Equipment operation represents one of the most dangerous tasks on a construction sites and accidents related to such operation often result in death and property damage on the construction site and the surrounding area. Such accidents can also cause considerable delays and disruption, and negatively impact the efficiency of operations. This Cyber Physical System (CPS) research project will conduct research to improve the safety and efficiency of cranes by integrating advances in robotics, computer vision, and construction management.

Automation is being increasingly introduced into every man-made system. The thrust to achieve trustworthy autonomous systems, which can attain goals independently in the presence of significant uncertainties and for long periods of time without any human intervention, has always been enticing. Significant progress has been made in the avenues of both software and hardware for meeting these objectives. However, technological challenges still exist and particularly in terms of decision making under uncertainty.

Challenge:   Manage demand-supply imbalance in the power grid with a high degree of intermittent renewable energy (solar and wind) without using expensive batteries Solution:   Providing Virtual Energy Storage (VES) through demand manipula/on of consumer loads, while maintaining consumers’ quality of service  Three innovations: 

Abstract: GRID 2020: The power grid in the U.S. and many regions of the world is undergoing changes because of new technologies and government mandates. It is believed that smart meters and a smarter grid will lead to more efficient use of our infrastructure. In addition, increased renewable energy integration will provide power at low cost.

Abstract:  While driving on your favorite route to your destination, have you ever wondered why the technology you are seeing as far as traffic management is concerned is so antiquated? My answer to that is the people and organization that manage the traffic are not “cyber-physicists” and Google does not run our traffic lights.

Abstract:  GRID 2020: The power grid in the U.S. and many regions of the world is undergoing changes because of new technologies and government mandates. It is believed that smart meters and a smarter grid will lead to more efficient use of our infrastructure. In addition, increased renewable energy integration will provide power at low cost.

Abstract: Large-scale critical infrastructure systems, including energy and transportation networks, comprise millions of individual elements (human, software and hardware) whose actions may be inconsequential in isolation but profoundly important in aggregate. The focus of this project is on the coordination of these elements via ubiquitous sensing, communications, computation, and control, with an emphasis on the electric grid.