The Faboratory

Undergraduate students

The Faboratory is hiring summer 2023 interns for the projects listed below. Applicants should note that we only have funding for undergraduate students who are US citizens or permanent residents.

Twitch Plays Soft Robotics (TPSR). Soft robotics is a growing area of research where unconventional robots leverage their soft bodies for increased robustness and adaptability. To bring cutting-edge soft robotics research to a broader audience, the researcher will continue the development of an interactive livestream, Twitch Plays Soft Robotics. Users on Twitch will be able to control soft robots remotely and in real time.

Electromigration Failure in Liquid Metals. Many soft robots rely on liquid metals as stretchable electrical conductors. However, at high currents, liquid metals are especially prone to failure due to electromigration. The researcher will investigate and empirically characterize different strategies to mitigate electromigration failure in liquid metals.

Tensegrity Impact Testing. Tensegrity robots are noted for their high strength-to-weight ratios and ability to survive harsh impacts. However, tensegrity structures have a large design space, and roboticists do not know a priori how robust to impacts different designs will be. The researcher will investigate the impact resistance of different tensegrity topologies in order to inform future robot designs.

Amphibious Robotic Turtle Development. We are developing an amphibious turtle-inspired robot with limbs that morph between leg/flipper shapes to accomplish more efficient multi-environment locomotion. The researcher will aid the development of the next generation of this robot by contributing to fabrication, testing, and control tasks. Candidates with experience in ROS, motor control, and machine learning are highly encouraged to apply.

To apply, fill out this application form, which includes uploading: (1) a brief cover letter stating what you hope to gain from this research experience, and (2) your CV or resume.

Graduate students

Prospective graduate students should apply to the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. Please specify interest in working with Professor Kramer-Bottiglio in your application. The Faboratory typically adds 1-2 graduate students each year.

Postdocs

The Faboratory is always seeking highly motivated postdocs to join our team. Applicants should have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, and a proven track record of high-impact publications. Applicants with expertise in soft active materials are especially encouraged. To apply, email a single PDF document to rebecca.krameryale.edu, containing: (1) a one-page cover letter with a statement of research goals, (2) a CV, (3) at most, three representative research papers, and (4) names and contact information for at least three references.