Our research focuses on creating next-generation architected soft and living materials by leveraging our expertise in mechanical design, materials science, stem cell biology, fluid mechanics, 3D printing, and biomanufacturing. The overarching goal of our laboratory is to formulate the fundamental science and engineering basis behind autonomous systems driven by sequential decision algorithms that will help us achieve our research vision at a fraction of the cost and speed compared to the traditional Edisonian research paradigm.
OPEN TOOLS
There is a growing interest in leveraging data-driven models to help discover new materials, accelerate material optimization, and lower costs by reducing expensive laboratory measurements. However, building data-driven models and eliminating experiments are often mutually exclusive ideas in scientific discovery. The strength of data-driven models is directly proportional to the amount and quality of data that they are trained on, and experiments are where these data are produced. A major aspect of our lab is the rapid prototyping of customized modular scientific instrumentation for materials processing and characterization. Examples include powder and liquid handling instruments and low-cost metrology instrumentation for the characterization of mechanical and rheological properties of polymeric materials.
OPEN TOOLS
The goal of optimal design is to make the most efficient use of limited resources (such as time, budget, or available experiments) to achieve specific objectives, such as building accurate models, estimating parameters, or minimizing uncertainty. Our lab focuses on the application of sequential decision algorithms and optimal learning in experimental intelligence. We are engaged in developing methods that improve decision-making processes through iterative cyber-physical experimentation and learning. Our approach is based on adapting and refining strategies based on previous outcomes, enhancing both efficiency and precision. Every experimental workflow is and can be mathematically formulated as a sequential decision problem with uncertainty. This work has practical applications in various areas, including 3D printing optimization and resource management. Our goal is to combine theoretical research with practical problem-solving, contributing to advancements in scientific understanding and offering solutions to real-world challenges.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Open-source scientific instrumentation design portal for sustainable (bio)materials research. The Lab Fab project is an effort between our lab, The Autonomous Science Lab at NCSR Demokritos in Greece and The Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT to create an onlide portal of open designs of modular, low-cost, automation-ready scientrific instrumentation for autonomous science research in the field of sustainable (bio)materials.