My current research centers on developing intelligent mechatronic systems that combine artificial intelligence and machine learning with robotics, with a particular focus on human-robot interaction, industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and advanced control systems. Key projects include:

 

☲ AI-Driven Neuroprosthetic: Brain-Controlled Prosthetic Arm with Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface

This invention involves the development of a non-invasive brain-controlled prosthetic arm that integrates sensory feedback, a modular architecture, and a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) model for processing electroencephalography (EEG) signals. It is designed to enable individuals with limb amputations to control the robotic arm using their thoughts.

This project has earned significant recognition, including the Collaborative Faculty-Student Project Award (2020), the NKU Research Foundation Board Pitch Competition Award (2022), and a product development grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) REACH program through KYNETIC.

Our research has attracted significant media attention, with coverage by WCPO 9 News, Spectrum News 1, and PBS KET, along with a feature in the O&P Almanac by the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (Link, Page 6). We are collaborating with Kentucky Commercialization Ventures to identify the best commercialization path and have submitted a provisional patent application to protect our innovations.

Interview with WCPO 9 NEWS

Interview with KET

Interview with SPECTRUM NEWS 1

American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association O&P Almanac

This project has also garnered multiple speaking invitations, including presentations at the Commonwealth Computational Summit on Artificial Intelligence at the University of Kentucky (2023), the Six@Six Lecture Series by the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement (2024), Western Kentucky University’s Science Day (2024), and the Qualinn Symposium on Clinical Excellence Innovation in Colombia (2024).

Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) Annual Impact Report

Qualinn Symposium on Clinical Excellence Innovation in Colombia

☲ Brain-Controlled Mini Industrial Robotic Arm

The project involves the development of a pattern recognition-based brain-computer interface to control a mini-industrial robotic arm, advancing human-robot interaction, industrial automation, and smart manufacturing..

☲ Gesture-Based American Sign Language (ASL) Translation System

This project involves developing wearable gloves with 3D-printed soft robotics and AI-based gesture recognition to convert ASL into text and speech. It promotes accessibility and facilitates communication between individuals with speech impairments and non-signers. It received the Kentucky Commercialization Ventures Impact Competition Award in 2023, and my students earned the Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation Award at the NKU Celebration of Student Research and Creativity.

☲ Autonomous Omnidirectional Mobile Robot for Indoor Navigation

This project involves developing an autonomous system with omnidirectional movement, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent navigation powered by an AI-based vision system, designed for industrial and research applications.

☲ SafeFlight: Advanced Drone with Obstacle Avoidance System

It is an advanced drone equipped with a robust obstacle avoidance system, combining ultrasonic sensors and advanced algorithms for real-time environmental awareness. It enables seamless navigation in complex environments, making it ideal for applications in research, industrial inspection, and delivery services.