Brent Gillespie

Brent Gillespie is a Professor in the HaptiX Lab at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the Robotics Department and Mechanical Engineering Department. His research focuses on physical human-robot interaction, haptic interfaces, and wearable robots, leveraging human motor behavior to enhance machine interfaces.

• University: University of Michigan
• Departments: Robotics, Mechanical Engineering
• Email: brentg@umich.edu
• Office: 3236 FMCRB

Brent Gillespie's work explores the mechanics of human-machine interaction, emphasizing the design of robotic systems that function as conduits for power and information transfer. His lab develops technologies such as upper limb exoskeletons, wearable rehabilitation robots, and haptic devices for virtual environments, with expertise in nonlinear control, compliant mechanisms, and soft actuator technology.

The HaptiX Lab, led by Gillespie, aims to harness human tool-wielding capabilities to improve machine interfaces, particularly in wearable robotics and remote/virtual environments. Current projects include wearable robots for motor training, haptic devices for immersive interaction, and compliant mechanisms for enhanced wearability.

Research expertise spans system identification, human motor behavior, multivariable control limitations, mechatronic sensor/actuator design, fluid power systems, and soft robotics. Gillespie's team focuses on integrating smart materials and soft actuator technology to advance portability and wearability in robotic devices.

The lab is affiliated with the University of Michigan's Robotics Department and Mechanical Engineering Department, and participates in the Controls Group. Projects often bridge mechanical design with human-centric control strategies to optimize manual interaction with machines.