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
Soft Pneumatic Wearable Rehabilitation Device for Shoulder and Bicep Rehabilitation
Description: This project focuses on advancing a novel sheet-based pneumatically actuated pouch motor material, developed in the FREE Lab, into a functional soft wearable device for shoulder and biceps rehabilitation. The material can be cut to any size and configured as a wearable assistive garment that provides passive force upon inflation. The goal of this project is to instrument the device with pressure sensing and closed-loop control, characterize its force and range-of-motion output, and prepare it for human subject testing by designing and conducting a feasibility study on healthy adults. The summer research assistant will contribute to hardware integration, data collection, experimental design, and IRB protocol support, with the broader aim of publishing results in a peer-reviewed journal on soft robotic rehabilitation devices.
Desired skills: Python programming (required); microcontroller or embedded systems experience (Raspberry Pi or Arduino preferred); basic electronics and sensor integration (I2C, GPIO, analog signals); mechanical or biomedical engineering background; interest in soft robotics, wearable devices, or rehabilitation engineering; familiarity with data acquisition and experimental methods; experience with pneumatic or fluid power systems (a plus); prior coursework in biomechanics or controls (beneficial); strong attention to safety protocols; ability to work independently and contribute to a peer-reviewed publication
Desired start date: ASAP through Summer 2026
Hours: 30-40 hours/week (full-time summer commitment)
Compensation: Course credit (ME 490/590) or voluntary
Application deadline: 4/1/26
For questions, contact Richard Li (richieli@umich.edu)
APPLY HERE
Actuated Scale on Pouch Motor
Description: The project seeks to develop a structural layer that attaches to an existing type of actuated pouch motor skin, like how animal scales attach to skins, to achieve functions beyond just actuation, such as increasing stiffness to act as structural support. The project aims to add bio-inspired components so applications beyond just structural support that mimic protective, adaptive, and tunable mechanical behaviors found in natural scale systems.
Desired skills: 1. Strong CAD skills (preferrably in onshape) 2. Strong hands-on skills and creativity - 3D printing (FDM & Resin) - Fabrication 3. Matlab/Modeling 4. Ansys (preferrable) 5. Understanding of material properties
Desired start date: As soon as possible
Hours: 10 hours for during semester, more than 20 hours over summer
Compensation: Course credit (ME 490/590) or voluntary
Application deadline: 4/1/26
For questions, contact Richard Li (richieli@umich.edu)
APPLY HERE
Inflatable Robots for Lunar Exploration - deployable systems
Description: AERONAUT is a soft robotic platform being developed for planetary exploration that uses high-pressure inflatable structures as both load-bearing elements and onboard energy storage, eliminating the need for bulky compressors or tethered air supplies. The project aims to enable lightweight, untethered mobility on lunar and Martian terrain by coupling pneumatic storage with actuation, allowing energy to be released on demand for faster, more efficient movement. Current efforts focus on improving the design and fabrication of inflatable links and actuators to enhance durability, reduce leakage, and increase performance, while also validating mobility through experimental testing and modeling system behavior under relevant environmental conditions. For this project the student will work on ROBOT DEPLOYABILITY: (1) Aid in informing robot redesign team and determine the best way to store and release a robotic system from a cube and toroidal configuration (2) Create passive release mechanisms (strap cutting, spring release etc) of inflatable robotic structure in stowed configuration to deployed ready to locomote configuration
Desired skills: (Deployability & Packaging Focus) Experience with mechanical design and CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar). Understanding of mechanisms and kinematics (linkages, folding, deployment systems). Ability to design for compact packaging and efficient deployment. Comfortable with hands-on prototyping and iterative testing Strong problem-solving skills, especially in spatial reasoning and constrained design problems. Preferred (not required): Experience with deployable structures, origami-inspired design, or compliant mechanisms. Familiarity with space systems, stowage constraints, or deployable hardware. Experience with soft robotics or inflatable structures. Basic programming (Python/MATLAB) for modeling or validation. Experience with mechanism prototyping (springs, hinges, release systems, etc.)
Desired start date: Early May to August, or starting as early as possible!
Hours: ~20 hours per week
Compensation: Hourly pay or course credit (ME 490/590)
Application deadline: 4/30/26
For questions, contact Saima Jamal (saimaj@umich.edu)
APPLY HERE
Inflatable Robots for Lunar Exploration - robot redesign
Description: AERONAUT is a soft robotic platform being developed for planetary exploration that uses high-pressure inflatable structures as both load-bearing elements and onboard energy storage, eliminating the need for bulky compressors or tethered air supplies. The project aims to enable lightweight, untethered mobility on lunar and Martian terrain by coupling pneumatic storage with actuation, allowing energy to be released on demand for faster, more efficient movement. Current efforts focus on improving the design and fabrication of inflatable links and actuators to enhance durability, reduce leakage, and increase performance, while also validating mobility through experimental testing and modeling system behavior under relevant environmental conditions. For this project the student will work on ROBOT REDESIGN: (1) focus on improving the design and fabrication of inflatable links and actuators to enhance durability, reduce leakage, and increase performance, while also (2) validating mobility through experimental testing.
Desired skills: Experience with CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) for mechanical design. Comfortable with hands-on prototyping and fabrication (3D printing, laser cutting, heat sealing, assembly, etc.). Basic understanding of mechanics, materials, and/or fluid systems (pneumatics). Ability to troubleshoot and iterate on physical systems (e.g., leaks, failures, performance issues). Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to work in a trial-and-error, experimental environment. Preferred (not required): Experience with soft robotics, compliant mechanisms, or inflatable structures. Familiarity with pneumatic systems, valves, or pressure regulation. Programming experience (Python or MATLAB) for testing, data collection, or analysis. Prior experience working on robotics or hardware-based projects
Desired start date: Early May to August, or starting as early as possible!
Hours: ~20 hours per week
Compensation: Hourly pay or course credit (ME 490/590)
Application deadline: 4/30/26
For questions, contact Saima Jamal (saimaj@umich.edu)
APPLY HERE