{"id":556,"date":"2004-04-20T06:50:17","date_gmt":"2004-04-20T06:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/?page_id=556"},"modified":"2025-10-29T17:34:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T17:34:31","slug":"funded-projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/funded-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Funded\/Sponsored Lab Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Autonomous Mobile Robot Exploration<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. Leang (PI)
Project duration:<\/strong> October 2025 – ongoing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> Cushybots Industrial Corporation<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>Development in motion planning, control, estimation, and exploration strategies for mobile robots.

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AirSupply: Autonomous Drone Network for Ultra-fast Medical Supplies Delivery<\/b><\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. Leang (PI), Co-PIs: T. Easton, H. Fu, O. Haddadin, X. He, J. Hochhalter, S. McIntosh
Project duration:<\/strong> June 2025 – June 2027<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> University of Utah, Remote and Austere Conditions (RAC) Grand Challenge Program<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>This project will develop an autonomous and reconfigurable network of ultra-fast delivery drones to meet critical healthcare demands in remote and austere locations.\u00a0

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Robotic Platform For Precision Irrigation Management Using Passive Zero-Maintenance, Long-Life, Buried Sensors<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> S. Roundy (PI), K. Leang (co-PI), D. Young (co-PI), and C. Zesiger (co-PI)
Project duration:<\/strong> August 2024 – July 2027<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>Develop passive sensors and robotic system for soil-moisture monitoring and irrigation management.

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Detection, Localization, and Multi-objective Optimization for UAV Swarms<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. Leang (PI)
Project duration:<\/strong> November 2020 – August 2023<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> L3-Harris Technologies<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>Develop robot swarm for the detection, localization, and multi-objective optimization tasks.

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STTR Phase II: Aerial robot chemical sensing<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> Nevada NanoTech Sys, Inc. (PI) and K. Leang (PI, Utah)
Project duration:<\/strong>October 2020 – December 2022<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> U.S. Airforce<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>Develop aerial robotic systems for autonomous chemical sensing.

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STTR Phase I: Aerial robot chemical sensing<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong>\u00a0NNTS (PI) and K. Leang (PI, Utah)
Project duration:<\/strong>\u00a0July 2019 – April 2020<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> U.S. Airforce<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>Develop aerial robotic systems for autonomous chemical sensing.

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EFRI C3 SoRo: Magneto-electroactive Soft, Continuum, Compliant, Configurable (MESo-C3) Robots for Medical Applications Across Scales<\/a><\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> J. Abbott (PI, Utah); co-PIs: K. K. Leang and Y. Kong (Utah), R. Rajamani (UM) and\u00a0O. Pak (SCU)<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong>\u00a0Sept. 15, 2018 – Sept. 14, 2022<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>The vision of this collaborative project between the University of Utah, the University of Minnesota, and Santa Clara University is to extend the capabilities of clinicians by enabling minimally invasive access to locations in the human body that are currently difficult or impossible to reach, using a new class of 3D printed magneto-electroactive soft, continuum, compliant, and configurable (MESo-C3) mesoscale robotic devices that will travel along the natural pathways of the human body for a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.\u00a0MESo-C3 is a unique synergistic integration of three complementary technologies: compliant cylindrical structures with wireless high-bandwidth magnetic propulsion; low-bandwidth large-deformation electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators; and ultra-sensitive soft supercapacitance-based strain, force, and moduli-of-elasticity sensors via multi-scale additive manufacturing technology. The goal is to understand the kinematics, dynamics, sensing, and control of 3D-printed MESo-C3 robots, with a simplicity that enables application across scales.

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Collaborative Research: Microengineered electroactive polymer strain sensors towards soft self-powered wearable cyber-physical systems<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong>\u00a0M. Aureli (PI, UNR); co-PIs: K. K. Leang (Utah) and Yiliang Liao (UNR)<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong>\u00a0Aug. 15, 2018 – July. 31, 2021<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives:<\/strong> This project aims at establishing a new class of electroactive materials with superior multiphysics properties towards soft, self-powered, high sensitivity strain sensor applications in cyber-physical systems. Ionic polymer metal composites are electroactive soft composite materials that comprise a thin electrically charged polymer membrane, plated with noble metal electrodes, and infused with a charged solution. Due to their combined self-powered sensor behavior and soft mechanical characteristics, ionic polymer metal composites emerge as an ideal candidate for soft strain sensor applications. However, inconsistent and uncontrollable morphology of their polymer-metal interfaces poses the challenges of limited sensitivity, poor property control, and non-versatile mode of operation. So far, these challenges have limited the use of these materials in critical engineering applications. It is hypothesized that the multiphysics sensing properties of ionic polymer metal composites can be dramatically enhanced by tailored 3D-structured microengineered polymer-metal interfaces. To test this hypothesis, this research will develop a novel fabrication process integrating electroless chemical reduction with inkjet printing to prepare ionic polymer metal composites with microengineered interfaces. These interfaces are responsible for inhomogeneous strain developed in response to a mechanical stimulus and its subsequent electrochemical transduction and sensing performance. The main goal of this research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure-property relationships in microengineered ionic polymer metal composites that determine enhanced strain sensing performance.

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Robotics and automation for precision ski manufacturing<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. K. Leang (PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> \u00a0DPS Ski Company, Project duration: 10\/17 – 12\/19.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> Leverage advances in robotics and automation to optimize the ski manufacturing process.<\/p>\n

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U.S. Army STTR Phase II: Autonomous Broad Spectrum Environmental Sentinels<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> University PI: K. K. Leang; Industry Team: C. Miller (PI), B. Rogers (co-PI), R. Whitten (co-PI), J. Adams (co-PI), and L. Deal (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> U.S. Dept. of Defense, Army STTR Program<\/p>\n

Project Duration:\u00a0<\/strong>7\/8\/2016 \u2013 10\/6\/2018
<\/div>Goal:<\/strong> The goal of the proposed program is the development of a hover-capable, flying robot with integrated chemical sensing, inter-unit communication, and the potential for basic swarming. Utilizing the real-time data collected and analyzed by these sensors, the unit will be capable of swarming with other units during surveillance of a given area to, for example, localize and profile a contaminant source.

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PIRE: Advanced Artificial Muscles for International and Globally Competitive Research and Education in Soft Robotics<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.J. Kim (PI, UNLV); co-PIs: P. Oh (UNLV), K. K. Leang (UU), M. Profiri (NYU)\u00a0and C. Bae (RPI)<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong>\u00a0Oct. 1, 2015 – Sept. 31, 2020<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: <\/strong>This international project addresses a technologically important issues in soft robotics. Soft robotics is an important emerging field in robotics, mechatronics, and automation. Soft robotic components and systems offer new features and advances over conventional robotic devices. This project focuses on the creation of advanced multifunctional artificial muscles (AM) based on new polymer-metal composites which can be used in soft robotic applications. Artificial muscles can be transformative for millions of people with disabilities. The development of AM will benefit biomimetic soft robotics, medical diagnostics and tools, and invasive surgical systems. The potential market for reliable, cost-effective and easily scalable Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMCs)-based AM technology is substantial. The international partners are from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Graduate School of Ocean Systems Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Hybrid Actuator Group, Inorganic Functional Material Research Institute at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan. The international team has strong expertise in manufacture engineering and has the necessary computational and experimental resources.

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GOALI\/Collaborative Research: Precision Control of Nanopositioners<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI); co-PIs: S. Park (MVI) and G. Clayton (VU)<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong>\u00a0Sept. 1, 2015 – Aug.\u00a031, 2018<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, Sensors, CMMI Dynamics, & Control Program<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives: \u00a0<\/strong>This project\u00a0focuses on new design and control paradigms for dual-stage nanopositioners that consider both spatial and temporal constraints. Emerging dual-stage nanopositioners have the unique ability to achieve both long-range and high-speed operation. However, typical control strategies rely on frequency-based information to split the control effort between the two actuators, which results in some precision positioning trajectories being unachievable. Therefore, dual-stage nanopositioners cannot achieve high positioning resolution when range and frequency are not inversely correlated. To advance the state-of-the-art, a control-centered design approach will be taken to establish the guidelines and requirements for creating high-performance dual-stage nanopositioners. To enhance the understanding and control system design process, detailed input-output models that capture the dynamics of the system (nonlinear and dynamic effects) and sensor characteristics will be obtained. An innovative control algorithm which systematically considers both spatial and temporal information will be developed to effectively allocate the control input. \u00a0The research outcomes will lead to improvement in the performance of nanotechnologies, such as video-rate scanning probe microscopy, desktop nano-rapid prototyping and nanomanufacturing systems, precision advanced additive manufacturing systems, and micro rapid inspection and repair systems. The research collaboration and the educational activities will expose graduate and undergraduate engineering students, K-12 students, and the wider community to cutting-edge research and findings in control, nanotechnology, and high-impact industry applications.

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SBIR Phase I: Video-rate atomic force microscope for functional gas and liquid environments<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> <\/strong>University PI: K. K. Leang; Industry Team: S. Park (PI), Molecular Vista, Inc.<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> Feb. 17, 2015 – Dec 14, 2015<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> U.S. Department of Energy<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>This project focuses on developing a video-rate atomic force microscope for functional gas and liquid environments.<\/p>\n

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PFI:BIC: Enhanced Situational Awareness Using Unmanned Autonomous Systems for Disaster Remediation<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI); co-PIs: G. Bebis, G. Kent, C. Murrray and W. Yim<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> Aug. 1, 2014 – July 31, 2017<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) Program<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives:<\/strong> The goal of this project is to enhance the situational awareness capabilities of law enforcement agencies and first responders by employing unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) with high-resolution sensing and imaging capabilities for disaster remediation. \u00a0The project\u2019s objectives include: (1) develop and integrate UAS platforms, sensors, imaging and communication systems, and control and path planning algorithms to create a UAS-based smart service system for first response, (2) model the state of human and infrastructure during a disaster, identify the scene, and create access paths to safety, (3) test prototypes and pursue commercialization opportunities, and (4) educate the public and train first responders on the technology.

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Collaborative Research: High-speed AFM Imaging of Dynamics on Biopolymers Through Non-raster Scanning<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> Kam K. Leang (co-PI) in collaboration with Drs. Sean Andersson and Kevin Moore (Boston University, Lead)<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> Aug. 15, 2014 – Aug. 14, 2017<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, Division of Biological Infrastructure, Instrumentation and Instrument Development (IDBR) Program<\/p>\n

Goal and Objectives:<\/strong> The goal of this collaborative proposal is to create a new AFM tool that offers frame rates on the order of 100 frames\/sec with scan range up to 10 \u03bcm for a particular class of biologically relevant samples, namely biopolymers and other \u201cstring-like\u201d samples. Dynamics of interest in this class include the motion of molecular motors on their biopolymers, the dynamics of tropomyosin and of troponin on actin, binding and unbinding of regulatory proteins on DNA, and many more. The approach taken is to combine the nonraster approach with novel high-speed nanopositioning stages and advanced controllers to achieve an order of magnitude or better improvement in frame rate over existing commercial AFMs.<\/p>\n

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Nevada Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS) and Advanced Manufacturing (AM) Research Infrastructure<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> George Bebis (PI) and Kam K. Leang (co-PI)<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> \u00a0 UNR VPRI Office, Acquisition of Instructional and Research Equipment (AIRE) Program, Project duration: 3\/14 – 6\/14.
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Advanced Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Sensors for Aerospace Robotic Applications<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> C. Fritsen (Program PI), K.J. Kim (Science PI), K.K. Leang (co-PI), W. Yim (co-PI), D.-C. Lee (co-PI), and A.-M. Vollstedt (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> NASA EPSCoR Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> Sept. 1, 2013 – June. 30, 2014 (Co-PI change due to resignation from UNR)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong>\u00a0 This is an integrated and state-wide collaborative project between the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the University
of Nevada, Reno (UNR), and the Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). The main goal of this project is to advance the development and understanding of electroactive polymer sensors and actuators for applications in autonomous and emerging NASA related aerospace robotic and structural systems. Specifically, the research focuses on material processing, materials chemistry, modeling and control, and systems-level integration for electroactive polymer materials. An education plan is also proposed to integrate innovative teaching material on electroactive polymers for training the future workforce across the three campuses.

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U.S. Army STTR Phase I: Autonomous Broad Spectrum Environmental Sentinels<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> University PI: K. K. Leang; Industry Team: B. Rogers (PI), R. Whitten (co-PI), J. Adams (co-PI), and L. Deal (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> U.S. Dept. of Defense, Army STTR Program<\/p>\n

Project Duration:<\/strong>\u00a0Jan. 9, 2014 – June 30, 2014<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> The goal of the proposed program is the development of a hover-capable, flying robot with integrated chemical sensing, inter-unit communication, and the potential for self-powering. The final platform will detect environmental threats in vapor form using interchangeable, onboard sensors. Utilizing the real-time data collected and analyzed by these sensors, the unit will be capable of swarming with other units during surveillance of a given area to, for example, localize and profile a contaminant source.

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Seed funding: Development of a test platform for research on advanced modeling and control of micro unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. K. Leang (PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> \u00a0UNR College of Engineering, Project duration: 1\/13 – 6\/13.
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Artificial Muscle (AM) Cilia Array for Underwater Systems<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.J. Kim (PI) and K.K. Leang (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> Office of Naval Research (ONR), Bio-Inspired Autonomous Systems Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> 2012 – 2015<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong>\u00a0 The goal of this project is to exploit the unique properties of a new enabling “Artificial Muscle [AM]” to develop and deliver a working cilia-based array for possible use in naval applications.\u00a0 An AM is a multifunctional, smart polymer whose electromechanical properties can be controlled, resulting in reproducible actuation and sensing capabilities.\u00a0 Like biological muscles, the AM technology exhibits large motion, good force, fast response, good efficiency, long cycle life, and silent operation.\u00a0 By developing an array of AM-based cilia, a rigorous investigation and study can be conducted to determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and application of such a technology in naval systems.\u00a0 To this end, we propose to develop, test, and evaluate a cilia-based AM array which mimics the motion of biological cilium.

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Development of an Autonomous Micro Flying Robot for Disaster Search and Rescue Operations<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. K. Leang (PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> \u00a0UNR Undergraduate Research Award, Project duration: 5\/12 – 11\/13.<\/p>\n

Undergradute student researcher:<\/strong> Ketan Mittal
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Design of a high-performance scanner for AFM<\/h4>\n

Company:<\/strong> \u00a0Molecular Vista, Inc., Project duration: 2012-2018<\/p>\n

Scope of Work:<\/strong>\u00a0Designed piezo-driven, flexure-based high-speed scanner for commercial AFM system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> This project focuses on designing high-performance nanopositioning stages for AFM applications.<\/p>\n

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NSF GK-12 E-Fellowhship Program: Toward Energy Aware STEM Leaders for the 21st Century<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI); co-PIs: K.J. Kim, E. Wang, J. LaCombe, M. Robinson.<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, DGE GK-12 Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> 2011- 2015<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> The program partners E-Fellows with middle and high school teachers across four schools in the Washoe County School District (WCSD) to bring their STEM energy-related research into K-12 classrooms via inquiry- and project-based activities.<\/p>\n

Research topics include energy harvesting using smart materials, nanomaterials for photovoltaics, hydrogen energy and storage, biomass and biofuels, geothermal, wind energy, and efficient power grid systems.<\/p>\n

Local Nevada energy industry collaborators include NV Energy and Ormat Nevada.

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NSF MRI: Acquisition of High Performance Nano-Mechanical Tester for Micro\/ Nanomechanical Characterization<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> Y. Jiang (PI); co-PIs: K.J. Kim, K. K. Leang, R. Gibson.<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, CMMI NanoManufacturing Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong>\u00a0Aug. 15, 2011 – Aug. 14, 2013<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> A critical mass of researchers with interdisciplinary research interests at UNR has acquired a new and critical instrument through the NSF, the Hysitron TI-950 Triboindentor nano-mechanical testing system. Northern Nevada including UNR does not have a nano-mechanical tester, thus the lack of such an instrument (or quick access to a nearby instrument) imposes significant challenges to researchers at UNR and local industry partners in advancing materials research and development. The newly acquired instrument will immediately support 8 research projects at UNR and initiate transformative research and industry collaborations. In addition to supporting a large number of research projects, the instrument will support undergraduate and graduate courses and train science and engineering students in state-of-the-art materials characterization techniques.

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Design\/control of nanopositioning systems<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang and A.J. Fleming<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> PiezoDrive, Project duration: 2010-2016.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong>\u00a0 Support includes high-performance piezoelectric voltage and current amplifiers for nanopositioning research. \u00a0For more information about PiezoDrive products, visit their website at www.piezodrive.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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NUE: Integration of Nanotech into ME curriculum via Energy Efficient Systems & Dynamic Structures<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI); co-PI: J. Suhr, J. Cannon.<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, NUE Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> 2009 – 2012<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> Study the use of nanocomposites for energy efficient systems and dynamic structures such as snow skis. Develop engineering curriculum that focuses on the fundamentals of nanocomposites.<\/p>\n

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A twistable artificial muscle (AM) fin<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.J. Kim (PI) and K.K. Leang (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> Office of Naval Research (ONR), Bio-Inspired Autonomous Systems Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> 2009 – 2012<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> The ultimate goal of this project is to capitalize on the unique properties of a new enabling “Artificial Muscle [AM]” to develop and deliver a compact and energy-efficient technology for enhanced maneuvering of small biorobotic unmanned surface\/underwater vehicles. An AM is a multifunctional, smart polymer whose electronic properties can be controlled and reproducibly changed in response to the environment. Like biological muscles, the AM technology has the capacity to perform diversified functions because of its unique properties such as large motion, good force, fast response, good efficiency, and long cycle life. It has been shown that fish and naval mammals routinely use unsteady hydrodynamics for enhanced maneuvering.

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Development Funding Request \u2013 Development of a New Mechatronics Course (ME 422\/622) at UNR<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI) and E. Wang (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> NV NASA Space Grant Consortium<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> Aug.\u00a024, 2009 – Mar. 1, 2010<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal: <\/strong>The goal of the proposed project is to establish a new interdisciplinary senior-level design course on mechatronics for mechanical and electrical engineering students. This engineering course will be the only mechatronics course within NSHE and will be offered annually by the mechanical engineering department in the future.\u00a0 <\/span>The content will focus on the integration of mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems in design; in particular: sensors, electro-mechanical actuators, control systems, and microcontrollers for applications such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, positioning platforms for planetary exploration.<\/p>\n

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Design of an Autonomous Underwater Robot Propelled by Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) Actuators<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. K. Leang (PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> \u00a0UNR Undergraduate Research Award, Project duration: 5\/09 – 11\/09.<\/p>\n

Undergradute student researcher:<\/strong> Alex Wirtz<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nevada Space Grant Consortium: EPSCoR 2009 Proposal Development<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> NV NASA Space Grant Consortium<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> 3\/1\/09 – 6\/1\/09.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> This grant supports activities associated with developing the EPSCoR 2009 proposal.<\/p>\n

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Undergraduate Instructional Modernization for Energy: Safety and Sustainability of Nuclear Waste and Transportation & Energy Harvesting<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K. K. Leang (PI) and M. Greiner (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> UNR Student Technology Fee Award, Project duration:\u00a05\/09 – 6\/10.
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Novel Multifunctional SPM Probe w\/ Modular Quick- Change Tips for Fully Automated Probe- Based Nano- manufacturing<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI) and C.R. Taylor (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, CMMI NanoManufacturing Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> 2007 – 2012<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal:<\/strong> The goal of this research is to address the critical issues of throughput, repeatability, scalability, and limited functionality of probe-based nanofabrication by designing, fabricating, and testing a novel active cantilever probe with an automated ability to interchange probe tips (tools). To do so,\u00a0we propose the exploration of using active cantilever probes with an automated ability to interchange probe tips, for example, from sharp pyramidal tips with various sizes and materials to chemically functionalized tips for biological printing to nanowire tips for high resolution metrology to dynamic tips that can be used for machining, nanomanipulation, or material modification; without the need for an operator to physically remove\/replace the cantilever as in traditional SPM.

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Space Frame Design for ME Senior Design Projects, Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> J. Suhr (PI) and K.K. Leang (co-PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> NV NASA Space Grant Consortium<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong>\u00a0Aug. 1, 2008 – Dec. 31, 2008<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal: <\/strong>This project supports ME Senior Capstone teams to design and develop a space frame.<\/p>\n

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Integration of Modeling & Control of Smart Actuators for Nano\/Bio Technology into ME Curriculum<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI), co-PIs: S. Devasia, Q. Zou, G. Pannozzo.<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> National Science Foundation, DUE CCLI Program<\/p>\n

Project duration:<\/strong> 2007- 2009.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goal: <\/strong>The goal of this project is to prepare the engineering workforce with knowledge, understanding, and skills for nano\/bio-related fields. Specifically, the project\u2019s goal will be achieved by integrating a module on smart actuators into the mechanical engineering (ME) undergraduate curriculum. The module will be developed to address the important aspects of modeling, control, and design of smart actuator-based systems through a collection of specially designed lectures (theory) and laboratory experiments.

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HSURP: Optimizing the Design and Fabrication of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) Actuators to Propel an Autonomous Underwater Robot<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI).<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> \u00a0VCU Honors College, Project duration: 6\/4\/07 – 7\/13\/07.
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\n\"\"<\/span>\n

Characterization of Composite Piezo- electric Actuators Using Charge- Feedback Control<\/h4>\n

Investigators:<\/strong> K.K. Leang (PI), co-PIs: K.M. Mossi (co-PI) and J. E. Speich<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/strong> Trek Inc., NY, Project duration: 10\/2005 \u2013 06\/2006.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0 Sponsor: Cushybots Industrial Corporation Goal and Objectives: Development in motion planning, control, estimation, and exploration strategies for mobile robots. Sponsor: University of Utah, Remote and Austere Conditions (RAC) Grand Challenge Program Goal and Objectives: This project will develop an autonomous and reconfigurable network of ultra-fast delivery […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-FullWidth.php","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-556","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=556"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2882,"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/556\/revisions\/2882"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kam.k.leang.com\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}