Dr. Markus Nemitz Talks 3D Printing and Swarm Robotics

A few years ago, we told you about an incredible project to create 3D printed robots for search-and-rescue operations. The man behind it, Dr. Markus Nemitz, has not stopped there. In the time since, Dr. Nemitz has continued to use additive manufacturing in his work in swarm robotics, with the goal to use these soft robots for everything from explosive ordnance disposal to amphibious operations. We sat down with him to learn more about his work.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself and your work?

Markus Nemitz, PhD

My name is Markus Nemitz, and I am an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University, specializing in the design, fabrication, and control of swarm robots including their deployment at points of impact. My research combines expertise in swarm robotics, from my PhD, and soft robotics, from my postdoctoral work at Harvard.

My group focuses on the rapid design, fabrication, and deployment of robots, particularly multi-material systems and fluidic circuits, with applications ranging from underwater vehicles to legged robots. We develop libraries of modular robot components and novel fabrication processes that enable “single-click” manufacturing. Our work also applies machine learning to close the loop in 3D printing—transforming a traditionally open-loop process, where layers are printed without inspection or correction, into one with real-time monitoring and adaptive control.