This Doctoral Program equips students with training in Robotics through coursework that balances the mathematical foundations of robotics with applied methods in robotics and mechatronics. Ph.D. students are expected to conduct original, groundbreaking research, focusing on solving complex technical problems and developing innovative robotic solutions that contribute to advancing knowledge and benefiting society. The robotics Ph.D. coursework curriculum provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge and wide-ranging understanding of various fundamental areas that underpin robotic perception, control, and action, while also allowing them to specialize in one or more topics that are critical to their dissertation project. Students will not only benefit from cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary robotics courses offered by the Mechanical Engineering department but will also be exposed to relevant subjects in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences that complement an advanced course of study in robotics. This Ph.D. program will ensure that graduating students are well-prepared for advanced technical roles in industry, academia, and research institutions, targeting careers in diverse sectors like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare. Graduates will assume senior positions in engineering design, development, and innovation in robotics technologies, as well as leadership in research projects within government and private labs, or train future engineers and scientists through research leadership and teaching.

The program’s objectives are designed to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the advancement of robotics through a blend of multi-disciplinary theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering innovation and leadership in their future careers. Specific objectives include:

• Develop Multidisciplinary Knowledge and Advanced Technical Mastery in Robotics: Prepare graduates to integrate and apply advanced principles of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, and biomedical engineering to solve complex challenges in sensing, actuation, and control of cyber-physical systems.

• Foster Innovation in Robotic Systems Development: Equip graduates with advanced skills in designing, programming, testing, and deploying next-generation cyber-physical systems that integrate mechatronic technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Emphasize innovation in actuators, sensors, algorithms, and computing resources, with a focus on practical applications in diverse industrial and research settings.

• Cultivate Research Leadership, Professional Skills, and Social Awareness: Prepare students to conduct rigorous scientific research by mastering hypothesis testing, experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation. Enhance their ability to communicate complex technical ideas effectively and develop project management skills to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams that push the boundaries of current knowledge in robotics. Instill a strong understanding of the ethical and societal implications of robotics, encouraging responsible engineering practices.

• Prepare Graduates for a Successful Career: Equip graduates for thriving careers in industry, academia, government research labs, and beyond, enabling them to leverage their expertise to drive technological innovation and tackle pressing challenges in the field of robotics.