Human

Interactive

Materials

In our lab, we pioneer research in haptics, soft robotics, advanced optics, artificial neurogenesis, and artificial neural-network impulse communications. This is highly multidisciplinary endeavor and we find inspiration working with individuals from many backgrounds, even beyond university institutions. Join us in shaping the future of smart materials.

“Building a smarter future with self-learning responsive materials, inspired by nature’s approach to intelligence.“

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About us

Unlocking the full potential of materials, the Human Interactive Materials research group at Eindhoven University of Technology’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry explores the possibilities of creating smart, interactive materials like silicones, hydrogels, liquid crystal networks, and elastomers. Our materials can communicate between man and machine and even between machines, bringing the future of soft robotics one step closer. Our vision is to create self-learning, adaptable materials that can sense their environment, leading to the development of nature-inspired, intelligent soft machines. We are a multidisciplinary research group, with specialists in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineer, materials science, physics, chemistry and industrial design.

Opportunities

Open for enthusiastic individuals of all backgrounds and educational levels!

At HIM Lab, we offer a range of opportunities that would introduce you to the world of materials science, chemistry and device-building in a hands-on manner. Opportunities are available for enthusiastic individuals of all backgrounds. Amongst our current colleagues we have physicists, materials scientists, chemists, industrial designers, electronic engineers and we are looking forward to welcoming even more varied perspectives! We also have opportunities available for different levels of education, including postdoctoral, PhD and technician positions, bachelor and master projects, student assistants and workers, technical internships and more. Join us at HIM Lab and take advantage of these opportunities to kick-start your career!

 

Research

Soft Robotics

The compliant nature our liquid crystal materials, combined with its responsive actuating behaviour, offers the opportunity to fabricate fully soft single-material robots

Haptics

The thin-film capabilities of our liquid crystal materials, offers the capacity to replicate or switch textures for human-machine interaction through haptics.

ANNIC

The adaptive properties of our smart liquid crystal materials have the potential to replicate communications within neural links which are found in nature.

Advanced optics

ANNIC is a highly innovative communication technology that represents information as binary impulses, allowing for high-speed and noise-resistant transmission.

Partners

Collaboration is a key aspect of the work we do at HIM. We believe that by partnering with other organizations, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to make a greater impact in the field of human interactive materials. Our partners bring unique perspectives and insights that help us to approach problems from new angles, leading to innovative solutions that would be impossible to achieve on our own. Through these collaborations, we have been able to develop new materials, tools, and techniques that are advancing the smart materials field.