Tan Chen

Tan Chen serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Technological University, where he directs the Robotics, Locomotion, and Applied Control (RoLAC) Lab. His research bridges robotics, nonlinear control, and AI with applications in healthcare and smart manufacturing.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame (2021)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2016)
• MEng in Optimisation et Automatisation des Processus Industriels, Mines Douai (2014)
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2013)

Chen's research focuses on legged locomotion systems where he develops novel control frameworks integrating geometric nonlinear methods with machine learning. His work spans rehabilitation robotics, collaborative robots for industrial applications, and learning-based control systems. Current projects include Human Locomotion analysis, FractionalNet dynamics modeling, and tethered robotics for complex environments. The RoLAC Lab maintains advanced facilities including GoFish quadruped robot, Ecer humanoid robot, and custom biped platforms.

His publication trends show increasing integration of AI with traditional control theory, particularly in motion planning for legged robots and human-robot collaboration systems. Recent work demonstrates significant advancements in robust control for uncertain terrains and industrial assembly tasks.

Notable scientific achievements include:

• Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2024)
• NSF CRII Award (2024)
• ICC Achievement Award for bipedal locomotion research (2024)
• DAAD AInet fellowship for Postdoc-NeT-AI in robotics
• Eiffel Scholarship recipient during French studies

Chen actively advises multiple PhD students including Shivayogi Akki, Anders Smitterberg, and Dhanush Biligiri while securing competitive grants from NASA and NSF. His NASA-funded project with Prof. Steven Elmer focuses on human locomotion modeling, and NSF support enables fundamental research in robotic control systems. He mentors students through Michigan Tech's Summer Youth Program and maintains strong industry connections through advisory roles and collaborative projects.

The RoLAC Lab operates as a multidisciplinary research hub with facilities including GoFish quadruped robot, Ecer humanoid platform, 3D printers, and instrumented treadmill systems. Recent acquisitions like the Ecer humanoid robot (June 2025) enable new research directions in whole-body control and human-robot interaction.