My research focuses on remote and reconfigurable methods for machine condition monitoring using robotic systems, hybrid methods of machinery diagnostics, field robotics for challenging environments and industrial applications, and very small satellite systems for earth observation: the Radiation Impact on Climate and Atmospheric Loss Satellite (RADICALS) mission, a $20M CFI collaboration led by Dr. Ian Mann, for which I am a Co-I on systems engineering.

Risk-based decision making  methods are being developed and applied to new sensing systems and industrial processes. I also work on physics-based and data-driven models of fault modes and effects, mostly in rotating machinery. I continue to work with several students on lumped-parameter dynamic modelling and simulation of the physics of failure of power transmission elements (gears, Cardan universal joints). Students have used a combination of fault detection and identification methods (physics-based and data-driven) for faults in nonlinear, time-varying dynamics systems: a belt-driven robotic manipulator, and an electric-cable shovel, and our group applied these methods in underground electric power cables and diagnosing anomalous behaviours in mobile robots and people aging in place.

Other academic work includes exploring concepts for using analytics in large datasets to improve the conditional probability of correct classification of machine faults, in rotating equipment and in structures. Applications include energy technologies (oil & gas, nuclear, and renewables), mining, and rail transport. Concepts are being developed for remote inspection for infrastructure such as underground electrical cables and sewers, employing remote diagnostic sensing and robotic sensor deployment systems. I have worked with many capstone design teams on system designs. Undergraduate research students and an MSc student have built and flown demonstration prototypes of unmanned aerial systems capable of taking vibration measurements from inaccessible equipment, collecting samples, and other inspection activities.

I also am writing up manuscripts of research that is completed but has yet to be published.

I continue to work with Prof. Benoit Rivard in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences on using hyperspectral reflectance spectrometry to characterize oilsands and oilsands tailings. This work has been supported by the U of A School for Energy & Environment, Shell, the Oilsands Tailings Consortium (now COSIA), and NSERC. Field trials and a prototype spectrometer in a novel application have been successfully implemented, and a patent was awarded for extracting optical features related to process ability of mineral-laden bitumen froth.

With Copperstone Technologies and others, I have conducted field trials of an amphibious rover capable of navigating on water, mud, and soft soils. The rover can carry different payloads for sampling and characterization such as shear strength, and operates either autonomously or under remote control. Trials took place at two oil sands operating facilities, and a modified screw-drive amphibious rover (now patented) was used to test a new concept for robotic methods for planting vegetation for reclamation. Work continues on characterizing this new propulsion method.

I work with student teams on design concepts for remote embedded systems and robots, including AlbertaSat (cubesats), ARVP (submersible vehicles), and UAARG (autonomous UAVs).