Victor Duenas

Victor Duenas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Syracuse University, specializing in intelligent control systems for rehabilitation robotics. His work focuses on human-robot interaction to restore mobility for individuals with movement disorders following neurologic injuries.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, 2018

His research integrates nonlinear and adaptive control theory with powered exoskeletons, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and motorized cycling systems. Key projects address gait rehabilitation through hybrid exoskeleton-FES coordination, torque/cadence control in FES-cycling, and soleus muscle operant conditioning for stroke survivors. His methodologies emphasize Lyapunov-based stability, adaptive parameter estimation, and finite-time convergence algorithms to ensure robust performance in human-robot interaction.

Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward applying advanced control techniques—particularly passivity-based, repetitive learning, and finite-time control—to rehabilitative robotics. These works bridge theoretical control engineering with clinical applications, demonstrating significant progress in FES-cycling power tracking and exoskeleton-assisted walking for stroke rehabilitation.

Scientific Awards:

• 2019 IEEE Control Systems Technology Award
• MAE Department Best Dissertation Award 2018, University of Florida
• 2016 Vodovnik Best Student Paper Award, Third Place, International Conference of Electrical Stimulation Society

Dr. Duenas leads the Bionics, Systems and Control (BSC) Lab, which has secured research visibility through features in Scripps News (December 2023) and SU News (September 2023) highlighting their breakthroughs in helping stroke survivors walk again. While specific grant details aren't provided, the lab's active projects and media coverage indicate sustained research funding in rehabilitation robotics.

The BSC Lab develops three core projects: Hybrid Lower-Limb Exoskeleton control using switched systems theory; Closed-loop FES-Cycling with motor assistance to mitigate fatigue; and Soleus Muscle operant conditioning for improved propulsion in stroke rehabilitation. These initiatives aim to enhance locomotor ability and muscle capacity through advanced control algorithms.