19/06/2020

IMPA alumna included in MIT's list of 35 young innovators.

Foto: Universidade de Washington

Adriana Schulz, a graduate of IMPA (Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics), was selected to be included in the 2020 “Innovators Under 35” list by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which highlights the work of young innovators and points to possible directions for technology in the next decade. The Brazilian was selected in the “Visionaries” category for developing tools that allow anyone to create product designs without prior knowledge of materials science or engineering. Created 20 years ago, the competition usually receives more than 500 nominations and has a judging committee of 25 members to arrive at the final list of 35 names.

The computer-based design tools she developed allow users to use drag-and-drop graphical interfaces to create functional and complex objects, such as robots and birdcages. "What excites me is that we are about to enter the next phase in manufacturing – a new manufacturing revolution," says Adriana, whose goal is to define design tools that will drive and democratize this new industrial revolution.

One of the researcher's main creations, who is currently an assistant professor at the University of Washington, is Interactive Robogami, a tool that allows anyone to design rudimentary robots. When the user projects the shape and trajectory of a terrestrial robot onto the screen, Adriana's system automatically translates the raw design into a schematic that can be built from standard or 3D printed parts.

“Digital manufacturing technologies can be used not only to increase productivity, but also to dramatically improve the quality of products, from consumer goods to medical applications,” she explains. “But beyond the commercial impact, what really excites me is the potential to allow anyone to create something, regardless of their background or individual needs. My goal is to empower people to shape the objects and environments around them to be more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.”

Foto: Universidade de Washington

Together with collaborators, Adriana developed a tool that allows users to design drones that meet their chosen requirements for payload, battery life, and cost. The system's algorithms incorporate materials science and control systems, and automatically generate a manufacturing plan and control software.

Her time at IMPA and Visgraf (the institute's Computer Graphics Laboratory) had a strong impact on her professional trajectory, says the researcher. “IMPA gave me the fundamental mathematical training for my entire career. It was where I fell in love with computer graphics and where I met Professor Luiz Velho, a great mentor who taught me so much, inspired me, and saw in me a potential I never believed I had.”

Currently, the researcher is helping to create the University of Washington's Center for Digital Fabrication, which she will co-direct. Adriana will work with local manufacturing and technology companies to design their tools for use outside the laboratory.