Cyber-physical and Embedded Systems
One of the most revolutionary applications of electrical and computer engineering technology is when it is coupled with a physical system, forming a closed loop with sensors, computing elements and electrically operated actuators to control the operation of the physical system.
Examples of these cyber-physical systems are everywhere, as a part of the Internet-of-Things, with the computing elements being embedded in everyday objects, from coffee machines to cars. Some of the research being conducted in this area is at the nanoscale, where micro-electromechanical-systems (MEMS) are being investigated for integrated sensing, control, energy harvesting, and multi-sensor networks. Research is also being conducted at the scale of large physical systems that may encompass complete infrastructures. In this area, our faculty and students are researching technology for smart warehouses and Industry 4.0.
Energy systems are an important element in this area of research. Ongoing research includes power system optimization, grid integration of renewables (wind and solar), operation optimization of microgrids and distributed energy systems, and scheduling of manufacturing systems. Other research projects investigate the interdependency between the Smart Grid and other infrastructures (e.g., telecommunications, computing infrastructure).
Faculty working in this area include:
