List of Research Areas

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is the construction of three-dimensional objects from digital 3D models. USNA Research in AM includes the study of telemetry feedback in conjunction with visual and infrared imagery collected during the printing process to create tomographic reconstructions of printed parts.

Faculty:

• Dr. Michael Kutzer
• Dr. John Donnal

Faculty conducting research in aerial robotics are particularly interested in the design and control of aerial vehicles including fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft. USNA counts with a state-of-the-art research and teaching center, the Aerial Robotics Testing and Mission Lab (ARTeMis). ARTeMis is a development and training center comprising a command and control room with integrated workspace and an aerodrome with reconfigurable netting, a full motion capture system, and adjustable spectrum lighting suitable for experimentation and testing of different technologies.

Faculty:

• Dr. Jeremy Dawkins
• Dr. Levi DeVries
• Dr. Michael Kutzer
• Dr. George Piper
• LCDR Brian Piggrem

Biomechanics is the science of movement of a living body, including the interaction of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments to produce movement. Bioinspired robotics is the development of intelligent artificial systems taking inspiration from nature, particularly biological systems. Research at USNA include the study of human biomechanics and the development of soft robotics systems imitating systems in nature.

Faculty:

• Dr. Levi DeVries
• Dr. Paola Jaramillo Cienfuegos

Biomedical engineering refers to development of engineering systems and principles for healthcare purposes. Faculty and midshipmen research include the development of assistive robotics for rehabilitation purposes and the modeling of diseases and biological processes.

Faculty:

• Dr. Paola Jaramillo Cienfuegos
• Dr. Rich O'Brien

Computer vision deals with how computers sense and interpret digital videos and images. It is of particular importance within robotics and automation systems. Research at USNA includes the use of computer vision for navigation, robotic manipulation, additive manufacturing, and biometrics.

Faculty:

• Dr. Randy Broussard
• CDR Donald Costello
• Dr. Michael Kutzer
• Dr. Violet Mwaffo
• Dr. Jenelle Piepmeier
• LCDR Jerry Pittman

The term Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) refers to systems that tightly integrate computing, communication, and control technologies to regulate the performance of a physical entity. These systems are becoming increasing popular as new technologies continue to evolve. Examples of CPSs include marine vessels, submarines, unmanned vehicles, water plants, power grids, and smart buildings. CPS research at USNA focuses on the design of smart systems, non-intrusive sensors, and data management and coordination architectures. In addition, faculty with the department are conducting research on cyber security of control systems, including the detection and mitigation of cyber-attacks and the design of resilient systems.

Faculty:

• Dr. John Donnal
• LCDR Allan Elsberry
• Dr. Kiriakos Kiriakidis
• Dr. Violet Mwaffo
• Dr. Erick Rodriguez-Seda
• CAPT Tracie Severson

The focus of USNA dynamics and control research is to study the modeling and control of a variety of electromechanical, aerospace, hydraulic, pneumatic, and thermal systems, as well as other robotic applications. Main topics of research include estimation, optimal control, event-based control, and nonlinear control.

Faculty:

• Dr. Jeremy Dawkins
• CDR Paul Frontera
• Dr. Kiriakos Kiriakidis
• Dr. Violet Mwaffo
• Dr. George Piper
• Dr. Rich O'Brien
• Dr. Erick Rodriguez-Seda

USNA research in laser communications focuses on the study of laser light propagation through various complex environments under varying conditions in both air and water.

Faculty:

• Dr. Svetlana Avramov-Zamurovic

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables systems to learn and improve from experience with very little human intervention. Applications of machine learning include computer vision, detection, target tracking, and control of uncertain systems.

Faculty:

• Dr. Randy Broussard
• Dr. John Donnal
• LCDR Allan Elsberry
• Dr. Joel Esposito
• Dr. Violet Mwaffo

USNA research in mobile robotics centers on the design and control of unmanned vehicles including underwater, surface, ground, and aerial vehicles. Topics of current research include navigation, path planning, obstacle avoidance, instrumentation, coordination, and communications.

Faculty:

• Dr. Brad Bishop
• CDR Donald Costello
• Dr. Jeremy Dawkins
• Dr. Levi DeVries
• Dr. Joel Esposito
• Dr. Matthew Feemster
• CDR Paul Frontera
• Dr. Violet Mwaffo
• Dr. George Piper
• Dr. Erick Rodriguez-Seda

Faculty

• Dr. Brad Bishop
• Dr. Jeremy Dawkins
• Dr. Levi DeVries
• Dr. Joel Esposito
• Dr. Matthew Feemster
• CDR Paul Frontera
• Dr. Michael Kutzer
• Dr. Violet Mwaffo
• Dr. Erick Rodriguez-Seda
• CAPT Tracie Severson

Faculty:

• CDR Donald Costello
• Dr. Levi DeVries
• Dr. Michael Kutzer
• LCDR Jerry Pittman