The FREE (Functional Robotics for Every Environment) Lab seeks to actualize robots that are capable of deftly and safely operating in real-world unstructured environments. Our research draws on tools and concepts from mechanics to understand the relationships between structure, force and motion, control theory to analyze and influence the behavior of dynamical systems, optimization to make decisions that balance goals and tradeoffs, and machine learning to extract useful information from data. Our research efforts combine modeling, design, and control, and can broadly be divided into the following three thrusts:
Current Opportunites
The FREE Lab GUI
Description: This project focuses on developing a Python-based user interface using Pygame to control and monitor robotic arms in the lab. Goal for the project is to integrate a motion capture monitor with a command interface to enable real-time command input on a user-friendly interface. The Python application will be able to configure motion capture data streaming, communicate with various hardware in the lab such as the Kinova Arm and other in-house developed hardware. The Python application can also serve as a ROS (Robot Operating System) node that publishes and receives packets on the ROS framework.
Desired skills: Python
Desired start date: Fall 2025
Hours: 10 per week
Compensation: Course credit (ME 490/590)
Application deadline: 9/10/25
For questions, contact Runze Zuo (zuorunze@umich.edu)
APPLY HERE
Design of High-flow Valves for Fast Pneumatic Actuation
Description: Soft pneumatically-driven robots are currently limited by their actuation speed. This is partly due to the flow-rate restrictions imposed by the valves used to control their actuators. This project seeks to eliminate this shortcoming through the development of small high-flow valves that can be embedded directly into robot bodies.
Desired skills: CAD, Machine Design, Rapid Prototyping, Data Collection
Desired start date: Fall 2025
Hours: 10-20 per week
Compensation: Course credit (ME 490/590) or hourly
Application deadline: 9/11/25
For questions, contact Prof. Bruder (bruderd@umich.edu)
APPLY HERE
