Organizers:
- Ahmed Elbanna, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- Jeff Shamma, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- Ann Sychterz, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- Kathryn Matlack, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- Sameh Tawfick, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Description:
Achieving true autonomy in infrastructure requires materials that seamlessly integrate sensing, computation, and actuation to enable real-time adaptation and evolution. Advances in Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning are making this vision attainable, allowing complex, rapid decision-making under uncertainty. Progress in 3D printing and active matter physics further supports the development of hybrid material systems capable of self-repair, reconfiguration, and structural evolution. These innovations promise to transform the future of smart cities, enabling infrastructure systems that actively respond to external stimuli, such as seismic events, impact loads, or wind forces, by dynamically adjusting their shape, stiffness, or topology in real time.
Despite substantial progress in sensing and data acquisition for infrastructure, current systems often operate in isolation, passively collecting data without integrating it into actionable decisions. Existing approaches suffer from delays between data collection, analysis, and response, leading to inefficiencies and costly downtime. Future infrastructure must integrate distributed sensor networks, edge computing, and machine learning to create a framework for rapid decision-making and actuation. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities in realizing this vision, including the integration of active materials, advances in real-time control algorithms, new mechanics and material technology, manufacturing innovations, and the need for interdisciplinary training to prepare the next generation of engineers. By addressing these critical questions, we aim to redefine resilience and sustainability in infrastructure, empowering built systems to learn, adapt, and evolve beyond their initial design.
Topics of interest:
This session calls for abstracts related to the above, for example in (but not limited to) the following areas:
- Mechanics and physics of active materials
- Novel advances in manufacturing of active materials
- Real time control of active materials and metamaterials
- Materials with artificial intelligence and decision-making ability