Pint of Robotics: Ahmet Arif Colakoglu, Dan Davie, Dr. James McLaughlan (PhD)

Speaker 1: Ahmet Arif Colakoglu (Healthcare Mechatronics Lab, University of Leeds)

Bio: PhD candidate. His research focuses on the design and development of a soft robotic wearable helmet aimed at mitigating syndromic forms ofcraniosynostosis. With a background in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in quantitative methods, his work integrates advanced soft robotics and healthcare technology to offer non-invasive and cost-effective treatment alternatives. Ahmet’s previous experience includes research and project management roles in both academic and industrial settings, spanning topics from machine learning to unmanned aerial vehicles.

Abstract: The project investigates the design and development of a fully active soft robotic helmet to address craniosynostosis, a condition characterised by the premature fusion ofskull sutures in newborns and animals. Current treatments, often surgical, pose long-term risks and complications. This research aims to create a flexible and adaptable system that applies controlled forces to the skull to prevent suture ossification. Leveraging advancements in soft robotics, the helmet is designed to be non-invasive, portable, and affordable. Through dynamic force application and pneumatic control, the system provides a promising alternative for craniosynostosis treatment, with broader implications for wearable healthcare technology.

Speaker 2: Dan Davie (Future Manufacturing Processes, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds).

Bio: Dan obtained a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2021 from the University of Leeds. His extended project involved the design and construction of a mobile robot for direct ink writing (DIW) of large-area printed electronics. Now, he is in the final year of a PhD, under Professor Robert Kay, in the Future Manufacturing Processes group, developing a hybrid-additive process for technical ceramics. Dan’s interests are process integration, design, and control, applications of functional ceramics.

Title: Process Development and Control for Sensor-informed Hybrid-Additive Manufacturing. Abstract:Hybrid-Additive Manufacturing (hybrid-AM) systems present means to produce high quality components by leveraging the advantagesofmultiple distinct process in a single manufacturing platform. However, novel process combinations create challenges for machine control due to the lackofmachine-agnostic hybrid manufacturing software. This work presents improvements to a hybrid-AM platform for technical ceramics, incorporating multi-material (polymer filament and ceramic paste) extrusion, infrared drying, green machining, and multi-modal sensing. A bespoke software package was created to facilitate controlofthe distinct technologies and sensing operations using a single production file. Sensor data is used for process calibration and dynamic process parameter adjustment, increasing the systems intelligence. For example, layer height measurements using a laser profilometer are used to tune the paste extrusion parameters. This enabled the integrated fabrication of ceramic components with sub-mm precision, complex geometries and less than 5% fabrication porosity, creating new manufacturing opportunities in the technical ceramics market.

Mentor: Dr. James McLaughlan (PhD)

Bio: Dr. McLaughlan is an Associate Professor working across the faculties of EPS and FMH, specialising in minimally invasive cancer imaging and therapy. Their multidisciplinary research combines light, sound, robotics, and molecular targeting agents. After completing a PhD at the Institute of Cancer Research, they pursued a postdoc at Boston University. In 2011, Dr McLaughlan joined a multidisciplinary team at Leeds (spanning Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Biology) as a postdoctoral researcher and later became an independent academic, supported by awards such as the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, UKRI Innovation Fellowship, and the Leeds University Academic Fellowship (UAF) initiative.