Intelligent mechatronics systems

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This proposal outlines my research plan as a new faculty member at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Formerly I was a Tier I Canada Research Chair at the University of Waterloo. Intelligent Mechatronics systems are essentially hybrid electromechanical systems that utilize sensors, actuators, and novel control techniques to operate sophisticated tasks. The proposed research will be conducted using a Mechatronics approach that relies on: a) the understanding of the design through advanced mathematical modeling, b) the physical realization of the design through the development of manufacturing techniques, and c) the assurance of the reliability of designs through experimentation. Our laboratory will develop and integrate smart materials and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) for actuation and sensing. The systems emerging from the proposed research will have the ability to pinpoint the location and orientation of an object or to predict and counteract unwanted or potentially dangerous conditions, such as, machine faults or excessive vibration. In order to carryout these sophisticated tasks these systems are "intelligence" enabled through embedded programming. Two research themes are proposed: 1) will develop smart MEMS sensors for use in Intelligent Systems (IS) and 2) will develop smart materials (SM) for actuation of (IS). In the first theme, we will utilize the MEMS technology to create better sensors for inertial navigation systems and vibration measurement. In this work multi-sensors and complex electronics are integrated into small packages that can be placed on an industrial tool or in a surgical probe to track position and orientation; on a human arm or, inside a vehicle for vibration and stability control or, attached to industrial machinery for on-line fault diagnostics. The second theme will develop SMs and systems, with the main focus on the development of vibration and stability control devices and actuators. This research represents pivotal work at the forefront of technology that will lead to significant product and process improvement. It has numerous practical applications in industry, transportation, aeronautics, and biomedical instrumentation.