Human Interactive Materials
We create responsive, adaptive materials that sense environmental changes and actively respond. We translate these materials into devices and systems for haptics, soft robotics, advanced optics, and artificial neural-network communications.
We are a materials-driven, multidisciplinary team spanning chemistry, materials science, mechanical & electrical engineering, and design.
Building a smarter future with materials that sense, act, communicate, and learn
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About us
The Lab of Human Interactive Materials (HIM) is a materials-focused research group exploring how advanced materials can enable new forms of interaction between people, devices, and their surroundings. A major part of our work centers on liquid crystal polymers and related material platforms, where we study how structure, processing, and stimulus-responsiveness can be engineered to achieve programmable functions.
Beyond material development, we build prototypes that translate material capabilities into device- and system-level demonstrations. This approach allows us to connect fundamental material design with practical performance in applications such as haptics, soft robotics, advanced optics, and artificial neural-network communications. HIM is inherently multidisciplinary.
Our team brings together expertise across materials science and chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and design, combining fabrication, characterization, modeling, electronics, and interaction-oriented prototyping to push interactive materials from concept to working technology.
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
Using liquid crystal polymer–based responsive materials, we fabricate compliant soft robots that perform pick-and-place operations and exhibit self-regulating behavior. Our work spans single-material soft robotics and hybrid platforms combining pneumatic actuation with active materials.
Haptics
We create thin-film coatings that dynamically tune surface topography, stiffness, friction, and roughness to generate perceivable haptic sensations. Our materials can also form fibers and eject small doses of chemicals, enabling rich tactile cues for human–machine interaction.
Materials for Computing
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
We develop optical materials and films with engineered refractive-index contrast (including low Δn systems) to control light with high precision. Our work includes one-way transparent films and reconfigurable meta-optics whose optical response can be dynamically switched through programmable surface topographies.
Soft Robotics
Using liquid crystal polymer–based responsive materials, we fabricate compliant soft robots that perform pick-and-place operations and exhibit self-regulating behavior. Our work spans single-material soft robotics and hybrid platforms combining pneumatic actuation with active materials.
Haptics
We create thin-film coatings that dynamically tune surface topography, stiffness, friction, and roughness to generate perceivable haptic sensations. Our materials can also form fibers and eject small doses of chemicals, enabling rich tactile cues for human–machine interaction.
Materials for Computing
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
We develop optical materials and films with engineered refractive-index contrast (including low Δn systems) to control light with high precision. Our work includes one-way transparent films and reconfigurable meta-optics whose optical response can be dynamically switched through programmable surface topographies.
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.