Faculty News Bringing Robotics to Life
Steven Collins Focuses on Emerging Biomedical Applications
Assistant Professor Steven Collins recently joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering, strengthen- ing MechE’s capabilities in the growing field of robotics. Collins adds a unique area of expertise to the Department: using robotics technologies to improve human health and quality of life.
Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, Collins earned his
B.S. (2002) in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell Univer- sity, where he received the prestigious McManus Design Award during his senior year. Collins went on to earn an M.S. (2004) and Ph.D. (2008) in Mechanical Engineering from the Univer- sity of Michigan. He moved to Pittsburgh last spring from Delft, The Nether- lands, where he was conducting post- doctoral research at Delft University of Technology.
Using Robotics to Improve Human Health Professor Collins uses a combination of mathematical models, experimental robots, and biomechanics experi- ments to support the design of biomechatronic devices for human rehabilitation, assistance, and augmentation. Collins’ recent design of an energy-saving prosthetic
foot exemplifies this approach. First, Collins developed a dynamical model to study the basic energetics of walk- ing. He then built an experimental robot to illustrate these concepts, which resulted in the most energy-efficient walking robot design to date. Next, Collins designed an artificial foot that performed the same function as the robotic ankle, but with novel actuation that required an order of magnitude less electricity. Finally, the effects of the device were tested in controlled biomechanics experi- ments, showing that metabolic energy costs could be reduced with this “energy recycling” prosthesis.
16 Collins recently co-authored an article for the journal
Science on this unique robotics design, which received substantial coverage from other media as well. Recently Collins has also focused attention on design-
ing a power-enhancing exoskeleton, studying the role of the arms in walking, and exploring the dynamics that result from gait impairments caused by cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. “I aim to design medical devices that will interface with
patients to enhance their efficiency, stability, and overall performance in the essential biomechanics tasks of daily life,” says Collins. “I believe we can not only restore perfor- mance, but enable persons with dis- abilities to outperform their able-bodied counterparts.”
A New Home in Pittsburgh At MechE, Collins will initially teach the Capstone Design course, “Mechanical Engineering Proj- ects,” as well as core courses focusing on
classical mechanics, such as the “Dynamics and Controls” series. “I have always loved mechanical design, and I am excited to guide students through the process of synthesiz- ing a wide range of elements into useful applications,” says Collins. He hopes to introduce new undergraduate courses on
biomechanics and biomechatronic design, as well as a graduate course on the modeling and design of biomech- atronic systems. Collins and his wife, Lisa Lau, are enjoying their time in
Pittsburgh, after spending two years in The Netherlands. A Human Factors Engineer, Lisa specializes in patient safety. She holds a B.A. in Art and Design, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and an M.S. in Operations, all from the University of Michigan. The couple met at an ultimate frisbee tournament at the University when both were graduate students there.•
CARNEGIE MECH
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20