Abstract: This talk aims to illustrate the creativity, challenge, technical depth and professional enjoyment associated with the invention and design of mechatronic devices. Example systems include a maglev transportation system, a guided-catheter system, an oxygen concentrator, maglev artificial hearts, high-speed switching mechanisms including an electronic engine valve, an energy storage system, and "blue-sky" ideas such as electromagnetic launch. While modeling, control and optimization are essential ingredients in mechatronic systems, the large design and application spaces of mechatronic systems compel us to place a high value on innovation at the level of system architectures - this point is illustrated throughout the talk.

Bio: Brad E. Paden is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a joint appointment in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Paden is a Fellow of the IEEE, a Fellow of ASME and a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).  He was the recipient of the 2010 ASME DSCD Draper Award for innovative practice, the 2001 IEEE Control Systems Society Technology Award, and the 1993 Kalman Best Paper Award from the ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control. Dr. Paden has co-authored over 80 publications and is a co-inventor on 17 patents.