Welcome to the
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS GROUP
The Automation Technologies and Systems group investigates novel techniques, devices and systems to address challenging problems related to automation technologies, inertial systems and control, machine vision, sensor development and micromachining.
S. A. Asokanthan,
Ph.D. (
Primary research is in the area of inertial systems, sensors and control with
emphasis on dynamics, control and damage detection in Flexible Multi-body
Systems. In particular,
characterization of inertial sensors, dynamic influence of sensors and effective
use sensors for damage detection are of interest.
Recent projects include dynamics and stability of MEMS-based angular rate
sensors (Gyroscopes) and their applications in vehicle dynamics and control;
dynamic behavior of RF-MEMS devices; damage detection in large-scale flexible
structures; hybrid control of flexible robots.
Research interests include inspection planning for coordinate measuring machines
(CMMs), computer support for
conceptual design, tools to support collaborative design, and computer
applications in engineering education.
G. K. Knopf,
P.Eng., Ph.D. (
Research activities are directed toward the development of innovative optical
sensors and imaging systems. Current interests include fibre optic sensors and
systems, polymer based optically driven micro-actuators, and light sensitive
bioelectronics. Recent
research projects have focused on
surface-geometry measurement using an
unconstrained range-sensor head;
modeling
and analysis of the material removal process during laser machining;
design and fabrication of a nickel-based micro-gripper; and the development of
protein-based optical sensors and imaging arrays.
M. D. Naish,
Ph.D. (Toronto, Canada), Assistant Professor
Primary research interests are directed towards improving the quality of
information available to automated systems, with particular emphasis on adaptive
multi-sensor robotic systems. The
aim is to develop systems and strategies by which sensor and actuator components
may be combined to produce flexible and robu st sensor systems for a given
application. Recent developments
include a reconfigurable multisensor surveillance system, an active
omnidirectional vision system, a flexible inspection system, and modular sensor
components.
S. P. Salisbury,
P.Eng., Ph.D. (Toronto, Canada), Assistant Professor
Research interest is
in the development of novel actuators and control systems based on piezoceramics
for high accuracy positioning. Piezoceramics have high power density and high
accuracy which makes them ideal for miniaturization and use in demanding
applications. Current focus is on the development of devices for biomedical
applications. A major thrust is the development of a needle positioning surgical
system based on piezoceramic actuators in an inchworm configuration. Improved
control of needle interventions will increase success rates and permit more
demanding surgeries.
O. R. Tutunea-Fatan,
Ph.D. (
Primary research is in the area of five-axis numerically controlled (NC)
machining of complex surfaces, in an attempt to simultaneously improve the
productivity and efficiency of the process through an optimized coordination of
the machine tool movements. The research in the macroscale domain will be
complemented by activities in the micromachining area, trying to address an
increased need for precise miniaturized components. Due to numerous differences
between macro- and microscale operations, it is expected that many of the
macroscale results will require a significant amount of adjustment in order to
become applicable in micromachining.
