Research

Electric Machines & Actuation Systems

This research area focuses on the design, analysis, and modeling of electromechanical systems for energy conversion and actuation. We develop advanced electric machines and actuators for a wide range of applications, such as interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous motors for electric vehicles, active magnetic bearings (AMB) for heat-pump compressors, magnetically levitated bearingless motors for blood pumps, swashcoil actuator for miniature helicopter drones, high-acceleration linear motors for semicondctor manufacturing, and high-torque-density motors for robot hands. 

Our research combines advanced multiphysics analysis with creative topology design. We develop computationally efficient modeling tools that integrate electromagnetics, thermal behavior, structural stress, and vibration, using heterogeneous formulations that include finite elements, circuit elements, and analytical continuum domains. On the design side, we explore new machine architectures, including multi-phase and multi-DOF machines, reduced-PM designs, and actuators with enhanced thermal management and manufacturability.

Control Systems & Power Electronics 

This research area focuses on the design of control algorithms and drive electronics for electric machines and actuation systems. Our control design ranges from low-level current regulation to high-level motion control, grounded in model-based methods such as loop shaping, state and parameter estimation, multivariable control, and nonlinear control. We are well versed in both frequency-domain and state-space approaches, as well as digital control and signal processing.

To implement these control algorithms, we develop real-time embedded platforms integrating inverters, sensing electronics, and MCUs or FPGAs on custom PCB assemblies. Careful consideration is given to power and signal integrity as well as deterministic timing. This enables tight co-design of control algorithms and electromechanical hardware across all levels of actuation system architectures, from power electronics to motion control. 

Mechatronics & Robotics

This research area focuses on the design, development, and experimental validation of mechatronic systems and robotic platforms that integrate mechanisms, actuation, sensing, and control. We develop complete physical platforms—such as robotic hands, magnetic levitation systems, precision motion stages, and electric mobility—that embody tight coupling between hardware and control. 

Our research emphasizes co-design across mechanical systems, actuation, sensing, and control algorithms, developed jointly rather than sequentially. This approach is essential in feedback-rich architectures, where subsystems are tightly coupled and overall system performance is therefore determined by their coordinated design and implementation. Building on this foundation, we are expanding our research toward learning-based control and Physical AI for robot manipulation.