Computational Processes For Adaptive Biomechanics
Jesus Marini Parissi of Moon Rabbit Adaptive Lab
Moon Rabbit is a consultancy specializing in computational design and engineering founded by Jesus Marini Parissi in Milano Italy. With experience working on projects from impact resistant fascia at FORD to performance optimized footwear at PUMA though to multi-material 3D printing of biomechanical hand with ETH Zurich and Inkbit, Jesus will be presenting their approach high performance, and multi material design at CDFAM Berlin. May 7-8 2024.
Leading up to his presentation we asked Jesus about his background at MIT, and what led him to found the consultancy to help companies use computational design and advanced manufacturing in product development and engineering in high performance applications.
Could you start by describing your journey from earning a bachelor’s degree in mechatronic engineering in 2013 to founding Moon Rabbit Adaptive Lab in 2023 and the specializations of your consultancy?
Absolutely, here we go!
I earned my mechatronics degree at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, one of Latin America’s largest and most prestigious universities. During my five-year program, I delved into various areas of knowledge, including electronics engineering, computer science, data analysis, mechanical engineering, and product design.
Towards the culmination of my studies, I specialized in product design, engaging in a collaborative project between Stanford University’s ME310 course, MABE (one of the largest appliance companies in Latin America), and CDMIT, a research center affiliated with UNAM. This experience immersed me in the realms of design thinking and innovative product design.
Subsequently, I embarked on a career at Ford Motor Company, where I joined a pioneering CAE experimental group focused on Front and Rear Fascia Development, with a specific emphasis on enhancing low-speed damageability impacts. Throughout my tenure at Ford, I leveraged diverse tools and methodologies to drive novel solutions, resulting in the development or contribution to four patents spanning various domains, from safety enhancements to energy absorption improvements.
Seeking to bridge my expertise in product design and engineering, I pursued a master’s degree program that led me to Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI). There, I specialized in interaction design, driven by my keen interest in integrating mechatronics with product design. Following the completion of my master’s degree, I was privileged to be accepted as a visiting student at the MIT Design Lab.
My time at MIT was transformative, exposing me to a wealth of brilliant minds and inspiring me to concentrate on Computational Design. Upon returning to Milan in 2020, I embarked on a career as a Computational Design Freelancer, collaborating with diverse companies across industries such as performance sports, biomedical, automotive, and consumer electronics.
After four years of freelancing, I decided to establish Moon Rabbit Adaptive Lab. This venture was born out of my desire to create a platform for personal growth in the field of computational design focusing on Product Design and Design for Additive Manufacturing, while also fostering a collaborative environment to nurture talent and unlock the boundless potential of this area.
During your time at MIT’s Design Lab, under the guidance of Dr Federico Casalegno and Yihyun Lim, how did your project with Puma shape your approach to design and mechatronics?
Upon arriving at the MIT Design Lab, I experienced a profound shift in perspective. The lab stood at the forefront of interaction and strategic design, boasting a formidable team of designers and architects.
Under the guidance of Yihyun, an exceptional leader, I encountered an environment where melding engineering principles with design prowess was both invigorating and demanding. Balancing project scope, timelines, and innovation became a paramount challenge.
My journey into footwear design began with the PUMA project, “Calibrate Runner,” an unexpected venture that ultimately steered my career toward the footwear industry. My contribution to the XETIC project centered on harnessing virtual simulation techniques alongside experimental data. Tasked with crafting a virtual environment capable of integrating 3D models and biomechanical information into advanced simulations, I drew upon my expertise from my time at Ford.
Through the development of a bespoke workflow and methodology, we achieved a breakthrough: dynamic virtual simulations in a 3D environment with six degrees of freedom (6 DOF), revolutionizing footwear product development.
The culmination of our efforts materialized on August 4th, 2020, with the launch of the “Calibrate Runner,” a pivotal moment recognized by its inclusion in the London Design Museum’s exhibition, “Sneakers Unboxed.” This milestone marked the onset of an enduring collaboration with PUMA, culminating in our latest endeavor: a project in partnership with the PUMA Innovation Team and Karsten Warholm to enhance his performance sprint spikes.
AT CDFAM Berlin, I will be thrilled to present our latest case study in computational design—a testament to the ongoing evolution and innovation within the field of athletic footwear.
Sneak peek!
The multi-material hand project with ETH Zurich required a nuanced understanding of material properties and biomechanics. Could you describe the challenges of modeling intersections between bone and ligament, and how you addressed these challenges using a parametric model in Grasshopper?
The collaboration on the ETH Zurich project and Thomas Buchner, which involved Inkbit multi-material 3D printing technology, showcased in Nature Portfolio, presented notable challenges. Nonetheless, we take great pride in the exceptional outcomes it has yielded.
The main objective of this project was to design an organic shape that could be 3D printed in a single shot, utilizing different material properties and assigning independent functions to each section.
To achieve this goal, I undertook a thorough examination of hand biomechanics, structure, and mechanical properties, identifying core parameters that needed to be discretized and parameterized into an algorithm capable of meeting our objectives.
Beginning with the positioning of the bones, it was crucial to establish a coordinate system and relationship that could remain consistent despite significant changes in location. Therefore, I opted to utilize Grasshopper as a starting point, rather than modeling everything and making adjustments after each feedback iteration.
Employing various workflows, I developed a stable algorithm capable of adapting to changes seamlessly. This included utilizing genetic algorithms for form finding to determine the optimal volumes for creating geometrical relationships between bones. Subsequently, I focused on creating intersections and extracting surfaces for ligaments and 50/50 (gradient) interfaces.
Additionally, I devised an algorithm to construct the joint capsule, ensuring no clashes occurred between different components while minimizing volume through the definition of a fitness function. Lastly, I implemented an algorithm to create actuators across the fingers, meticulously avoiding intersections with other components.
Developing this algorithm was a complex endeavor, requiring careful consideration of multiple geometrical relationships, fitness functions, material properties, and intersections.
In our previous discussion, you described Grasshopper as “a playground for engineering”, enabling you to explore complex geometric relationships. How has this environment contributed to the development of your custom algorithms for projects, and what advancements would you like to see in Grasshopper, and other software to further facilitate your exploration of multi-material design challenges?
Transitioning from solid modeling CAD software like Solid Edge, SolidWorks, CATIA V5, and NX to Rhino was initially challenging due to the shift in design logic.
To address this, I swiftly embraced Grasshopper to augment Rhino’s capabilities and introduce a new layer of control into my workflow.
By incorporating Grasshopper, I discovered a wealth of additional functionalities and innovative approaches to projects, encouraging algorithmic thinking and reshaping my design methods.
Drawing upon my background in mechatronics, I seamlessly integrated algorithmic principles into my design process, leveraging my expertise in creating algorithms and functions, now applied to geometry.
My experience at FORD in CAE provided invaluable knowledge in data management and meshwork, which, combined with Rhino’s versatility in switching between Solid, Mesh, and Sub-D workflows, afforded me unprecedented freedom in problem-solving.
I firmly believe in the great potential of Grasshopper.
I envision the implementation of multithreading in more components and the development of collaborative workspaces as exciting prospects. Additionally, I am eager to see a more seamless integration between Grasshopper and other platforms like Blender or Unity3D, as the current options are limited and often unstable.
For multi-material design, and even single-material design, I support the idea of the integration of a slicer (e.g., CURA) directly within Grasshopper. This would streamline the process of creating custom property definitions without the need for multiple intermediate steps, ultimately enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Besides Grasshopper, which additional software packages do you regularly incorporate into your design workflow, and why?
Throughout my career, I’ve engaged with a diverse array of software across various industries, always with the aim of delivering optimal results for each project. I continuously explore new software offerings to identify the best fit for specific project requirements, prioritizing quality while also considering cost-effectiveness.
Given the varying time frames of our projects, adaptability in software usage is essential. Our focus lies in developing proprietary scripts, typically in Python or C#, or leveraging software that facilitates visual scripting and data flow.
Our software rotation commonly includes Blender, Fusion 360, Houdini, Ansys, and Unity 3D. However, we’re also actively experimenting with emerging software like Spherene and Metafold to enhance our capabilities in Design for Additive Manufacturing.
While there are numerous software options available, some may not offer trial versions. Instead, they often provide demonstrations or videos to showcase their capabilities. Cost considerations are paramount, especially for software intended for short-term or single-project use.
The adoption of new design methodologies and software can often be met with resistance from clients/companies. Based on your experience, how do you propose to encourage more collaboration and acceptance of innovative approaches within the industry?
Introducing new technologies and design methods can indeed pose challenges, often met with resistance. To address this, we allocate a portion of our studio time to developing demos, pilots, and use cases that illustrate the benefits, required skills, and opportunities associated with adopting these innovations.
We’ve identified one of the primary obstacles to be the steep learning curve associated with computational design and emerging technologies, particularly considering the rapid pace of technological evolution. This can create apprehension among both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.
To address these challenges, we are assembling a specialized team dedicated to providing support to companies seeking to integrate new technologies into their existing development processes. This team will offer guidance and assistance tailored to navigating the complexities of adopting and adapting to innovative tools and methodologies, thereby facilitating smoother transitions and maximizing the potential benefits for our clients.
Finally, what do you hope attendees at CDFAM in Berlin will gain from your presentation, and what are you most looking to achieve through networking with the event’s participants?
I envision that visitors to Berlin will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the integration of computational design within product development, particularly in the realm of performance sports, alongside demonstrations of intricate designs for multi-material additive manufacturing.
Through our showcase, we aim to convey the transformative power of combining the right blend of skills, passion, and collaborative teamwork, showcasing the incredible results that can be achieved. By pushing the boundaries of product development and incorporating a significant layer of research and development, we believe we can usher in a new era of innovation.
We eagerly anticipate connecting with individuals, companies, and organizations that share our values and vision. Our goal is to engage in a mutual exchange of experiences, learning from one another and exploring avenues for collaboration in advancing the adoption and utilization of new technologies within the industry.
We are really excited about this event and the new era that will mark.
