Agostino Stili - Sophie Organ (Cancer.org)

Agostino Stilli

Title: Inflatable Variable Stiffness Soft Robots

Abstract:

Soft materials have opened new possibilities in robotics: the inherently soft mechanical structures and the low manufacturing costs are making soft robotics very promising for various applications. The advancement of soft material and multi-material 3D printing techniques are pushing the complexity of the design of these systems even further. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties and the morphology of these systems pose a significant challenge to their modelling and, hence, to their control. Moreover, the maximum stiffness of these structures based on rubber-like materials is typically too low to provide performance comparable to those of their rigid-linked counterparts in regard to exertable forces, accuracy and task repeatability.

In this talk, a novel design paradigm for stiffness-controllable soft robots will be presented. The proposed design takes inspiration from the antagonistic stiffening mechanism of muscles in nature, in which the balancing of two opposing contractile muscle forces allows to achieve infinite stable configurations. This research has led to contributions within the areas of industrial, surgical and rehabilitation robotics, showing how this novel design concept can be applied to effectively improve or replace a wide range of state-of-the-art robotic systems.

Sophie Organ, Research Engagement Manager, Cancer Research UK

Title: Cancer Research UK - Revealing Research through Public and Supporter Engagement with Data and Computer Labs

Abstract:

I will talk about my role, what Research engagement means, how researchers can participate and provide an example of engagement activities that we run. The Research Engagement team are also working on how we can use data science and dry labs to produce inspiring events and interactions and engage supporters / the public with cancer research.

We will then start a discussion about the following: how could CRUK bring to research at CMIC through hosting a computer-science based lab tour? What could the story be and how do could we make it compelling? What could we use to help people understand what is involved in dry lab research? Is it possible to develop an interactive activity which illustrates the cancer research being done at CMIC and which could become a part of our research engagement offer? Could we host engagement with the research on a large scale, e.g. which could be shared as part of a science festival or other major event?

Short bio: Sophie Organ is Cancer Research UK's (CRUK) Research Engagement Manager for Barts Cancer Institute, King's Health Partners and UCL. Sophie's role sits within the CRUK Research Engagement team, which focuses on bringing to life the pioneering research funded by CRUK, inspiring supporters and the public to support the charity and see the progress being made in cancer research. The team do this through working with researchers to deliver a range of events, local communications and media activities. These include centre lab tours, talks, research centre open days and hosting interactive demonstrations. Their work also emphasises cultural partnerships with organisations such as museums and festivals.