Variable-Stiffness and Shape-Morphing Architected Materials

Architected lattices are materials that derive their properties from the selection of both their constitutive materials and the geometry of their micro- and meso-structure. Most existing architected lattices are intrinsically passive, with properties fixed once manufactured. These limit their applications in areas where material adaptivity and tunability are required. In contrast, the tight coupling of shape transformation and stiffness tuning in biological organisms have long served as inspiration for next-generation smart material design. In this talk, I will present the development of architected materials whose mechanical properties and geometry can be controlled and adapted to varying environmental conditions. First of all, I will demonstrate a structured fabric with interlocking particles that has controllable stiffness and reconfigurable shape, which can be used for wearable robotics. Then, I will present a robotic structure from architected particle assemblies that combine shape-morphing, stiffness variation and self-sensing into one monolithic body. These works open routes towards creating the next generation of architected materials that mimics the functions of biological organisms and adapt to varying environmental conditions.