# BRITE Relaunch: AI-Based Modeling and Control of 3D/4D Printed Soft, Fiber-Reinforced Actuators

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Rochester Institute of Tech (NY) · $596,777

## Abstract

This BRITE Relaunch award supports research that enables the manufacturing, modeling, and control of fiber-reinforced actuators leveraging advances in additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence, thereby promoting the progress of science, and advancing prosperity and welfare. Fiber-reinforced actuators are common in soft robotics since they closely mimic biological muscles. One challenge with fiber-reinforced actuators is that significant variability can exist between actuators if manufacturing methods are not precisely controlled. Additionally, the actuators displace nonlinearly and are difficult to control. This project will solve this challenge by utilizing 3D/4D printing, in which 3D structures are printed with electronic capabilities that allow them to sense physical phenomena, to repeatedly fabricate, characterize, and test fiber-reinforced actuators. Data obtained will inform physics-informed artificial intelligence models, which will then be integrated with advanced control strategies to enable more precise control of soft robotic actuators. The methods developed could address a fundamental gap in soft robotics related to control for applications ranging from biomedical to space systems. In addition, a multifaceted approach to generating excitement about STEM disciplines is planned that includes K-12 outreach activities, undergraduate research and teaching experiences, and development of a freely available, online workshop curriculum.

The field of soft robot

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2527418
- **Awardee organization:** Rochester Institute of Tech (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** J6TWTRKC1X14
- **PI:** Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CONTROL SYSTEMS, Dynamical systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), ROBOTICS, Manufacturing, WOMEN, MINORITY, DISABLED, NEC
- **Estimated total:** $596,777
- **Funds obligated:** $596,777
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2527418

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2527418, BRITE Relaunch: AI-Based Modeling and Control of 3D/4D Printed Soft, Fiber-Reinforced Actuators. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2527418. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*