Hypersmart Matter

Research

At the hypersmart matter group, we work at the intersection between mechanics and information. We pursue three goals: (1) To invent new technologies that compute in a more economic, green and user-friendly way [high battery duration, low weight]. (2) To understand fundamental limits on the information-processing capabilities of physical systems. (3) To apply computer science methods and concepts to mechanical engineering problems, from using finite-state machines to describe structural dynamics, to building ‘compilers’ that design soft robots by translating mechanical source code into robotic geometries. We reach this goal by using a combination of numerical simulations (Finite element method, stochastic differential equations), algorithmic optimisation, characterisation methods (laser vibrometry, digital image correlation), fundamental physics (nonlinear dynamics, stochastic thermodynamics) and cleanroom fabrication techniques.