Research
Research
The RMRL conducts fundamental and generic research into wide ranging academic and industrial topics within robotics and mechatronics. These projects are unified by the underlying themes of advanced mechanisms, intelligent sensing and control, complex and autonomous systems, and automation sciences. This is facilitated by expertise in the design, modelling, and experimental characterisation of mechanical and mechatronic systems.
Click below to explore some of the research projects being carried out at the RMRL.
Micro/Nano Positioning and Manipulation
Positioning and manipulation at the nanometre scale plays a central enabling role in numerous recently established technologies within many engineering and scientific fields, and is central to continuing growth in these fields. Research performed within the RMRL is leading toward the development of high-precision positioners, manipulators and grippers, as well as the necessary measurement systems, control architectures, and haptic user interfaces.
Surgical Robotics
The integration of robotics within surgical systems allows for great increases in accuracy and dexterity, particularly when limited space, fragility and difficulty performing miniscule tasks impedes manual operation. Projects within the RMRL are investigating automation, teleoperation, and force feedback within tasks, in order to provide a human operator or surgeon increased dexterity and task information in order to provide increased safety.
Aerospace and Autonomous Aerial Vehicles
The RMRL performs research into autonomous and unmanned aerial vehicles including fixed-wing and rotatory-wing aircrafts that can fly and complete missions without a human pilot on-board. The RMRL conducts research into the dynamic modelling of such aircraft, controller design, and indoor and outdoor sensing and localisation.
Industrial Robotics and Automation
Research is being performed at the RMRL focussed on the automation of repetitive and complex tasks using industrial robots. Progress in this area will lead to increased throughput, whilst achieving higher levels of precision, lower human operator strain, and increased safety. This work includes research into the automation of fibre reinforced composite manufacturing, as well as truss assembly and cooperative handling methodologies.
Past Projects
Since its establishment in 1994, many diverse research projects have been undertaken at the RMRL. A small selection of past projects are included within this page.