Professor Rob Shepherd Introduces the Cornell Organic Robotics Lab

Many of us remember growing up (or seeing our kids grow up) in front of a black-and-white television, watching the cartoon adventures of Astro Boy, Gigantor, and 8th Man – pleasant fantasies where people, robots, and androids work together to make and keep the world a better place. Later years brought us all sorts of Cylons and Terminators: but of course, such things are make-believe and remain forever away. After all, when and where would we ever see things like programmable foam metal that can change shape and repair itself?

We can see that right now, at Cornell's Ithaca campus.

The Cornell Club is thrilled to introduce Professor Robert Shepherd and his Organic Robotics Lab.

Rob Shepherd is an assistant professor at Cornell University's Organic Robotics Lab (ORL), which focuses on using synthetic adaptation of natural physiology to improve machine function and autonomy. The ORL's research spans three primary areas: bioinspired robotics, soft sensors and displays, and advanced manufacturing. They use soft materials, mechanical design, and novel fabrication methods to replicate sensory organs such as dermal papillae, replicate organs that rely on actuation such as the heart, and to power soft actuators and robots. His talk will focus on work related to improving the manufacturing of soft robotics, adding sensing and display capabilities, and applying these advances to biomedical devices. He will present the Organic Robotic Lab's work and how they are applying it for applications in human health: prosthetics hands, orthotic gloves, and cardiac assist devices.

Rob Shepherd received his B.S. (2002) and Ph.D. (2010) in Material Science at the University of Illinois where his research focused on developing polymeric and colloidal suspensions as 'inks' for 3D printers. He also fabricated microfluidic devices to synthesize single micron to millimeter scale parts (e.g., glass and silicon microgears). Concurrently to performing this research, he received his M.B.A. (2009) at University of Illinois and started a company, worked with several other startups, and gained significant experience with the details of market research, financials, accounting issues, and legal aspects of entrepreneurship.

6:00-6:30pm reception; 6:30pm lecture, gratis. Advance reservations required. Members and guests are invited to dine at The Club with Professor Shepherd following the lecture. The cost is $40 per person, inclusive of tax, gratuity and one glass of wine with dinner. Dinner reservations are required 48 hours prior to the program. Same-day cancellations and no shows will be charged.