AI & Robotics-Assisted Laser Dry Manufacturing of Functional Materials
以 AI 与机器人为“数字化反应器”，用激光干法制备替代传统湿化学合成
We transform materials synthesis from wet chemistry into a programmable, solid-state, digitally controlled process — where AI designs micro/nano architectures and robotic systems execute laser programs to build functional materials layer-by-layer, solvent-free.
激光–物质相互作用在固态与聚合物介质中实现局部加热、还原、烧蚀与相变，让我们以极少的溶剂与废液合成并图案化功能材料。
From Wet Chemistry to Digital Dry Fabrication
Laser–matter interaction enables localized heating, reduction, ablation, and phase transformation in solid and polymeric media — letting us synthesize and pattern functional materials with minimal solvents and waste streams. We treat materials manufacturing as a software-defined, dry process: AI designs the micro/nano architecture, and robotic systems execute laser programs to build functional materials layer-by-layer, without conventional solution-based chemistry or batch reactors.
🌊 Traditional Wet Chemical Approach
- ✕Solvent-heavy & polluting — toxic organics, acids, extensive liquid-phase waste treatment
- ✕Complex multi-step workflow — spin-coating, wet etching, CVD, manual transfer
- ✕Low spatial precision & rigid design — hard to reconfigure localized phases dynamically
- ✕Lengthy drying times and energy-intensive batch reactors
⚡ Our AI & Robot-Assisted Laser Dry Approach
- ✓Eco-friendly dry processing — solvent-free, clean, green, direct-write fabrication
- ✓Single-step & autonomous — integrated robotic handling and automated laser writing
- ✓AI-driven precision — closed-loop control, intelligent path planning, localized multi-physics tuning
- ✓True green manufacturing aligned with global carbon-neutrality goals
Three reasons we bet on the digital dry route
Intelligent Process Optimization
Laser parameters — pulse width, power, scanning speed — span a vast multi-dimensional design space. AI predicts and optimizes laser–material interactions, minimizing trial-and-error.
Robotic Automation for High-Throughput
Robotic arms and automated stages streamline large-area scanning, roll-to-roll compatibility, and precise multi-material integration — scaling from lab to line.
True Green Manufacturing
Our route completely eliminates liquid chemical waste, aligning with global carbon-neutrality and sustainable-manufacturing goals — cleaner, faster, more scalable.
Closed-Loop, Self-Correcting Fabrication
The same architecture extends to vision-driven, feedback-controlled fabrication: EIT, optical, and electrical sensing modules monitor transport phenomena (water, ions, droplets) during and after laser processing — enabling self-correcting dry workflows that bridge design, fabrication, and performance.
A closed loop from inverse design to self-correcting devices
We integrate AI models, in-situ sensing, and robotics into our laser platforms to close the loop between design, fabrication, and performance.
The Digital Dry Manufacturing Loop
Three pillars of solvent-free fabrication
Direct Laser Writing (DLW) of Functional Materials
We pattern graphene electrodes, flexible circuits, and functional surfaces directly on polymers and textiles — avoiding photolithography and multi-step wet processing. This dry approach underpins skin-integrated electronics, wearable HMI interfaces, and digital manufacturing of on-body sensing and soft-robotic skins.
Laser-Induced Graphene & Laser Surface Engineering
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) and laser surface micromachining create conductive, superhydrophobic, and superwetting architectures on masks, membranes, and coated metals. These dry-processed surfaces enable moisture management, passive decontamination, and high-performance sensing — eliminating conventional wet etching or complex chemical coatings.
Laser Printing, Transfer & Guided Self-Assembly
We combine laser-induced forward transfer, electroplating-assisted laser transfer, and laser-guided self-assembly to position metals, oxides, and nanomaterials with high spatial precision. By exploiting laser-driven rolling and self-organization of thin films, we fabricate 3D micro-rolls, microcilia arrays, and small-scale swimmers as dry-produced micro-actuators and robotic elements.
AI & Robotics-Assisted Dry Materials Systems
From on-body sensing to micro-robotics and energy — one digital dry platform, many outcomes.
Skin-Integrated AI Sensing & Smart Textiles
Laser-written circuits, flexible electrodes, and textile sensors for continuous health monitoring, sports rehab, and human–machine interaction.
Autonomous Droplet Transport & Micro-Robotic Actuators
Microcilia arrays, micro-rolls, and thin-film swimmers manipulate droplets and flows; ultrathin microheaters for insect control; untethered swimmers.
Dry-Fabricated Electrochemical Sensing & POC Diagnostics
Enzyme-free biosensors and portable diagnostics by laser-printing metal/oxide nanostructures on carbon cloth and textiles — NAD+, glucose, urea, viral RNA.
Dry Interfaces for Water Harvesting, Desalination & EIT Imaging
Laser-defined wettability and photothermal interfaces control transport in hydrogel/aerogel frameworks; EIT images water/salt pathways in soft materials.
Digitally Printed Energy Devices & Perovskite Optoelectronics
Integrated sulfur cathodes, modified separators, and perovskite devices via dry/near-dry laser processing; AI guides microstructure engineering.
Food 3D Printing, Digital Gastronomy & Thermal Robotics
Multi-material extrusion + in-situ laser cooking + generative AI design; spherical origami Joule heaters extend dry laser manufacturing to thermal-comfort robotics.
Moisture Management, Superhydrophobic Surfaces & Antibacterial Coatings
Breathable superhydrophobic membranes, self-decontaminating respirators, and bactericidal coatings — robust moisture control without chemical baths.
Advanced Lithography & Magnetic Patterning for AI Hardware
Nanoimprint-assisted block copolymer self-assembly and metallopolymer precursors produce ultra-fine FePt magnetic nanoparticle patterns for AI hardware.
Selected works behind the digital dry platform
Full, chronological list of 90+ papers → limg.hkust.edu.hk/full-publication-list
Collaboration, Translation & the Greater Bay Area Ecosystem
Located in the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Greater Bay Area, our lab actively collaborates with robotics companies, materials manufacturers, healthcare providers, and energy-technology firms to translate dry laser manufacturing platforms into industrial practice.
We welcome partnerships on AI-enhanced laser fabrication cells, robotic deployment of smart materials, and integrated sensing–actuation systems that replace traditional wet chemistry with scalable, digital dry manufacturing lines.
Partner with LiMG
From fabrication cells to deployed smart materials — let’s build the dry, digital future of materials together.
Visit the LiMG Lab →