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RI | People | Patrick Muir
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Text only version of this site
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Patrick Muir
Adjunct Research Scientist (Adjunct) No longer a member of RI. |
| Research interests |
I am working to advance the state of the art in Mechatronics. Mechatronics refers to the synergistic integration of multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical design, electronics, and computer control to achieve new or improved devices and systems.
Technology advances within the traditional engineering disciplines are now emerging at an explosive rate relative to the progress of previous time periods. With growth comes a corresponding increase in options and opportunities. For example, each new mechanical component can be combined with several existing electrical and computer-control components to achieve new solutions to old problems. Moreover, a growing list of additional disciplines, such as information, communications, and optics technologies are also being integrated into system realizations.
How do we choose the "best" solution for system realization when a spectrum of solutions are evident; each utilizing a different combination of components from multiple disciplines? For example, what is the appropriate set of actuators and sensors for a specific device or system configuration? Mechatronics is emerging with the technology to provide the answers to these questions. I am working to develop the technologies which will serve as the interfaces between traditional engineering disciplines for integrated systems.
Mechatronics is contributing towards the next generation of manufacturing systems in the Minifactory project. Minifactory is a modular approach to automated precision assembly. The project is based upon the vision of a factory of the future which can be quickly and easily designed, assembled and operated. In addition to contributing to the overall architecture of the system, I am leading the design of an interchangeable precision gripper and the implementation of coordination software for precision manipulators.
My research is being approached from both practical and academic domains. I actively pursue interactions and joint projects with commercial manufacturers to understand the day-to-day problems that they encounter and to ensure the practical relevance of my work. I also study the academic literature as it applies to specific manufacturing problems. My contributions to the field will be embodied as solutions to existing manufacturer's problems, advancements in our understanding of mechatronics, and the realization of novel mechatronics technologies.
Mechatronics problems require a type of Renaissance engineer with a working knowledge in multiple disciplines and an entrepreneurial spirit. I endeaver to contribute to the education of these new engineers in advisory and teaching roles, and I hope to encourage and assist some to start their own businesses. I also have interests in internet-based control, self-contained dynamic robot running, and animatronics.
| Research interest keywords |
entertainment robotics, human-computer interaction, manufacturing, mechatronics, medical applications, and medical robotics
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| Recent publications [View all 20 publications] |
