Hopkins researchers apply systems-theoretic approaches to problems arising in the modeling, dynamics, sensing, navigation, and control of robots, autonomous underwater vehicles, wind farms, the electric power grid, teams of aerial robots, and spacecraft. We take a similar approach to modeling and analysis of naturally occurring systems such as crystals or large biological macromolecules made from many atoms, organelles made from many macromolecules, cells comprising many organelles, biological organisms comprising many cells, and populations comprising many organisms.

A systems-theoretic understanding of such systems often requires integrating across many such lengths and timescales, for which we apply many different mathematical techniques. These include modeling and analysis of deterministic and stochastic dynamical systems, designing feedback control and estimation algorithms, and developing autonomous navigation and motion planning techniques.

Specialties

  • Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems
  • Feedback Control and Estimation Algorithms
  • Autonomous Navigation and Motion Planning Techniques
  • Terradynamics

Affiliated Faculty

  • Sridevi Sarma
  • Rene Vidal

Animals, including humans, move with such grace and agility, and are able to adjust and change their movements and behavior according to what is happening around them. As engineers, we seek to learn from them while creating robust control systems that are safe and reliable.

Noah Cowan Professor of Mechanical Engineering