Control, Robotics, Design, and Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
In the area of advanced manufacturing processes and systems, current research concentrates on laser materials processing. Investigations are being carried out in laser forming of metal foam; microscale laser shock-peening to mitigate stress corrosion cracking, material processing using improved laser-beam quality. Both numerical and experimental work is conducted using state-of-the-art equipment, instruments, and computing facilities. Close ties with industry have been established for collaborative efforts. (Read more about the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory)
Control Systems Group
Control research emphasizes iterative learning control (ILC) and repetitive control (RC). ILC creates controllers that learn from previous experience performing a specific command, such as robots on an assembly line, aiming for high-precision mechanical motions. RC learns to cancel repetitive disturbances, such as precision motion through gearing, machining, satellite precision pointing, particle accelerators, etc.Research is also being conducted on improved system identification, making mathematical models from input-output data. The results can be the starting point for designing controllers, but they are also studied as a means of assessing damage in civil engineering structures from earthquake data. (Read more about the Control Systems Group)
Creative Machines Laboratory
At the Creative Machines Lab we are interested in robots that create and robots that are themselves creative. We develop novel autonomous systems that can design and make other machines - automatically. We are working on a self-replicating robots, self-aware robots, robots that improve themselves over time, and robots that compete and cooperate with other robots. We build robots that paint art, cook food, build bridges and fabricate other robots. Our work is inspired from biology, as we seek new biological concepts for engineering and new engineering insights into biology. (Read more about the Creative Machines Laboratory)
Robotics And Rehabilitation Laboratory
Robotics research focuses on design of novel rehabilitation machines and training algorithms for functional rehabilitation of neural impaired adults and children. The research also aims to design intelligent machines using nonlinear system theoretic principles, computational algorithms for planning, and optimization.Robotic Systems Engineering (ROSE) Lab develops technology capable of solving difficult design problems, such as cable-actuated systems, under-actuated systems, and others. Robotics and Rehabilitation (ROAR) Lab focuses on developing new and innovative technologies to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. The lab designs novel exoskeletons for upper and lower limbs training of stroke patients, and mobile platforms to improve socialization in physically impaired infants. (Read more about the Robotics And Rehabilitation Laboratory)
Robotic Manipulation and Mobility Laboratory
The Robotic Manipulation and Mobility (ROAM) Lab focuses on robot motor control, mechanism and sensor design, planning and learning, all aiming to demonstrate complex motor skills such as dexterous manipulation. We are interested in application domains such as versatile automation in manufacturing and logistics, assistive and rehabilitation robotics in health care, and space robotics. (Read more about the Robotic Manipulation and Mobility Laboratory)