Daniel Aukes
Associate Professor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks
Daniel Aukes is an Associate Professor and the director of the IDEAlab. His research investigates the nexus of design, manufacturing, and data-driven decision-making to develop robots that can operate in niche environments, with a focus on affordability and accessibility. IDEALab projects focus on new tools for designing robots by pairing emerging fabrication techniques and new materials with analytical and simulation-based methods for understanding the behavior of complex systems.
Spring 2025
Harshavardhan Karancheti
Robotics and autonomous systems
Advanced Contact Mechanism for Robot Ankles
A robot that adapts its gait to any terrain, seamlessly switching between four-legged stability and two-legged agility with durable design.
Program: MORE
Mayukh Debnath
Robotics and autonomous systems
Low-Cost Origami-Inspired Robot for Adaptive Navigation Using a Flexible Spine in Constrained Environments
A low-cost, origami-inspired quadruped with a flexible spine for agile navigation in tight spaces — ideal for rescue and exploration.
Program: MORE
Jeevan Hebbal Manjunath
Robotics and autonomous systems
Adaptive Quadruped with Sensor Fusion for Precise Multi-Sensor Data Collection and Analysis
Advancing autonomous robotics with a sensor-fused quadruped for precise data collection, navigation, and parameter estimation.
Program: MORE
Fall 2022
Eric Christopher Nelson
Engineering (mechanical systems)
The Application of Four Bar Linkages in a Passive Robotic Balancing Mechanism
Creating a passive robotic balancing mechanism can help teach students basic robotics.
Program: FURI
Viraj Bharatraj Kanchan
Robotics and autonomous systems
Adapting Mass Manufacturing Methods to Develop Living Hinges for Foldable Robotics
Studying the effects of material selection and varying hinge geometries on a compliant foldable mechanism will lower the barrier of entry into foldable robotics.
Program: MORE
Summer 2022
Eric Christopher Nelson
Engineering (mechanical systems)
The Application of Four Bar Linkages in a Passive Robotic Balancing Mechanism
Creating a passive robotic balancing mechanism can help teach students basic robotics.
Program: FURI
Spring 2021
Erick Duarte
Engineering (robotics)
Development and Validation of a Custom Soft-Body FEA Simulator for Rapid Prototyping
Systems that automate the iterative process of concept design will help people create better robots in less time.
Program: FURI
Anson Kwan
Engineering (robotics)
Testing Method of Soft Actuator
Designing a platform that can test the stiffness of soft joint actuators will allow for a better understanding of the limitations of these joints.
Program: FURI
Fall 2020
Anson Kwan
Engineering (robotics)
Testing Method of Soft Actuator
Designing a platform that can test the stiffness of soft joints will allow for better understanding of the limitations of these joints to be applied on the human body.
Program: FURI
Erick Duarte
Engineering (robotics)
Development and Validation of a Custom Soft-Body FEA Simulator for Rapid Prototyping
Testing a custom simulator to validate its results with a real-life counterpart will help optimize workflow from idea to creation.
Program: FURI
Anson Kwan
Engineering (robotics)
Testing Method of Soft Actuator
Designing a platform that can test the stiffness of soft joints will allow for better understanding of the limitations of these wearable robotic systems.
Program: FURI
Spring 2020
Cole Brauer
Engineering
Automated Design of Graded Material Transitions for Educational Robotics Applications
Studying the performance impact of computer-generated material transitions will allow for the design of stronger educational robot components.
Program: MORE
Fall 2019
Mannat Rana
Engineering (robotics)
Soft Robotic Elephant Trunk
Studying how to create a soft robotic elephant trunk will lead to greater degrees of motion and flexibility than common robotic arms.
Program: FURI
Spring 2019
Taha Amir Shafa
Engineering (robotics)
Control of Bipedal Laminate Robot
Developing control of a walking gait for biped soft robotics will serve as a platform for roboticists working on systems operating in uncertain areas.
Program: KEEN
Alia Gilbert
Engineering (robotics)
Vertical Control for Underwater Robotics
Developing an underwater robot control system that uses pressure to calculate depth and position will control its vertical position at a given time.
Program: FURI
Guston Lighthouse
Engineering (robotics)
Passively Actuated Jump Gliding Wings
Designing passively actuated glider wings will help extend the movement range of a cheap educational robot.
Program: FURI
Cole Brauer
Engineering
Automated Process Planning for Multi-material Manufacturing
Studying the automated planning of multi-material manufacturing will simplify the creation of robust and low-cost robots for education or research.
Program: FURI
Fall 2018
Alia Gilbert
Engineering (robotics)
Lateral Control of Underwater Robot
Program: FURI
Guston Lighthouse
Engineering (robotics)
Letting Robots Glide Instead of Falling
Program: FURI
Sheena Benson
Engineering (robotics)
Cutting Tool for Bio-Inspired Robotic Fish
Program: FURI
Cole Brauer
Engineering
Spring 2018
Andrew Carlson
Engineering (robotics)
Low Cost Sensing
Program: FURI
Jacob Knaup
Engineering (robotics)
Developing an Educational Robotic Platform
Program: KEEN