I am interested in studying the interplay between computing systems and the dynamical systems they are trying to control. This work brings together my interest in the fields of
- Multi-agent control
- Robotics
- Hybrid systems
- Language theory
- Embedded systems, and
- Distributed system architectures
My research efforts are summarized below.
Specification to Execution
To control complex systems, we typically break up their functionality into small behaviors that can then be re-assembled into a control program. However, the state-of-the-art in control specification lacks an understanding of the computational and physical capabilities of the system at runtime, which affects how our control programs execute. My research explores the idea of “compiling” our control program specification based on these system properties so that our control program executes more effectively.
Software Frameworks for Heterogenous Systems
To enable the development of applications that control distributed, heterogeneous systems, we will need new software frameworks that unify them in a seamless way. My research in this area will develop protocols, middleware, and controllers that bring together sensor networks and unmanned systems.
Active Projects
- Hybrid Control Tools for Power Management and Optimization in Cyber-Physical Systems (2012-2015)