The main directions of my current research are related to:
- Intelligent control: Intelligent controllers play an essential role in the design of more precise and energy-efficient mechatronic systems, resulting in more safety, productivity, and sustainability. Combining modern nonlinear control techniques (sliding modes, adaptive methods and feedback linearization) with artificial intelligence algorithms, such as artificial neural networks, Gaussian process regression and fuzzy logic, it is possible to design control strategies capable of dealing with the uncertainties and external disturbances that are inherent in the unstructured world in which we live.
- Autonomous systems: By interacting more closely with human beings, mechatronic systems will be increasingly confronted with unexpected situations that could not have been anticipated by their designers. In this way, autonomous systems must be able to make quick decisions and still respect the moral and ethical issues of our society. This exciting research area is at the fore front of technological development and also offers the possibility of dealing with a multidisciplinary scientific topic, ranging from biologically inspired questions to important philosophical aspects.