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Research

Mechatronics and Robotics

Mechatronics researchers in UW Mechanical Engineering are engaged in an array of groundbreaking projects at the intersections of mechanics, electronics and computing.

Much of this work takes place in the area of robotics; our faculty are at the forefront of research in robot-human interaction, nanorobotics, automation and advanced manufacturing. The new devices, technologies, systems and processes being developed in our labs will have lasting impact on industries as diverse as health care, automotive, aeronautics, manufacturing and information technology across the state of Washington and beyond.

Key research areas

  • Robotics and human interaction
  • Robotics for manufacturing
  • Controls and system dynamics
  • Sensors and actuators
  • Compatible nanorobotics for human health
  • Augmented and virtual reality
  • Prosthetic devices
  • Autonomous systems

Research highlights

The Autonomous Insect Robotics Laboratory develops technology aimed at insect-sized robots to create tiny robots capable of sensing and performing in the world without a human operator.

ME faculty are advancing the field of photonics through innovations in imaging technologies, optical scanning, molecular imaging, biomedical diagnostics and instrumentation.

Boeing Advanced Research Collaboration pairs Boeing engineers with students and faculty to develop solutions for Boeing products in the areas of automation, robotics, composites and aircraft assembly.

Focused on amplifying human and robotic interaction, the AMP Lab advances understanding of the dynamics and control of movement to design treatment strategies and assistive technologies that improve function and quality of life.

Related News

A tiny little flying robot about the size of two postage stamps sits in the palm of a hand

Tue, 08/17/2021 | National Science Foundation

Insect-scale flight system supported with new NSF grant

NSF has awarded the Autonomous Insect Robotics Lab, led by ME’s Sawyer Fuller, a grant to develop control systems for flying robots that weigh just fractions of an ounce.

Ten students, several wearing purple, stand in a group with two small wheeled robots in front of them

Thu, 07/22/2021 | UW Electrical & Computer Engineering

ARUW takes first place in North American RoboMaster University League competition

This summer, Advanced Robotics at the University of Washington (ARUW), a team of University of Washington students led by Mechanical Engineering graduate Sig Johnson, took first place in the inaugural North American RoboMaster University League Competition.

A team of 12 people in covid masks stand outdoors in a group behind a robot that looks like a mars rover

Mon, 06/21/2021

Husky Robotics delivers at the 2021 Virtual University Rover Challenge

With a perfect final mission, Husky Robotics took the top score by a U.S. team in the the 2021 Virtual University Rover Challenge.

A robot arm is positioned over a case full of a set of identical metal parts arranged in a 7x5 array.

Tue, 03/30/2021 | Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute

Robotic Inspection of Complex Metallic Parts

With detection rates above 95%, a project led by Xu Chen demonstrates the reliability of using robotics for identifying defects in metallic parts.