Mechatronics & Robotics
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Awtar's Research
Shorya Awtar works on the design of next generation instruments and machines that are needed in large-scale metrology and fabrication of nano-scale devices. He is currently developing high-precision, large range and high bandwidth multi-axis nanopositioning systems. In this work, Awtar brings together theoretical principles of flexure mechanism design, non-linear dynamic analysis, and advanced controls algorithms, as well as practical aspects of precision engineering, sensing and actuation technology, drivers and signal conditioning electronics, and real-time controls implementation.
Awtar's group is also developing a family of novel and low-cost minimally invasive surgical tools with enhanced dexterity, intuitive control and hand-tremor reduction.
Kota's Research
The design philosophy is inspired by biology and differs significantly from use of multiple rigid parts and joints of traditional engineering design approach. Designs in nature are strong but are compliant. By exploiting compliance, we develop methods of designing joint-less, monolithic mechanisms with embedded elastic sensors and elastic actuators to create systems that are strong and compliant. By eliminating joints, we reduce part count, eliminate friction, wear, backlash, and simplify or at times eliminate the need for assembly.
MEMS Compliant Motion Amplifier integrated with an electrostatic drive. The device tested for 10 billion cycles without failure. MEMS Compliant Motion Amplifier integrated with an electrostatic drive. The device tested for 10 billion cycles without failure.
A 2-degree of freedom prosthetic wrist with distributed compliance.
Mechatronics is the synergetic integration of mechanical disciplines, electronics, controls, and computers in the design of high performance systems. Most modern products - automobiles, household appliances, personal transportation devices, digital cameras, printers, scanners, hard-disk drives, surgical tools, to name a few - embody numerous 'intelligent' or 'smart' features enabled by mechatronics.
The objective of mechatronic design is to deterministically produce higher performance at lower costs, which is critical for the technological sector in today's economy. The ME department is actively engaged in mechatronic systems research covering micro and nanopositioning systems, haptic devices, bio-inspired compliant systems.
Nanomanipulation and nano manufacturing | |
Micro/nanomanufacturing, sensor integration, controller integration and implementation | |
Robotics including mobile robots and position estimation | |
Design, smart materials and structures | |
Structural health monitoring, nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics | |
Haptic interface and robotics | |
Production and application of nanostructured materials | |
Kinematics and synthesis of mechanisms and mechanical systems | |
Sustainable manufacturing, vibration control, mechatronics | |
Optimal robust control, vibration control | |
cooperative control of ground robots and autonomous vehicles, human-robot interactions | |
Biomedical device design, optical metrology | |
Sensory augmentation systems; Medical devices |