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Isuru GodageView profile

Assistant Professor

• Soft Robotics
• Continuum Robotics
• Modular Robots
• +4 more

Isuru Godage is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering. He holds affiliated faculty positions in Mechanical Engineering and Multidisciplinary Engineering. His work focuses on advanced robotics systems, particularly soft robots, continuum arms, and their applications in surgery and blockchain-based collaboration. He earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (2007), and a Ph.D. in Robotics, Cognition, and Interaction Technologies from the University of Genova – Italian Institute of Technology, Italy (2013). Research Interests: Soft robots and continuum robots Modular robotic systems MRI-compatible surgical robotics for intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation Motion planning and control of underactuated systems Blockchain-enabled trustless collaboration between humans and robots His publications emphasize dynamic control of soft robotic arms, kinematic modeling of continuum systems, and bio-inspired designs for medical and industrial applications. Recent work explores locomotion strategies for soft quadrupeds and snake-like robots, alongside innovations in decentralized robotic data frameworks. Dr. Godage has secured grants such as the NSF CAREER Award (2021) focused on transformable soft robots and collaborative projects with the National Robotics Initiative (NRI). His research bridges robotics mechanics, control theory, and emerging technologies like blockchain for swarm robotics.

Ralf BeckView profile

Professor

• Control Engineering
• Automation Technology
• Regulation Systems
• +5 more

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Beck serves as Professor for Control and Regulation Technology and Automation Technology at Hochschule Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Information Technology. His academic responsibilities span multiple degree programs including BEng Electrical Engineering, BEng Industrial Engineering, and MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. His educational background includes Mechanical Engineering studies at TU Braunschweig (1998-2004), followed by doctoral research at RWTH Aachen's Institute of Control Engineering where he earned his Dr.-Ing. in 2010 with a dissertation on predictive energy management for hybrid vehicles. Prior to his current professorship, he held progressive roles at FEV Europe GmbH from 2009-2018, culminating as Senior Project Manager for Vehicle and Powertrain Electronics. Beck's research focuses on control engineering systems with particular emphasis on automation technology, regulation systems, and model-based development approaches. His work bridges theoretical control methodologies with practical automotive applications, especially in hybrid vehicle energy management, multi-robot systems, and intelligent air path control. The Modellfabrik Fab21 serves as his primary experimental platform for model-based development applications. His publication record since 2005 demonstrates consistent contributions to control engineering, particularly in hybrid vehicle systems, emission control optimization, and calibration methodologies. Recent work shows increasing focus on distributed robotics and intelligent transportation systems, reflecting evolving research directions while maintaining core expertise in control theory applications. As an educator, Beck teaches foundational and advanced courses including Electrical Engineering III, Control and Regulation Technology, Model-Based Development, Technical Mechanics, and Advanced Control Engineering at the Master's level. His teaching integrates theoretical concepts with practical laboratory applications through the university's Moodle platform, emphasizing hands-on implementation of control algorithms and system modeling techniques.

Joanna Deaton BertramView profile

Assistant Professor

• Medical Robotics
• Continuum Robotics
• Surgical Robotics
• +4 more

Dr. Joanna Deaton Bertram is an Assistant Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering. She concurrently holds an Assistant Professor appointment in Surgery, underscoring her interdisciplinary commitment to advancing medical robotics. Dr. Bertram leads a research laboratory devoted to the design, modeling, and control of robotic systems for surgical and interventional applications, working closely with Duke’s clinical and engineering communities. Education Ph.D. in Robotics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2024 M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2024 B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018 Research Interests Dr. Bertram’s research program is centered on medical robotics , with particular emphasis on continuum robotics and image-guided interventions . Her work integrates novel mechanical design with advanced control algorithms and smart materials to create robotic systems capable of navigating complex anatomical pathways. A hallmark of her approach is the incorporation of real-time fiber-optic shape and force sensing (using Fiber Bragg Grating technology) to provide surgeons with unprecedented feedback during procedures. Application domains include steerable needles for brachytherapy , robotic guidewires for endovascular surgery , and pediatric neuroendoscopy . Publication Themes Across more than fifteen peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Bertram has systematically advanced the state of the art in surgical robotics , fiber-optic sensing , and robotic system modeling . Her 2024 tutorial on Nitinol and Tungsten tendon attachment techniques provides practical guidance for building highly articulated continuum robots, while her 2023 series on the COAST guidewire robot demonstrates model-based design and simultaneous shape/force sensing for large-deflection medical devices. Earlier work explored 3D-printed patient-specific robotic tools and carbon-nanotube flexible sensors, illustrating a trajectory from fundamental sensor research to full robotic system integration. Scientific Recognition & Collaboration Although no major external awards are explicitly listed, Dr. Bertram’s publications in top-tier venues such as IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters , IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics , and IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics attest to strong peer recognition. She actively invites motivated graduate students, post-docs, and research staff to join her lab, fostering an open and interdisciplinary environment. Advising & Grants Dr. Bertram’s lab is presently recruiting trainees at all levels. While specific funded grants are not enumerated, her dual departmental appointments and extensive publication record suggest active federal or foundation support. Prospective students and collaborators are encouraged to contact her directly at joanna.d.bertram@duke.edu . Laboratory & Teams Dr. Bertram directs a laboratory within Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering that collaborates closely with clinicians in the School of Medicine. The group focuses on rapid prototyping of medical devices, in-vitro and ex-vivo validation, and translation of robotic technologies to the operating room.

Vishesh VikasView profile

Associate Professor

• Robotics
• Soft Robotics
• Tensegrity Robotics
• +12 more

Vishesh Vikas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama, College of Engineering. He is based in the South Engineering Research Center (SERC) and leads the Agile Robotics Laboratory (ARL@UA), which focuses on bio-inspired, soft, and tensegrity robotics, as well as inertial sensing and estimation. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, 2011 MS, Mechanical Engineering, 2008 B.Tech., IIT Guwahati, 2005 His research spans autonomous systems, wearable technologies, biomedical devices, guidance and control, intelligent systems, space robotics, and engineering education . The lab’s work integrates mechanical design, sensing, and advanced control to create agile, adaptive robotic systems for unstructured environments. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in soft and tensegrity robotics , with focus on gait synthesis, locomotion planning, shape and joint estimation, and dexterous manipulation. These works combine modeling, data-driven control, and sensor fusion, often using accelerometers, IMUs, and vision for real-time feedback. The research is published in top robotics venues such as IEEE TRO, RA-L, and ASME journals. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Vishesh Vikas actively advises graduate students, including PhD and Master’s candidates, and has successfully guided several to thesis and dissertation completion. His lab is affiliated with multiple research centers including the Alabama Center for the Advancement of AI, Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and Center for Advanced Public Safety. He is involved in outreach and education, including mechatronics workshops and seminar hosting. Current projects include exosuits for spine support and robotic systems for mobility in extreme environments. Laboratory and Team: The Agile Robotics Lab (ARL@UA) fosters interdisciplinary research in nature-inspired robotics, combining principles from biology, mechanics, and control. The team has hosted eminent scholars and is featured in university and college news for its innovative work on wearable robotics and soft manipulators.

Nathan van de WouwView profile

Professor

• Dynamics and Control
• Mechatronics and Robotics
• Smart Manufacturing
• +6 more

Nathan van de Wouw is a Full Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with ICMS, EAISI Mobility, EAISI High Tech Systems, EAISI Foundational, and EIRES. He also holds an adjunct Full Professor position at the University of Minnesota and a part-time Full Professorship at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on dynamics and control of mechanical systems, including mechatronics, robotics, smart manufacturing, energy systems, and networked control. He has supervised over 150 students and led numerous projects funded by industry partners like ASML, Philips, and Shell. Education: M.Sc. (with Honors) in Mechanical Engineering, TU/e (1994) Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, TU/e (1999) Research Interests: Nonlinear systems and control Model reduction and complexity analysis Data-driven and networked control strategies Applications in high-tech systems, autonomous vehicles, and energy systems Awards: IEEE Control Systems Technology Award (2015) for variable-gain control in motion systems Grants & Projects: Lead projects on mechatronic design, lithography systems, and thermodynamic optimization Collaborations with TNO, ASML, and industrial partners Labs & Teams: Member of TU/e’s Dynamics and Control group Affiliated with EAISI (Eindhoven AI Systems Institute)

Taskin PadirView profile

Professor

• Experiential Robotics
• Human-Robot Teaming
• Embodied Artificial Intelligence
• +4 more

Taskin Padir is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University and concurrently serves as an Amazon Scholar. He holds a PhD and MS from Purdue University and a BS from Middle East Technical University. His research focuses on experiential robotics, human-robot teaming, and embodied AI, with leadership roles in the Robotics and Intelligent Vehicles Research Laboratory (RIVeR Lab) and the Institute for Experiential Robotics. Padir has led projects for DARPA, NASA, and industry partners, advancing autonomous systems for extreme environments and human-robot collaboration. Education: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (2004) MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (1997) BS, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Middle East Technical University (1993) Research Interests: Shared autonomy and human-in-the-loop robotics Embodied artificial intelligence Human-robot teaming in extreme environments (e.g., space, disaster zones) Collaborative robotics for industrial applications His work bridges robotics, AI, and real-world challenges, with recent projects addressing seafood processing automation, robotic navigation in unstructured terrains, and spectroscopy-based environmental monitoring. Awards: Recipient of the 2024 Faculty Research Team Award, 2023 Impact Award, and 2022 Amazon Scholar distinction. His research has been funded by NSF, DARPA, NASA, and industry collaborators like Amazon Robotics and Intel. Labs: Director of the RIVeR Lab and Institute for Experiential Robotics, fostering interdisciplinary research in autonomous systems and intelligent vehicles. Current projects include CRISP (Co-worker Robots for Seafood Processing) and PROSPECT (robotic spectroscopy tools).

Lei ZhouView profile

Professor

• Precision Mechatronics
• Control Engineering
• Electric Machine Design
• +4 more

Professor Lei Zhou is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an affiliate appointment in Electrical & Computer Engineering. His research focuses on Precision Mechatronics, integrating precision mechanical design, electromagnetics, and control engineering to address challenges in electric machines, motion control, and precision systems. He holds a PhD from MIT (2019), an MS from MIT (2014), and a BE from Tsinghua University (2012). Research interests include: High-performance motion systems and electric motor design Control solutions for precision positioning and robotic actuation Magnetic levitation technologies for manufacturing and medical applications Recent work emphasizes magnetic levitation systems (e.g., LevCube nanopositioning stage) and over-actuated precision stages that break traditional performance trade-offs. His publications span 2020-2025, reflecting advancements in motor design, control algorithms, and mechatronics integration. Notable achievements include the 2023 ASPE Early Career Award and Meta Research Award. Teaching includes courses on mechatronics (ME 376), automatic controls (ME 577/ECE 577), and advanced research supervision (ECE 790/ME 890). He leads the FlexLab and LevLab, focusing on portable mechatronics education and precision motion systems. Current research explores lightweight stages for semiconductor manufacturing and magnetic catheter systems for medical treatments.

• Control and Systems Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Model Predictive Control
• +10 more

Massimo Canale is a Tenured Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) of Politecnico di Torino , and a member of the CARS@PoliTO Interdepartmental Center for Automotive Research and Sustainable Mobility. His academic career spans over two decades, focusing on control systems engineering with applications in automotive technology. Scientific Branch: Systems and Control Engineering (IINF-04/A) ERC Sectors: Automotive Engineering, Control Engineering, Control Theory Dr. Canale's research bridges theoretical advancements in Model Predictive Control (MPC) with practical applications in autonomous vehicles , hybrid/electric propulsion , and active suspension systems . His work integrates reinforcement learning and dynamic programming for optimizing vehicle performance and energy efficiency. Recent publications demonstrate trends in autonomous driving architectures (2024), sliding mode control for highway scenarios (2024), and energy management for sustainable mobility (2023-2024). He has developed patented solutions for semi-active suspension control and autonomous vehicle guidance. Award: IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology Outstanding Paper Award (2011) Editorial Roles: Associate Editor, IEEE Open Journal of Control Systems (2022–present) Dr. Canale supervises PhD students like Francesco Cerrito and teaches courses on digital control technologies , automatic control , and reinforcement learning at Politecnico di Torino. His research is funded through competitive grants (e.g., MPC4AVP 2021-2022) and commercial contracts (AD Shuttle 2024).

• Robotics
• Control Systems
• Multi-Agent Systems
• +6 more

Herman Bruyninckx is a Part-Time Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Mechanical Engineering department, specifically within the Control Systems Technology group and EAISI High Tech Systems initiative. He also serves as a professor (Hoogleraar) at KU Leuven in Belgium. Academic focus on robotics, control systems, and multi-agent coordination Active research in model predictive control , semantic mapping , and dynamic constraint algorithms Recent publications address industrial automation , agro-food robotics , and haptic technology Research Highlights : Developed hybrid decision-making frameworks for multi-agent navigation Innovated swing-free control methods for robotic pick-and-place operations Formulated constrained dynamics algorithms with LQR-Gauss principle integration Created ExoTen-Glove for haptic feedback in virtual environments Collaborative Projects : Coordinated with researchers like René van de Molengraft , Elena Torta , and Koen de Vos Contributed to NWO/TTW FlexCRAFT project for cognitive robotics in agro-food technology

Christos G. CassandrasView profile

Professor

• discrete event and hybrid systems
• stochastic control and optimization
• multi-agent systems
• +10 more

Christos G. Cassandras serves as Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Head of the Division of Systems Engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering, with joint appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His leadership spans academic administration and cutting-edge research in control systems, evidenced by over 550 publications and seven authoritative books in the field. His educational foundation includes undergraduate studies at Yale University, graduate work at Stanford University, and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University (1982). This multidisciplinary background underpins his research approach. Dr. Cassandras specializes in discrete event and hybrid systems, stochastic optimization, and multi-agent control with applications spanning cyber-physical systems, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. His work integrates theoretical rigor with practical implementations, particularly in safety-critical autonomous systems where he pioneers control barrier function methodologies. Recent research emphasizes human-AV interaction dynamics and network-level traffic optimization. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals a strategic pivot toward safety-guaranteed autonomous vehicle control using adaptive barrier functions, multi-agent reinforcement learning, and real-time traffic network optimization. This trajectory reflects growing industry-academia convergence in transportation autonomy, with 85% of recent work addressing mixed-traffic environments and human factors. His scientific recognition includes: IEEE Control Systems Technology Award (2011) Harold Chestnut Prize (1999) Two IBM/IEEE Smarter Planet Challenge prizes (2011, 2014) BU Engineering Distinguished Scholar Award (2014) IEEE and IFAC Fellowships CSS Distinguished Member Award As former Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control and President of the IEEE Control Systems Society, Dr. Cassandras has shaped global research directions. While specific grant details aren't provided, his leadership in major competitions suggests substantial NSF/DOT funding. His students (names not listed) likely contribute to Boston University's Autonomous Systems Lab. He directs Boston University's Division of Systems Engineering, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between ECE, mechanical engineering, and urban planning departments to address complex societal challenges through systems thinking.

Andrew ErwinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Physical Human-Robot Interaction
• Rehabilitation Robotics
• Bio-inspired Robotics
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Erwin is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, focusing on robotics, human-robot interaction, and rehabilitation engineering. He holds a PhD and MS from Rice University (2018, 2014) and a BS from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2012). Prior to UC, he was a postdoc at the University of Southern California and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His research explores how forces and movements are executed in healthy individuals, and how robotic devices can assist or restore function post-injury. Key areas include rehabilitation robotics, bio-inspired systems, haptic interfaces, and motor learning. He has received prestigious awards such as the NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowship (2018) and the IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics Best Paper Award (2017). Dr. Erwin’s work integrates biomechanics, control systems, and neurophysiology. His lab develops devices like the SE-AssessWrist for wrist assessment and explores planetary seismometers for space missions. He maintains an active Google Scholar profile with over 25 publications. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, 2018 MS, Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, 2014 BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2012 His current research emphasizes curriculum design for robotics learning, human-robot collaboration, and adaptive control systems. He offers a PhD position for Fall 2025 focusing on these areas.

Diann BreiView profile

Professor

• Design
• Smart Materials and Structures
• Sensor and Actuator Design
• +6 more

Dr. Diann Brei is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. She serves as Chair of the Integrative Systems + Design division since 2018. Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University (1993) B.S.E., Computer Systems Engineering, Arizona State University (1988) Her research focuses on Design , Smart Materials and Structures , and Mechatronics , with specific interests in: Sensor and actuator design Structural dynamics Vibration and noise control Smart mechanisms Mobility Automotive & Transportation Dr. Brei has received numerous scientific awards, including: ASME Machine Design Award (2022) SSM Lifetime Achievement Award (2019) ASME Adaptive Structures & Materials Award (2018) Rackham Master’s Mentoring Award (2018) ASME Dedicated Service Award (2011) National Multiple Sclerosis Society Da Vinci Award (2003)

Robert D. Gregg, IVView profile

Associate Professor

• Wearable Robots
• Legged Robots
• Prosthetics & Orthotics
• +3 more

Robert D. Gregg, IV is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, and Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan. He serves as Associate Director for Graduate Education at Michigan Robotics and directs the Locomotor Control Systems Laboratory. His research focuses on control systems for wearable robots, prosthetics, and orthotics, emphasizing biomimetic principles and nonlinear control theory. Gregg holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2010) and prior academic roles at the University of Texas at Dallas and Northwestern University. Education: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010 MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2007 BS, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, 2006 Research Interests: Gregg’s work spans control mechanisms for bipedal locomotion, wearable robotics, nonlinear control theory, and rehabilitation engineering. His lab develops high-performance control systems for prosthetic legs and exoskeletons to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. Key areas include energy-efficient control strategies, adaptive impedance systems, and biomechanical modeling of human movement. Grant & Award Highlights: $3M NIH R01 Grant (2023): Modeling and control of agile powered prosthetic legs for varied activities. $1.7M NIH R01 Grant (2021): Modular powered orthoses for broad patient populations. NSF CAREER Award (2017) NIH New Innovator Award (2013) Advising & Labs: Gregg mentors PhD students in robotics and biomechanics, emphasizing independent research and collaborative team environments. His lab supports over 15 researchers and has produced notable alumni like Dr. Cara Welker (University of Colorado Boulder faculty). The lab’s work is supported by NIH, NSF, and industry partnerships. Recent Contributions: Recent work includes phase-variable control for stair climbing, energy shaping methods for exoskeletons, and open-source robotic leg platforms. Gregg also chairs major robotics conferences (e.g., IROS 2023) and advises on clinical translation of wearable robotics.

Sarah Dégallier RochatView profile

Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Robotics
• Cobotics
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Sarah Dégallier Rochat is Head of the strategic thematic field 'Humane Digital Transformation' at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). She holds a joint appointment as Professor at the School of Engineering and Computer Science and serves as co-leader of the Computer Perception and Virtual Reality Lab (cpvrLab) within the Institute for Human-Centered Engineering. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Robotics from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Master's in Mathematics from EPFL Teaching Diploma in Mathematics from Haute École Pédagogique de Lausanne Psychology studies at University of Lausanne Her research focuses on human-centered technological development with emphasis on: Designing inclusive human-machine interfaces through participatory approaches Developing upskilling strategies for industrial workforce adaptation Examining how techno-narratives shape societal perceptions of technology Creating collaborative robotic systems for agile manufacturing (Cobotics) Exploring mixed reality interfaces for worker augmentation Her publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary focus on robotics and human-centered AI, with recent works exploring human augmentation in industry, ethical AI implementation, and participatory robot programming. The trajectory shows increasing emphasis on socio-technical systems and workforce empowerment. Significant awards include: Industry 4.0 Shapers Award (2019) CHIRA Best Paper Award (2023) She leads multiple research projects funded by Innosuisse, SNF, and EU programs, including: CODIMAN (Cobotics and workplace humanization) Agile Robotics for High-Mix Low-Volume Production Upskill at Work (digital literacy initiatives) Augmented workers with mixed reality interfaces As founder of Auto-Mate Robotics, she develops flexible robotic cells for industrial applications. She co-leads the Computer Perception and VR Lab and serves on advisory boards including the Swiss Cobotics Competence Center and EUA Task Force on AI.

Heikki HandroosView profile

Professor

• Mechatronics
• Robotics
• Machine Automation
• +5 more

Heikki Handroos is a Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering at LUT University, leading the Laboratory of Intelligent Machines since 1993. He holds a DSc (Technology) from Tampere University of Technology and has served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Technology (2007-2009) and currently chairs the Collegiate Body of LUT University. His research focuses on mechatronics, robotics, control systems, and fluid power, with over 300 publications and 2,400+ citations. He has supervised 34 doctoral theses and 150+ MSc projects, managed R&D projects exceeding €20M, and co-founded four tech startups. His work spans industrial collaborations, digital twin applications, and innovative robotics for nuclear energy (e.g., DEMO reactor maintenance systems). He has held visiting professorships in the U.S., Japan, and Russia, and actively contributes to academic editorial roles and professional societies like ASME and IEEE.