Seminar Series
Seminar #1: Achieving Dynamic Legged Loco-Manipulation
Date: TBD
Speaker: Koushil Sreenath
Abstract: Dynamic legged loco-manipulation combines agile locomotion and precise manipulation to expand the capabilities of legged robots in complex environments. This talk explores approaches to achieving robust coordination between a robot’s legs and arms, leveraging advances in control, learning, and hardware design.
Seminar #2: Design and autonomy of aerial robots in challenging environments
Date: TBD
Speaker: Mark Mueller
Abstract: Aerial robotics have become ubiquitous, but (like most robots) they still struggle to operate at high speed in unstructured, cramped environments. By considering a vehicle’s mechanical design simultaneously with the design of controls and automation algorithms, we have more degrees of freedom to find creative solutions to problems. In this talk I will present some of my group’s work on enhancing aerial robots, including purely algorithmic approaches (“how can I do more with the hardware I already have?”) and with hardware co-design (“how can I change the vehicle so that the hard problem is actually easy?”). I will discuss two exemplary challenges for aerial robots: first: flight through narrow, unstructured environments, and second: long duration and range flight within the constraints of battery-electric power. Lastly, I will discuss some work on adaptive and learning control, specifically for robustness to parametric uncertainty.
Seminar #3: Dynamics of Jet Impingement for Optimized Solar Panel Cleaning and Coating
Date: TBD
Speaker: Simo Makiharju
Abstract:
Seminar #4 Title: Urban Fire Hazards: from Wildfires to Energy Storage Systems
Date: TBD – let me know thoughts on schedule, I can just suggest a time if you want.
Speaker: Michael Gollner
Abstract: In this seminar, I will review some of what is known about urban fire hazards and the interaction between wildfires and communities. For instance, the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is constantly challenged by fires and has led to devastating destruction in recent fires near Los Angeles. New hazards, such as from high density energy storage systems like batteries are also becoming more prevalent and soon will interact with existing wildfire hazards. We will discuss our research methods, including modeling, investigation, and experiments to help mitigate, prevent, and predict these fires as well as potential avenues to collaboratively prevent these disasters in the future by better designs and active mitigation systems.
Seminar #5 Title: Nanoengineering Thermofluidics for Global Energy and Water Challenges
Date: TBD
Speaker: Tom Schutzius
Abstract: Driven by challenges in sustainability and scarcity, there has been a need to develop new materials and processes to address how we use and produce water and energy. I will present my recent work on the development of innovative materials and systems addressing these challenges.
Seminar #6 Title: Fluid Mechanics of Solar Panel Cleaning: From Dust Accumulation to Jet-Based Removal
Date: TBD
Speaker: Reza Alam
Abstract: Dust accumulation on solar panels, carried by wind and other environmental factors, can significantly reduce solar power efficiency. This presentation explores the basic fluid mechanics governing dust deposition, focusing on how aerodynamic flow patterns transport and settle particles on panel surfaces. We then examine the use of water and air jets to dislodge and wash away the accumulated material. By applying fluid dynamics principles—such as turbulent jet flow, and flow-induced particle detachment—we can optimize jet design and cleaning protocols, ultimately reducing water usage and operational downtime. Finally, we discuss how these scientific insights translate into large-scale industrial cleaning strategies, underscoring the critical role of fluid mechanics in maintaining solar panel performance.