The MED
Lab is a relatively recent addition to the Mechanical
Engineering
department at Vanderbilt University.
Our research interests are twofold:
- Advance
the basic science of electromechanical systems through design,
kinematic and dynamic modeling, control, and
human-machine interaction research. Topics of interest include
continuum ("snake" or "tentacle"-like) robots, synthesis and
optimization of mechanisms, novel actuation and
sensing, and human control interfaces. Applications inspire our basic
science research, but we also regularly probe beyond the specific
problem at hand, exploring scientific questions as they arise.
- Enhance medicine through novel interventional tools, robots, and/or guidance systems. Working closely with surgeons and radiologists, we carefully study current practice and then engineer better solutions. This has led to projects ranging from swallowable pill-sized robots to steerable needles and active cannulas.