In the MIT AURA lab, we will study bio-inspired methods and unconventional designs to
solve seamless aerial and aquatic locomotion for applications in ocean sciences.
Starting January 2025.
News
MIT Aura Lab, starting January 2025.
Research
Highlights of future and past research projects. List of publication on ORCID and Google Scholar.
Aerial-Aquatic bio-inspired robots
We develop new propulsion methods to enable both flight and underwater locomotion in robots, with a particular focus on transitions & bio-inspiration. We are currently solving challenging transition questions through experimental methods and are studying autonomy, simulation and integration aspects.
Monitoring of aquatic environments
The ultimate objective of our robotic systems is to operate in our ocean and waterways without user intervention, and have a positive impact for oceanographers, biologists. To this end, we seek to understand how non-intrusive, small-scale systems can deliver high quality data in a cost-effective manner.
Previous projects
Perching with Flapping Wings
Large-scale flapping-wing robots with physical contact capabilities. Perching on a branch has been achieved!
Aquatic Jump-glider
A novel water-reactive fuel thruster for impulsive take-off, allowing multiple jump-gliding from the water surface.
SailMAV
Sailing-Flying locomotion method for long-duration aerial-aquatic missions thanks to wind energy harvesting.
MEDUSA
A Multi-Environment Dual-Robot for Underwater Sample Acquisition. The underwater pod can move, film and sample.
Robobee
Aquatic escape of a 160 milligram robotic bee using flapping flight, hydrogen combustion and electrolysis.
HAMR
Quadrupedal legged Harvard Ambulatory Micro Robot (HAMR) with custom electronics and wireless control.
PI
Join the lab!
I am looking for motivated students that are excited to study and develop the next generation of hybrid autonomous systems. To join the lab, you should apply to the Mechanical Engineering graduate admissions (deadline each year in December), and mention my name in the application. Please also send me an email with your CV, and if possible a summary of previous projects or research. I am interested to know why you would like to join this group and what research aspects you feel most excited about. Use [AURA Prospective student] Your name in the title. We also welcome undergrad students for internships, especially those wishing to learn more about entire robotic system design and integration. Some hands-on experience, including personal projects is a big plus.
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Email
raphz@mit.edu -
Social
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Address
MIT Mechanical Engineering
77 Massachusetts Avenue
02140, Cambridge