Solid Mechanics and Vibrations experimental equipment includes non-contact motion measurement through laser interferometry, optical diagnostics, holography and a fully equipped mechanical testing laboratory. Controls and Robotics research includes the application of adaptive, nonlinear and distributed control theory to robotics, data storage systems and distributed, independent agents used for a variety of applications. Controls research involves the development of computational and visualization tools, development of methods for high performance operation of multiple actuator systems, and trajectory generation and feedback using computationally efficient linear and nonlinear optimization techniques. Robotics research includes fundamental and applied studies of robotic path planning and mechanism design focusing on serpentine robots for search and rescue, outdoor mobile robots for de-mining, and conventional robots for automobile body painting. Combined controls and robotics research includes applications in the areas of microelectromechanical and microfluidic systems and distributed manipulation.
Design research focuses on design theory, methods, and practice.
Methods are being developed to include heat-transfer enhancement techniques for use in the design of electronic component packaging. New approaches to mesh generation based on physical principles are being created and used in industry. Other work includes smart tools that understand the rational behind designers' intentions and new approaches to rapid manufacturing. A significant effort in collaborative interdisciplinary design finds its way into new courses and research projects. Research in Interdisciplinary Engineering Technologies involves work in the broad areas of biomedical engineering , environmental engineering , manufacturing sciences and microelectromechanical systems.