Sumeet S. Aphale

Sumeet S. Aphale is a Professor and Academic Line Manager at the School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, where he also leads the Electrical and Electronic Systems research group. He holds a Personal Chair and is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership. He is the Programme Leader for the MSc in Robotics & Artificial Intelligence and MSc in Industrial Robotics.

Education:

• BEng Electrical Engineering, University of Pune, India (1999), First Class with Distinction
• MS Electrical Engineering (Robotics and Control), University of Wyoming, USA (2003)
• PhD Electrical Engineering (Robotics and Control), University of Wyoming, USA (2005)

His research focuses on control systems, mechatronics, robotics, nanopositioning, soft robotics, and vibration control. He leads the Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Mechatronic Systems (ARMS) group, emphasizing practical, implementable solutions for complex engineering problems. His work spans applications in MEMS, drill-strings, biomedical systems, and renewable energy.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in advanced control strategies, including fractional-order, sliding-mode, and AI-based control, applied to nanopositioning, soft actuators, and industrial systems. Key themes include precision enhancement, dynamic modeling, and real-time performance optimization.

Scientific Awards:

• Principal's Excellence Award for Outstanding Postgraduate Research Supervisor (2023)
• Best Paper Award, AsiaSim (2017)
• Best Paper Award Finalist, Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (2008)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honors Society (2003)
• Top 5 UG GPA (1999)

Dr. Aphale has supervised numerous PhD students to completion and currently mentors several doctoral candidates in areas such as soft robotics, motor optimization, and unconventional control. He has secured over £2.7M in research funding from EPSRC, SFC, Innovate UK, and international sources, and has led industrial consultancies with BP, Aramco, Aker, and LeapAI. He is actively involved in knowledge exchange through KTP projects and industrial collaborations. He teaches courses in signals, systems, and advanced control engineering and serves as a personal tutor and examination officer.

He leads the ARMS research group and collaborates with institutions in Spain, China, India, France, Australia, and the USA. His editorial roles include Associate Editor for IEEE Control Systems Letters and Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering.