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Wensi Wu uses digital twins to explore the hidden mechanics of the human heart
computational mapping of a human heart.

Image: Floriana via Getty Images

Wensi Wu uses digital twins to explore the hidden mechanics of the human heart

Wu, a research faculty member at Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, develops “digital twins” of the human heart through computational modeling that capture both the visible and invisible aspects of cardiac function.

Melissa Pappas

2 min. read

Teaching robots to build without blueprints
A simulation of the mathematics of a bee colony.

Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed mathematical rules to simulate robots to behave like bees, building complex shapes without instructions, pointing to a new manufacturing frontier.

(Image: Courtesy of Jordan Raney and Mark Yim)

Teaching robots to build without blueprints

Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed mathematical rules to simulate robots who behave like bees, building complex shapes without instructions, pointing to a new manufacturing frontier inspired by nature.

Ian Scheffler

2 min. read

Penn engineers first to train AI at lightspeed
Tianwei Wu (left) and Liang Feng (right) demonstrating some of the apparatus used to develop the new, light-powered chip.

Tianwei Wu (left) and Liang Feng (right) demonstrating some of the apparatus used to develop the new, light-powered chip.

(Image: Sylvia Zhang)

Penn engineers first to train AI at lightspeed

Penn engineers have developed the first photonic chip that reshapes how light behaves to carry out the nonlinear mathematics at the heart of modern AI while reducing energy use.

Ian Scheffler

2 min. read

How Penn engineers are restoring historic Springfield Mills
Jason Pastor and another lab worker at Penn’s MEAM lab.

Jason Pastor (left) is a senior coordinator of instructional labs at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) at Penn Engineering.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering)

How Penn engineers are restoring historic Springfield Mills

The gristmill on Wissahickon Creek, which dates back to 1761, required repairs to its modern machinery upgrades. Volunteers at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens turned to MEAM’s Precision Manufacturing Lab at Penn Engineering for the design of precision components.

From Penn Engineering

2 min. read

From sewing to 3D printing: Taylor Caputo and the Engineering Studios at Penn’s Venture Lab
Taylor Caputo in Penn’s Venture Lab.

Taylor Caputo is a lecturer in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics and director of the Engineering Studios @ Venture Lab.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering Today)

From sewing to 3D printing: Taylor Caputo and the Engineering Studios at Penn’s Venture Lab

The lecturer in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics and director of the Engineering Studios @ Venture Lab helps students bring student visions for new products to life through laser cutters, 3D printers, and even sewing machines.

Ian Scheffler

2 min. read

Turning bicycles into an engineering study tool
Penn students riding bikes over a bridge in Amsterdam.

Students explored Amsterdam with a bike tour and even a bicycle scavenger hunt.

(Image: Elizabeth Feeney)

Turning bicycles into an engineering study tool

Penn students explore the Netherlands’ cycling infrastructure and learn about bicycle design principles in Dustyn Roberts’ popular Penn Global Seminar.

5 min. read

Penn Electric Racing’s latest racecar
Students unveil their latest self-made electric race car on College Green, just in front of Benjamin Franklin statue.

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Penn Electric Racing’s latest racecar

Penn Electric Racing, the student-led Formula Society of Automotive Engineers electric team, debuted its latest electric race car, REVX, on College Green on March 28. This marks the team's 10th custom-designed car since its founding in 2013 and its most sophisticated to date.

3 min. read

Flying high with the Penn Aerial Robotics club
A robotic aerial drone on Penn’s Locust Walk.

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Flying high with the Penn Aerial Robotics club

For more than a decade, Penn students have been building and competing with unmanned aerial vehicles. They unveil their latest creations, an autonomous drone-like tilt-rotor aircraft and a model plane, before they head to an international competition in Los Angeles this spring.

7 min. read

From lab to classroom: The Center for Engineering MechanoBiology
Kayla Gay looking into a microscope in a lab.

Kayla Gay, who teaches middle school in Northwest Philadelphia, spent the summer learning about lab techniques that she can bring back to her classroom.

(Image: Courtesy of Kayla Gay)

From lab to classroom: The Center for Engineering MechanoBiology

Penn’s Center for Engineering Mechanobiology is a summer program for K-12 teachers in Philadelphia to work with scientists and engineers to develop innovative, hands-on lessons to engage students in STEM-integrated education.

Ian Scheffler