Madi Babaiasl, Ph.D.

CBL Assistant Professor of Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Lab Website • Google Scholar • PhD Thesis • YouTube Channel • LinkedIn • Academic Genealogy

I obtained a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Robotics) from Washington State University (WSU) advised by Prof. John P. Swensen. I am currently a Clare Boothe Luce assistant professor of robotics at Saint Louis University. My research at SLU involves developing robots for assistance, rehabilitation, agriculture, and education.

Current Research

Note: For more information on the current research, please check out my lab website: https://mecharithmlab.com/

My main research focus at SLU is on developing systems & robots for assistive, rehabilitation, agriculture, and education purposes, and we mainly focus on developing a safe and efficient human-robot interaction for assistive and rehabilitation robots, human intention detection, automating agricultural procedures, and developing better ways to improve robotics, mechatronics, and AI education. These involve research at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, control theory, artificial intelligence, game development, psychology, physical therapy, agriculture, and education. Interested in working in my lab? Contact me (through email) if:

  • You are an undergraduate or master's student enrolled at SLU, and you are looking for research experience in Robotics
  • You have applied to a Ph.D. program at SLU, and you would like to be advised by me
I also regularly advertise the available positions through my LinkedIn and lab website.

Here are some essential skills and qualities:
  • Being a team player, positive, creative, organized, and principle-centered person
  • A solid foundation in robotics (robot kinematics, dynamics, control, and perception)
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python (preferred), C++, or MATLAB)
  • Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS)
  • Familiarity with machine learning techniques, computer vision, natural language processing, and AI algorithms for developing intelligent and adaptive robotic systems
  • Experience with integrating various sensors (e.g., cameras, depth sensors, force sensors) into robotic systems and processing sensor data
  • Knowledge of software development principles, software architecture, and version control systems
  • Strong research background (showcased by publications), analytical thinking, and experiment design & data analysis skills
  • Photography & videography skills are a plus
Please include your CV, link to publications, your website, or GitHub page (if applicable). Tips for successful emails from potential students:
  • Describe your research and projects in a coherent way and then lead your discussion to how they can be applied to the research in my lab.
  • Back up your research and projects with descriptive photos and especially videos.
  • If you have publications from your research, highlight them.
  • Show that you are an up-and-coming independent researcher and a self-learner. This can be shown by research internships, joining clubs that allow hands-on experience, etc.

My Ph.D. Research

My main research focus during Ph.D. was on developing fracture-directed steerable needles, which are a new type of steerable needles that can be directed to a target location by making a fracture in the soft tissue and then following with the superelastic needle with applications in surgery and biopsy. My Ph.D. research led to a patent titled "Fracture-directed steerable needles" .

Fracture-directed steerable needle projects (stylet&tube and waterjet) webpages and codes: Research and Projects for my Master's in Mechatronics Engineering

Here are the main research and projects that I was part of during my Master's in Mechatronics Engineering years:

  • 3-DOF Shoulder Rehabilitation Robot: design, modeling and control (Sliding Mode, Lyapunov-based, Inverse Dynamics and Neural Network-based Asymptotic Tracking controller)
  • Hand Tremor Suppression Rehabilitation device : successfully eliminated the hand tremor of a Parkinson's disease sufferer
  • Designed and tested a motor driver to run the 6 DC motors of the 6-DOF Surgical Robot
  • Six-legged ant robot : studied the locomotion of the ants
  • Shrimp Rover robot : successfully completed a rescue task
  • Designed and built a Segway (Two-Wheeled) Robot
Teaching, Mentoring & Entrepreneurship

Here are some teaching and entrepreneurial experience:

News, Media Coverage, Honors & Awards
  • [Jan 2022] Featured in RSIP Vision Magazine as a Woman in Science
  • [Apr 2022] Featured in "A Day in The Life of Robotics Engineer" article for Society of Women Engineers (SWE)'s blog
  • [Aug 2019] Featured on the cover of both MME Department and Robotics, & Autonomous Systems Initiative magazines at WSU
  • [July 2019] Featured in WSU Insider Magazine for my research on Steerable Needles
  • [May 2019] Received Wanda Munn (SWE Eastern Washington Section) Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement as well as strong engineering potential
  • [Feb 2018] Featured in Daily Evergreen Magazine for my research on Steerable needles
  • [Sep 2013]2nd Rank among all Mechatronics Engineering Graduate Students, School of Engineering Emerging Technologies, University of Tabriz
  • [Sep 2006] Top 0.2% of Math and Physics University Entrance Exam Contestants (300,000 total), NOET, Iran
Invited Talks and Presentations
Publications

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