Harvard Biorobotics Lab :: Sensing, Mechanical Design & Motor Control In Both Biological Systems & Robotic Devices

Harvard BioRobotics Lab is a renowned research laboratory at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). Directed by Professor Robert Howe, the lab focuses on the fundamental principles of sensing, mechanical design, and motor control in both biological systems and robotic devices. Established as a leading academic research group, it bridges biomechanics, neurophysiology, systems analysis, and robotics to advance our understanding of how humans and robots interact with the physical world. The lab’s work emphasizes experimental approaches, often complemented by modeling and simulation.

The Harvard BioRobotics Lab does not commercialize robots but develops cutting-edge prototypes and technologies that push the boundaries of robotic manipulation, human-robot interaction, and bioinspired design. Their research has significant applications in medical robotics, teleoperation, wearable devices, and intelligent sensors.

Key Research Areas and Robot-Based Projects:

• Robot Manipulation and Grasping: The lab conducts pioneering work on robotic hands, grasping strategies, and tactile sensing. Recent publications explore stochastic friction models for more reliable grasping in uncertain environments.
• Soft Robotics and Compliant Mechanisms: Development of soft, flexible robotic systems and stiffness-modulating structures (such as layer jamming) for safer human interaction and delicate manipulation.
• Wearable Robotics and Human Sensing: Research on wearable devices that enhance human motor control, including exoskeletons and haptic feedback systems. A recent perspective paper highlighted the need for better vision integration in wearable robotic systems.
• Teleoperated Robotics: Advanced systems for remote manipulation, with applications in surgery and hazardous environments.
• Bioinspired Design: Studying biological motor control to create more efficient and adaptable robotic systems.

The lab maintains strong collaborations with industry partners to translate fundamental research into practical biomedical instrumentation and robotic applications. Alumni from the lab have gone on to influential roles at companies like Medtronic and NASA. Current projects continue to explore sustainable engineering, advanced manipulation, and human augmentation technologies.

As an academic research laboratory, the Harvard BioRobotics Lab plays a vital role in training the next generation of robotics researchers while producing foundational knowledge that influences both academia and industry.