At Boston University, a robot named MAMA BEAR is autonomously creating and testing 3D-printed structures to find the most efficient energy-absorbing shape. The robot, developed by Keith Brown and his team, prints a structure, crushes it under high pressure, measures its energy absorption, and records the data. The process is repeated with slight modifications to the structure each time. The robot has created over 25,000 structures in three years, recently achieving a record-breaking 75% energy absorption efficiency. The data is being used to design new helmet padding for the US Army. The project is supported by the National Science Foundation and the US Army.
Autonomous Robot Research in Energy Absorption
In a laboratory at Boston University’s College of Engineering, an autonomous robot is conducting a series of experiments aimed at creating the most energy-efficient shape possible. The robot, named MAMA BEAR (Mechanics of Additively Manufactured Architectures Bayesian Experimental Autonomous Researcher), creates small plastic structures using a 3D printer, records their shape and size, and then crushes them under a pressure equivalent to an adult Arabian horse standing on a quarter. The robot then measures how much energy the structure absorbed and how its shape changed after being compressed. This data is recorded in a vast database, and the process is repeated with slight variations in the design and dimensions of each new structure.
The goal of these experiments is to create a shape that can efficiently absorb energy, a property known as mechanical energy absorption efficiency. This has a wide range of potential applications, from cushioning for delicate electronics being shipped across the world to protective gear for athletes. The structures must strike a balance between being strong enough to absorb impact but not so strong that they cause damage to whatever they’re supposed to protect.
Breaking Records in Energy Absorption Efficiency
Before MAMA BEAR, the most efficient structure observed was about 71 percent efficient at absorbing energy. However, in January 2023, the robot achieved a 75 percent efficiency rate, breaking the known record. This achievement was the result of the robot’s continuous operation for over three years, during which it created and tested more than 25,000 3D-printed structures.
The record-breaking structure was unexpected, featuring four points shaped like thin flower petals and a taller, narrower design than earlier iterations. This extensive data is already being applied in real-world scenarios, such as informing the design of new helmet padding for US Army soldiers.
Real-world Applications and Future Directions
The data generated by MAMA BEAR is not only breaking records but also finding practical applications. For instance, the robot’s research is informing the design of new helmet padding for US Army soldiers. The padding uses a 3D structure that is different from the record-breaking piece, with a softer center and shorter stature for comfort.
In addition to MAMA BEAR, the lab has other autonomous research robots performing different tasks. For example, the nano BEAR studies the behavior of materials at the molecular scale using atomic force microscopy. Another system, the PANDA BEAR, tests thousands of thin polymer materials to find the best one for use in a battery.
The Role of Autonomous Research
The work of MAMA BEAR and its counterparts represents a new approach to scientific research. By using machine learning and automation, these robots can conduct research much faster than humans. They can also achieve goals that would be too expensive and time-consuming for humans to reach.
The team at Boston University’s KABlab is keen to demonstrate the potential of autonomous research. They plan to continue collaborating with scientists in various fields who need to test large numbers of structures and solutions. They are also exploring ways to recycle the more than 25,000 crushed pieces for further experiments.
The Future of Autonomous Research
Despite breaking the record for energy absorption efficiency, the team believes there is still room for improvement. They plan to continue studying this system, as they believe that mechanical efficiency, like many other material properties, can only be accurately measured by experiment. The use of autonomous labs like MABA BEAR allows them to select the best experiments and perform them as quickly as possible.
This work, which is supported by the National Science Foundation and the US Army, represents a significant step forward in the field of autonomous research. It demonstrates the potential of this approach to accelerate scientific discovery and find solutions to real-world problems.
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