The Organic Robots Laboratory (ORL) at Cornell University

The Organic Robots Laboratory (ORL) at Cornell University focuses on using organic chemistry of soft material composites for new capabilities in robots. We also seek to redefine how people view robots and their potential uses. For example, robots comprised of soft composite material could see use as wearable robots (perhaps for force augmentation), personal assistants via Human-Robot-Interactions, new types of computer interfaces that not only receive inputs but provide forceful responses.

A key field of use for soft robots is specifically in patient care and rehabilitation. Through proper application of distributed sensing, actuation, and power it may be possible to extend independence, provide greater dignity, and improve outcomes for those with a variety of medical conditions. Towards this goal, we are developing hardware for cardiac devices, prosthetic limbs, wearable sensing networks, and the software tools to interpret signals from these patients for gentle yet forceful interventions.