Soft Robotics, Embedded Intelligence, Soft-rigid Robots, Bio-med. Robotics…O my!

START TIME CHANGED TO 6:30 PM.

These IoT/Technology Meetups are held on the first Thursday of each month (except July and January when we'll meet the following Thursday after the holiday) and are free to attend for anyone interested in the business of high technology.

Come and connect with other like-minded technologists, business execs, entrepreneurs, etc.
or join us online (Google Meet) at:
https://meet.google.com/qjq-aaoe-xdj

This month's presenter will be:

Rashmi Wijesundara
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashmi-wijesundara-616764175/ )

• Biomedical Engineering at the University of
  North Texas - Ph.D. student

She will present:

"Soft Robotics, Embedded Intelligence, Soft-rigid Robots, Biomedical Robotics… Oh my! "

Abstract

Biomedical robotics require systems that can safely adapt to complex and delicate environments with minimal sensing and control.

This research explores mechanically intelligent soft and hybrid robotic systems that achieve adaptive behavior through material properties, geometry, and structural design.

Key areas include soft robotic manipulation, hybrid robotic navigation, and energy-efficient locomotion.

Novel tentacle-inspired actuators, variable- stiffness Fin-Ray grippers, and hybrid soft–rigid robots are developed to improve adaptability and performance.

By embedding intelligence directly into robotic structures, this work aims to advance minimally invasive surgery, medical device navigation, rehabilitation, and wearable assistive technologies.

Bio

Rashmi Wijesundara is an accomplished Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas and a researcher in the ARM Lab.

Her work focuses on soft robotics, bioinspired actuators, variable stiffness systems, smart materials, and wearable robotics, developing adaptive technologies for biomedical, industrial, assistive, and human–robot interaction applications.
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The meeting is now held at SpringHill Suites (east Richardson) near the intersection of Geo. Bush and E. Renner Rd. (2 blocks south on Shiloh from the Methodist Hospital at Renner and Shiloh - see below for details).

Come early and stay late if you can. Bar opens at 5 pm (self-paid).

Program runs from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.

***
1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour:

These are hybrid and free events. For those that can attend in person, it allows us to come together and network with other IoT and technology professionals, business execs, entrepreneurs, etc... and help us find resources, talent and solutions to our issues... and learn about new trends and tech in the industry.

Come early and stay late if you can (bar opens at 5 pm. - self paid. Leave whenever you like... or when the bar closes.)

The folks that attend have technical and business expertise in many varied segments of the IoT/tech industry... from end device/sensor/actuator builders, to connectivity gurus (wired, wireless, satellite), to backend computer systems/platforms and analytic tools specialists... and even edge computing/processing, security and AI/ML/ChatGPT/Agentic AI and Quantum experts.

1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour @ SpringHill Suites ((3251 E. Geo. Bush Tpke, Richardsson, TX))
Each 1st Thursday of 2025 (except Jan. and July) · 6:30 – 7:45pm

Google Meet (a Zoom-like platform) joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qjq-aaoe-xdj

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 443-399-3866‬ PIN: ‪891 528 379‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qjq-aaoe-xdj?pin=8679601782853

A sincere thanks to our sponsors:

4.0 Solutions (www.iiot.university/)
- founded by Walker Reynolds (www.linkedin.com/in/walkerdreynolds/)
4.0 Solutions was created around the concept of the restructuring the way we think about systems integrators, suppliers, hardware & software manufacturers, and distributors in a way that is compatible with the 4th industrial revolution.

ObjectSpectrum, LLC (www.objectspectrum.com)
- founded by Eric Lenington (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericlenington/):
"ObjectSpectrum was founded with the sole purpose of making the Internet of Things an Internet of useful, efficient, cost-cutting, ROI-maximizing things."

James Brehm & Assoc. (https://www.jbrehm.com/)
- James Brehm, Founder and Chief Technology Evangelist
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbrehm/)
James Brehm & Associates is a consulting and market intelligence firm providing project based and retained strategic advisory services to technology companies worldwide focused on IoT and digitial transformation.

Chuck McCoy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chmccoy/),
Founder of: TechTargets - Smart Targets. Smarter Shooters.
(https://techtargets.com/)
TechTargets uses modern IoT components to bring low cost interactive target systems to Law Enforcement live fire training environments.

If you'd like to support these meetings through a one-time donation, or ongoing monthly support, contact Ed Hightower at ed.hightower@iotandbeyond.com. I can send an invoice via PayPal and you can pay/ donate via credit card. Thanks.

This link takes you to many of the presentations that have been presented at our IoT Texas meetings over the last 6+ years. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC69LBjxiKDx8tVkkVs9T0NA/videos