Mechatronics

Mechatronic systems underpin the modern world and we specialise in developing electro-mechanical technologies for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles as well as mobile robots for extreme environments.

At Manchester we have developed mobile robots to inspect radioactive facilities at Sellafield and Fukushima and high temperature (over 300⁰C) electrical machines for turbine-embedded generators for hybrid aircraft.

Research focus

We are experts in this field and cover all aspects related to Mechatronics.

Some specific areas we focus on are:

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  Robots

  Our high-performance manipulator systems and mobile robots are highly sophisticated mechatronic systems. We cover all aspects of their design including actuation and chassis design, sensing, localisation and navigation, path planning, energy use, autonomy, control, communications, multi-agent systems and human-robot-interactions.

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  Renewable energy

  For wind generators, our research monitors gearbox faults, analyses drivetrain resonances and improves the generator design and control.  Fine optical fibres, embedded into motor structures, are used to enhance generator performance and condition monitoring. An exciting new project is developing oscillating linear generators for waste heat recovery.

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  Electric vehicles

  This research covers propulsion drives for road, marine and aircraft applications, novel generators for hybrid vehicles, as well as their integration with battery energy storage and custom power electronic converters. The Rolls-Royce UTC and extensive battery test facilities allow experimental testing and evaluation of components and control strategies.

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