An Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Studio on Tensegrity Systems for Shape Control and Locomotion through Simulation and Physical Rapid Prototyping

The general perception around structures and architecture has changed with recent advances in active structural control, advanced computing, and parametric design. Through the integration of active elements, structures can now become dynamic objects capable of interacting with complex environments; a vital feature for structures in extreme environments as well as for planet exploration and base/settlement. Tensegrity structures are lightweight, materially and mechanically efficient systems that can combine actuators with structural elements. Although the form-finding and analysis of tensegrity structures has received significant interest and various control solutions have been successfully identified, the link between the topology and actuation mode employed with the desired performance/behavior of tensegrity structures has not yet been properly addressed. Therefore, a summer research studio with undergraduate engineering and architecture students was organized to investigate the performance of various tensegrity systems for shape control and locomotion.