Welcome to the Gu Research Group at UC Berkeley! We work at the intersection of bioinspiration, additive manufacturing, mechanics, and artificial intelligence to design next-generation structures and devices for aerospace applications and space missions. Our group develops deep learning and optimization frameworks that accelerate simulation and inverse design to create lightweight materials and architectures with targeted mechanical, aerodynamic, and multifunctional performance. We apply these tools to bioinspired aerial systems (quiet, efficient drone propellers and lightweight aerostructures) and in-space manufacturing (optimized deposition hardware; process-aware designs for extreme environments). These approaches also extend to biomedical devices and soft robotic systems, with potential applications in astronaut health, robotic manipulation, and exploration. By tightly coupling modeling with advanced manufacturing, we aim to “print what we need” with minimal material, supporting resource-efficient fabrication and adaptable systems for future space missions. Please visit the Research and Publications sections to learn more about our current projects.

We host an annual 3D printing workshop (called PrintSprint: 3D Printing Bootcamp) for undergraduate students at Berkeley to learn how to CAD, build a 3D printer from scratch, and work in a team for a design challenge. Through our outreach efforts, we hope to get students from all backgrounds excited about additive manufacturing and the joys of a life in science and engineering. See below for a photo from our most recent workshop in September 2025.