Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This application is requesting funds to purchase a custom braiding machine that will allow us to create novel thread that can conduct electricity. Existing conductive thread is coated with a conductive material on the outside. The novelty of the thread produced by this machine is that the centre or core of the thread will be conductive, while the outside braid is made of a standard nonconductive thread material, such as cotton or nylon. The novel conductive thread produced with this equipment will revolutionize the way mechatronic garments and soft robots are produced. For example, it can be used to create soft sensors and actuators (devices that produce motion) that will form part of wearable mechatronic devices. With the conductive material in the middle, issues with noise and unwanted skin contact can be minimized, sensors can become more responsive, and actuators can become more linear, improving overall performance. This new research supports our current research program aimed at developing novel devices that support human motion. In order to achieve the full potential of these wearable devices, novel solutions are required to improve their wearability by making them lighter and more responsive to human needs. With the availability of this equipment, our team will work on the following specific objectives: a) investigate different materials for building threads, including the material of the core and the outer sheath, as well as the effect of different thread diameters; b) explore different mechanisms for building electronic textiles, including stitching, embroidery, and weaving; c) design fabric sensors using these new conductive threads that can measure deformation and muscle health; d) design novel soft actuators; and e) create mechatronic systems that distribute the resulting sensors and actuators across the body. Completing these objectives will transform our ability to build and integrate soft sensors and actuators into mechatronic clothing for motion assistance. The outcomes of the proposed research over the next 5 years will lead to significant contributions in the field of mechatronic devices that work in close proximity to humans, enabling an expansion of the research field through the development of better actuation systems, sensors, and control systems that automatically respond to humans safely. In the long-term, the proposed research will result in smart mechatronic garments that are capable of constantly monitoring the body and automatically providing motion support, adapted to each user according to body size and shape, strength, the presence of injury, and the desired action. To succeed with the proposed work, equity, diversity and inclusion criteria will be considered when hiring research personnel, when collecting and analyzing data, and in the development and translation of the technology. A collaborative approach will be taken to consider the needs of the users and other key stakeholders, including industry partners.