Research Fundings

Agency: National Science Foundation

Grant Number: CBET-1746417

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zheng Chen

Amount: ¤500,000

Duration: 2017 - 2022

This NSF CAREER Award supports research on developing advanced artificial muscle technology using ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) materials for next-generation prosthetic devices and exoskeleton applications. The project aims to create lightweight, high-force actuators that closely mimic biological muscle behavior, addressing the critical need for power-efficient and compliant actuators in assistive technologies.

Agency: National Science Foundation

Grant Number: CNS-1544887

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zheng Chen

Amount: ¤748,000

Duration: 2016 - 2020

This NSF CPS grant develops biomimetic underwater robots capable of operating in confined spaces and forming stealth swarms for distributed sensing tasks such as environmental monitoring, underwater oil pipeline inspection, and intelligence collection. The research leverages expertise in modeling, control, smart materials, and bio-inspired design to develop 3D maneuverable robotic fish powered by smart materials.

Agency: Kansas NSF EPSCoR

Grant Number: IIA-1301726

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zheng Chen

Amount: ¤250,000

Duration: 2015 - 2020

This project develops novel renewable energy systems employing smart materials as energy transducers to achieve high energy conversion efficiency with minimum environmental impact. Research focuses on dielectric elastomer energy harvesters and ionic polymer-metal composite enhanced electrolysis for hydrogen production, addressing critical climate change issues through innovative energy storage solutions.

Agency: Baker Hughes

Grant Number: BH-2018-001

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zheng Chen

Amount: ¤180,000

Duration: 2018 - 2021

This industry-sponsored research develops auto-tuning PID control algorithms for blender equipment in hydraulic fracturing operations. The control algorithms are designed to be robust to uncertain disturbances and dynamics variations, with the ultimate goal of automating all hydraulic fracturing equipment to reduce operational risks and costs.

Agency: Texas Commission of Environmental Quality

Grant Number: TCEQ-2019-UPI-001

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zheng Chen

Amount: ¤320,000

Duration: 2019 - 2023

This project develops transformative robotic and SmartTouch sensing technology for time-efficient and cost-effective underwater pipeline inspection systems. The research focuses on autonomous underwater vehicles and robotic manipulation for subsea pipeline inspection, addressing critical infrastructure monitoring needs in the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry.

Agency: Wichita State University

Grant Number: WSU-2014-BRCL-001

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zheng Chen

Amount: ¤75,000

Duration: 2014 - 2017

Initial seed funding that established the Bio-inspired Robotics and Controls Lab research program. This funding supported preliminary research on artificial muscles, underwater robots, and renewable energy systems using smart materials, laying the foundation for subsequent major grant awards.

Agency: University of Houston

Grant Number: UH-2017-STARTUP-001

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zheng Chen

Amount: ¤150,000

Duration: 2017 - 2020

University of Houston startup funding to establish the BRCL laboratory facilities and equipment. This funding supported the lab transition to UH and initial research activities in bio-inspired robotics, smart materials, and control systems, enabling the establishment of a world-class research facility.