The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has presented the Microsystems Technology Office Award to three faculty members from the College of Engineering. Drs. A.B.M. Tahidul Haque and Sree Kalyan Patiballa, assistant professors in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Shreyas Rao, associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, were recognized at the agency’s Spark Tank event held July 24-25 in Aurora, Colorado.
According to DARPA, the award recognizes research ideas that align with unconventional computing, biologically inspired microsystems and commercially catalyzed defense deployment. The team advanced through the preliminary round and was selected to pitch their concept at Spark Tank.
“I believe this award will serve as a foundation for future avenues of investigation in the area of biological microsystems,” Rao said.
Haque, Patiballa and Rao’s research combines functional materials, flexible mechanical structures and cell culture. Their objective is to create fluidic pathways in soft scaffolds to grow and actuate biological muscles embedded in devices for amplified movement.
Their efforts could lead to the development of advanced biohybrid devices and soft robotic systems with enhanced mechanical performance and precision. Over time, these advances may set new standards in engineering design for actuators, sensors and microscale mechanical systems.
As part of the award, their research initiative will be incorporated into upcoming DARPA programs. They will also receive up to $400,000 to support short-term exploratory studies.
“The opportunity to work on a project that has never been demonstrated before and to contribute to DARPA’s legacy of innovation is incredibly exciting,” Patiballa said. “This award instills a great deal of confidence in me to explore bold ideas and delve into more innovative work.”
According to DARPA, the event’s purpose is to expand engagement with stakeholders across the technology ecosystem, including small businesses, startups and first-time collaborators, to catalyze transformative advances in microsystems.
Haque noted that the award, combined with their collaboration with DARPA, will advance cutting-edge efforts and provide valuable learning experiences for scholars.
“Working with DARPA will lead to high-impact publications. The awarded project is interdisciplinary, which will benefit the growth of the students and postdoctoral researchers involved in our teams,” Haque said. “Overall, success in this research will enhance the reputation and capability of the College of Engineering.”
The team plans to continue developing biohybrid robotics and prosthetics using biological muscles. They will also explore applications in wound healing, biomedical sensors and bioinspired micromanipulators.