2018

The goal of the proposed research is to advance the science of cyber-physical systems by more explicitly tying sensing, perception, and computing to the optimization and control of physical systems whose properties are variable and uncertain. The CPS platform to be studied is that of a bipedal robot locomoting over granular ground material with uncertain physical properties (sand, gravel, dirt, etc.).

Assistive machines such as robotic arms and powered wheelchairs promote independence and ability in those with severe motor impairments. As the field of assistive robotics progresses rapidly, these devices are becoming more capable and dextrous and as a result, higher dimensional and harder to control. The dimensionality mismatch between high-dimensional robots and low-dimensional control interfaces requires the control space to be partitioned into control modes. For full control of the robot the user switches between these partitions and this is known as mode switching.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the modern transportation and energy systems. With a growing EV market, the mass penetration of EVs into the utility grid will result in detrimental effects due to coincidence between utility peak power loading and EV charging. This impact will include increased peak loading and voltage drops that will call for over-investments in the network resulting in an overall high cost for the society.

Within hazard and disaster response and recovery management, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) has become the dominant organizational model for incident response. The Incident Command System (ICS) provides report and operational templates that structure activities and resources during an incident or event. In an emergency situation, information can be sometimes contradictory and may even not be "clean".