University of North Texas 
News
Trevor Exley Presents at BMES 2023 in Seattle
10/14/2023
Trevor Exley showcased his research at the BMES 2023 conference in Seattle with two presentations:
- Enhancing Bandwidth in Thermoactive Soft Actuators: Utilizing the Peltier Effect for
Symmetrical Actuation and Active Cooling
Session: Enhancing Bandwidth in Thermoactive Soft Actuators: Utilizing the Peltier Effect for Symmetrical Actuation and Active Cooling
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM - Polycaprolactone-Based Thermoresponsive Variable Impedance Actuators: Prioritizing
Active Heating/Cooling for Effective Offline Impedance Control
Session: Polycaprolactone-Based Thermoresponsive Variable Impedance Actuators: Prioritizing Active Heating/Cooling for Effective Offline Impedance Control
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Trevor served as the presenting author for both sessions, further solidifying the lab's position at the forefront of advancements in the field.
Paper Accepted in "Robotics Reports"
09/24/2023
We are thrilled to announce that Trevor Exley's manuscript titled "A Novel Variable Impedance Actuator Utilizing Adjustable Viscoelastic Properties of Thermoresponsive Polycaprolactone" has been accepted for publication in the esteemed journal, Robotics Reports. This acceptance underscores the lab's commitment to pioneering research and innovation in the field of robotics.
Paper Published in "IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics"
08/30/2023
Trevor Exley, Daniel Johnson, and Amir Jafari have unveiled their latest research in a paper titled "Towards a Novel Thermal-Based Variable Impedance Module through Adjusting Viscoelastic Properties of a Thermoresponsive Polymer" in the journal IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics (Issue 10.1109/TMRB.2023.3310044, Pages 1-1, Publisher: IEEE). The paper introduces a unique thermal-based variable impedance module that leverages the temperature-dependent viscoelastic properties of the thermoplastic polymer Polycaprolactone. Preliminary findings suggest that this innovative approach offers a promising solution for actuators where size, weight, and compactness are critical considerations.
Paper Published in "Smart Materials and Structures"
06/27/2023
Trevor Exley, Daniel Johnson, and Amir Jafari have recently published a groundbreaking paper titled "Utilizing the peltier effect for actuation of thermo-active soft robots" in the journal Smart Materials and Structures (Publisher: IOP Science). The research introduces the Peltier effect as a reversible heating/cooling mechanism for thermally-responsive soft actuators, aiming to enhance their efficiency and speed. This innovative approach promises to revolutionize the field of soft actuation methods in robotics.
Paper Published in "Actuators"
04/20/2023
Emilly Hays, Jack Slayton, Gary Tejeda-Godinez, Emily Carney, Kobe Cruz, Trevor Exley, and Amir Jafari have co-authored a comprehensive review titled "A Review of Rehabilitative and Assistive Technologies for Upper-Body Exoskeletal Devices" in the journal Actuators (Volume 12, Issue: Soft Robotics in Biomedical Application, Pages 178, Publisher: MDPI). The article delves into the potential of assistive and rehabilitative exoskeletons for individuals with limited mobility, highlighting innovations and areas for improvement, especially in passive shoulder supports and active soft robotic actuator gloves.
Paper Published in "Mechanism and Machine Theory"
03/01/2022
Trevor Exley and Amir Jafari have recently published a paper titled "Increasing robustness and output performance of Variable Stiffness Actuators in periodic motions" in the journal Mechanism and Machine Theory (Volume 169, Pages 104645, Publisher: Pergamon). The research focuses on enhancing the energy efficiency and robustness of Variable Stiffness Actuators (VSAs) in specific applications, aiming for more compact, lighter, yet powerful VSAs.
Paper Published in "Sensors and Actuators A: Physical"
12/01/2021
Trevor Exley and Amir Jafari have published a new paper titled "Maximizing energy efficiency of variable stiffness actuators through an interval-based optimization framework" in the journal Sensors and Actuators A: Physical (Volume 332, Pages 113123, Publisher: Elsevier). The paper delves into the challenges and opportunities in designing optimal stiffness adjustment mechanisms for robotic platforms in physical contact with humans.
President’s Translational and Entrepreneurial Research award
06/01/2020
Dr.Jafari and his collaborators at UTSA and UTHSCSA received prestigious President’s Translational and Entrepreneurial Research award to work on Endovascular Roblotic Device: VascuX Robotics
Paper published in International Journal of Robotics & Automations
06/22/2016
Our new paper entitled as: Energy Storage capacity and Force-Stiffness Interactions in Different Stiffness Adjustment Mechanisms, has been published by International Journal of Robotics & Automations.
Paper published in Journal of Intelligent and Robotic System
05/18/2016
Our new paper entitled as: Determinants for Stiffness Adjustment Mechanisms, has been published in Journal of Intelligent and Robotic System.