Education

  • Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1997
  • M.S., Stanford University, 1992
  • B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1990

Background

 

Dr. Singhose began at Tech in 1998 as an Assistant Professor. Prior, he was a Postdoctoral Associate at MIT.

Research

  • Automation and Mechatronics; Vibration and oscillation control, flexible dynamics, command generation, active seating, crane control, human-machine interfaces, and spacecraft control

Dr. Singhose's research focuses on the dynamics and control of flexible machines. The performance of many types of machines is limited by the vibration and deflection that occur during their operation. For example, when a crane is used to transport material, the payload often oscillates when it reaches the desired location. The workers must then wrestle with the payload to bring it to rest. This slows down the transfer process and presents a safety hazard. Dr. Singhose has developed a control scheme that alters the voltages sent to the motors of cranes, so that the human operator is able to move the payload without oscillation.

In a more general sense, his work attempts to predict and minimize the damaging effects of machine flexibility. Simple models are used to capture the important dynamic effects. These models are then used to develop special commands for moving the machine about its workspace without vibration. Using this approach, Dr. Singhose has also implemented control schemes on silicon handling robots, scanning devices, and many types of automated manufacturing equipment. In addition to command generation, his research projects include: design of vibration absorbers, spacecraft thruster control, robot manipulator design and control, minimization of friction effects, and compensation for actuator saturation.

  • Georgia Tech SAIC Student Paper Contest Winner (Faculty Advisor), 2001, 2002, 2006, 2009
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Invitation Fellowship, 2002
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL) Educational Partnership Award, 2004
    • CETL/BP Junior Faculty Teaching Award, 2002
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers Jiri Tlusty Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award, 2003
  • NCAA Division III National Decathlon Champion, 1990

Patents

  • Command Generation Combining Input Shaping and Smooth Baseline Commands, U.S. Patent 6,920,378, with R. Eloundou, July 19, 2005
  • Method and Apparatus for Minimizing Unwanted Dynamics in a Physical System, U. S. Patent 5,638,267, with Neil C. Singer, Stephen J. Derezinski, III, Bert W. Rappole, Jr., and Kenneth Pasch, June 10, 1997

Representative Publications

  • K. C. C. Peng, W. Singhose, S. Gessesse, and D. Frakes. 2009. Crane Operation Using Hand-Motion and Radio Frequency Identification Tags. IEEE International Conference on Control and Automation. Christchurch, New Zealand.
  • W. Singhose. 2009. Command Shaping for Flexible Systems: A Review of the First 50 Years.International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing 10(4). 153-168.
  • W. Singhose, D. Kim, and M. Kenison. 2008. Input Shaping Control of Double-Pendulum Bridge Crane Oscillations. ASME Journal. Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control 130(May), 034504.
  • W. Singhose, E. Biediger, H. Okada, and S. Matunaga. 2006. Closed-Form Specified-Fuel Commands for On-Off Thrusters. AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics 29(3), 606-611.
  • J. Fortgang and W. Singhose. 2005. Concurrent Design of Vibration Absorbers and Input Shapers. Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Controls 127(September), 329-335.