Michael Posa
Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM)
University of Pennsylvania
About Professor Michael Posa
Michael Posa is an Assistant Professor in the prestigious Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) at the University of Pennsylvania. UPenn's MEAM department is globally recognized for its leading-edge research and rigorous academic environment, fostering innovation in fundamental engineering principles and their application to pressing societal challenges. This esteemed department is a hub for groundbreaking work in areas like robotics, control systems, and advanced mechanics, providing an exceptional platform for faculty and students to push the boundaries of knowledge. The vibrant intellectual community at the University of Pennsylvania, particularly within MEAM, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivates a deep understanding of complex engineering problems.
🧬Research Focus
Professor Posa’s research program, housed within the DAIR (Dynamics, Algorithms, and Intelligent Robotics) Lab, significantly contributes to the advancement of autonomous systems capable of complex physical interactions. His work encompasses critical areas such as contact dynamics, optimization-based control, model predictive control, and legged robotics. By developing novel algorithms for contact-implicit planning and understanding non-smooth dynamics, he is enabling robots to navigate challenging environments with unprecedented dexterity and safety. This research has profound implications for robot manipulation, advancing our understanding of dynamical systems, and developing safety-critical control strategies for real-world applications. His innovative approaches promise to unlock new capabilities in dynamic and robust robotic locomotion and manipulation.
🎓Student Fit & Career
Graduate students with a strong foundation in dynamics, control theory, and computational methods will find Professor Posa’s research environment highly stimulating. Ideal candidates will possess a passion for tackling complex algorithmic challenges in robotics and a drive for developing physically grounded solutions. Those interested in a PhD with Professor Posa can expect rigorous academic mentorship focused on areas like optimization, non-smooth systems, and advanced robotics. Graduates from his program are well-positioned for impactful careers in both academia and industry, contributing to the development of the next generation of intelligent and capable robotic systems.
Research Areas
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