid robots, allowing for the creation of diverse freeform shapes. This project aims to develop a deformable mannequin using soft robotics for customized garment production. It will feature pneumatically actuated chambers, optimized for individual body shapes, integrated with proprioceptive sensors for shape feedback. Control software will enable programmable morphing, and the mannequin will function in high-temperature steam environments. This innovation will boost the efficiency and productivity of the textile industry, support sustainable apparel production, and advance robotic technology in fashion.
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Status: Complete (2023)
Summary: To develop a solution that combines simplicity of 3D Printing and incredible capability of CNC milling for the next generation of digital manufacturing
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Our research in computational design and manufacturing focuses on developing innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency, robustness, and capabilities of modern manufacturing processes. Key areas include:
Geometric Computing for Additive Manufacturing: We develop advanced process planning methods to address the constraints of conventional 3D printing, such as the need for support structures. Our pioneering approach enables collision-free and support-free toolpaths in volumetric space, significantly improving the mechanical strength of 3D printed models. Check the 5XCAM tool, the result of a collaboration with 5AXISWORKS Ltd.
Highly Parallel Solid Modelling: We tackle the efficiency and robustness issues in modeling complex geometries by leveraging Layered Depth-Normal Images (LDNI) and the computational power of GPUs. Our work has led to the development of a solid modeling kernel that is both fast and robust, used in collaboration with leading research institutions and industries.
Personalised Product Design: We automate the design of ultra-personalized products that fit different human body shapes. Our techniques enable the automatic deformation of standard models to fit individual specifications, revolutionizing the design automation process for products requiring high levels of personalization.
Our research in soft robotics explores the design, fabrication, control, and motion planning of soft robots. These robots, made from flexible materials, can perform tasks in environments that are challenging for traditional rigid robots. Key projects include:
Our computational robotics research aims to optimize robot motion to enhance manufacturing quality. This includes developing algorithms for jerk optimization and singularity removal in 3D printing and machining processes, as well as optimizing general robot-based tasks such as grasping and vision-based guidance. These advancements help improve efficiency, precision, and the overall performance of robotic systems in manufacturing.
Our work in computer graphics and geometry underpins many of our innovations in manufacturing and design. We focus on developing new algorithms and techniques to represent, manipulate, and visualize complex geometric data. Key areas include:
Geometric Modelling: We create robust and efficient geometric modeling algorithms that support a wide range of applications, from biomedical engineering to personalized product design. Our work has received multiple awards and is recognized for its impact on both academia and industry.
Visualization and Simulation: We develop advanced visualization and simulation tools to aid in the design and manufacturing processes. These tools enable better understanding and optimization of complex systems, contributing to improved decision-making and efficiency in manufacturing workflows.
Our lab is equipped with a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities to support our research and development efforts:
The facilities include UR5e & UR10e robotic arms, a Revopoint MINI2 3D Scanner, an Artec Eva 3D Scanner, and a Vicon motion capture system with 8 cameras. The equipment facilities available at DML also include a dual robotic-arm manufacturing system (ABB IRB2600 + A250), a DELTA WASP 40100 LDM 3D printer, a desktop 5AxisMaker CNC/3DP machine, a Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D printer with AMS (Automatic Material System), a Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S 3D printer, and other 3-Axis FDM-based desktop 3D printers
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School of Engineering, UoM
