Research Focus Areas and Projects
Dr. Shiakolas’ research interests are in the generals areas of robotics, biomedical, manufacturing, microsystems, automation and controls as they apply to the betterment of society. In addition to his research interests, he is passionate about engineering education where he is firm believer that laying the correct foundations early in a student’s carreer, both undergraduate and graduate, are very important, and in addtion that theoretical frameworks should be demonstrated with hardware modules for better understanding. Dr. Shiakolas has developed educational testbeds and routinely demonstrates concepts in his courses in the areas of robotics, automation, and controls bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The greatest resource of the MARS Lab are the researchers who participate in the diverse research activities of the lab. A list of current and past members of the lab can be found at the People site.These researchers include doctoral, masters and undergraduate students. The interaction between these students with varying backgrounds and preparation levels provides the opportunities for the younger students to be mentored and for the older students the training to learn how to mentor. The resources of the lab promote excellence in research both theoretical and applied and exceptional educational opportunities.
There are many topics researched at the MARS Lab in the overall theme of Robotics, Manufacturing, Microsystems and Medical fields as can be seen on the titles of current and alumni doctoral and masters students at the people site. In addition to long term graduate level research, numerous other projects are performed in the lab by undergraduate students as Senior Synthesis Projects or by students interested to improve their knowledge and their skills through the guided development of new hardware environments for further research or by utilizing the extensive state of the art hardware and software resourcesof the lab.
A list of projects with an one line description is provided below. As the projects mature and intelleectual property issues are cleared, more information will be provided.
- cornea graft transplantaton by understanding associated issues through theoretical analysis of the cornea tissue graft (can not disclose any more at this time due to intellectual property issues)
- magnetotaxis of micro-nano particles in a fluidic environment
- micro-nano particle controlled translocation and manipulation based on active surface concept
- automated path planning with force control application of robotic devices based on digitally acquired data for surgical and other operations
- automated path planning of flexible surgical instruments and HRI in surgical environments
- human robot interaction and haptics through the development of upper arm prosthesis device to be setup in a master-slave configuration
- analysis of denture devices (can not disclose any more at this time due to intellectual property issues)
- additive manufacturing (3D printing) through the development of a modular expandable printing environment for research on the use of various materials with applications for biomedical implantable devices and other custom personalized devices
- scoliosis rehabilitation devices (can not disclose any more at this time due to intellectual property issues)
- lower extremity device for hip surgery rehabilitation for children (can not disclose any more at this time due to intellectual property issues)
- control the inhouse developed magnetic levitation research and teaching system/testbed using myRIO real time control device from National Instruments
- investigation in the development of educational and research platforms for robotics, manufacturing, dynmics, real time controls, etc.
The links below provide more information on various completed projects (not necessarily recent ones):