From space to emergency care, UF students push the boundaries of robotics 

Whether they are automating repairs for NASA’s International Space Station, enhancing autonomous drone systems for the U.S. Air Force, or advancing teleoperated ultrasound technology for emergency care, University of Florida civil engineering students are at the forefront of innovation in robotics.  

Under the guidance of Eric Du, Ph.D., a UF civil engineering professor, students are using advanced applications of ground robots, robotic arms, and drones to develop cutting-edge solutions with real-world impact.

“Through our extensive research into teleoperation technologies, we utilize robots, autonomous drones, and industrial manipulators to push the boundaries of robotic capabilities,” Du said. “Our students gain a comprehensive set of skills ranging from the technical aspects of robotics, such as programming and system design, to critical soft skills like problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach prepares them to master the technical details and understand the broader implications of robotics in real-world applications.”  

Robotics in space 

Through NASA’s funding efforts, Du’s lab uses robotics to focus on automating repair and replacement for the Artemis program, which is focused on moon exploration. The goal for the program is to build a permanent base on the moon to support eventual missions to Mars.  

Robotic repairs are crucial for long-term space missions and help construct habitats in outer space. 

Du’s lab is especially focused on addressing the challenges of lunar communication delays in teleoperations. According to NASA, the current lunar communication delay can range from five to 14 seconds, which is a stark difference from that of the Earth orbit (2.6 seconds). 

“Our systems integrate a high-fidelity physics simulator to generate simulated physical feedback, such as momentum and impact, in real time before actual signals are received,” Du said. “This simulated synthetic physical feedback enhances the operators’ sense of presence and creates the perception of shorter delays than are actually experienced.”

The lab developed a sensory manipulation system that mimics real-world physics to ensure robots function reliably in extreme environmental conditions in outer space. This allows Earth-based operators to feel what is happening with the robot in real time, even with communication delays. 

Robotics in the environment

Students in Du’s lab work with technology that is tailored to challenging environments. Given Florida’s susceptibility to natural disasters like hurricanes, robotics play a key role in data collection, emergency response, and disaster recovery. Du and his lab researchers worked to improve emergency response times by deploying robotic dogs in conditions that would be considered unsafe for humans. The robotic dogs were able to scan and assess the environment to troubleshoot the safest outcome.  

Yangming Shi, Ph.D., a 2020 UF alum and current assistant professor of civil engineering and robotics at the Colorado School of Mines, said Du's guidance helped shape his holistic approach to research.

“He pushed us to think not just about the technical aspects of robotics but also about the broader societal impact. He challenged us to come up with solutions that can address real-world challenges, like extreme weather events and infrastructure vulnerabilities,” said Shi, who pursued his civil engineering doctoral degree in Du’s lab. “His mentorship has shown me the importance of marrying technical prowess with social responsibility in our research works.”   

Du and his lab researchers also understand that robots have to be trained in certain environments to be effective. This reality became evident when Gilbert Yang Ye, Ph.D., a recent UF graduate and upcoming assistant professor of civil engineering at Northeastern University, had to fully train a robot in Du’s lab to perform an unfamiliar task — dexterously installing pipes for waste treatment and data collection.

“I was astonished by the gaps we face and the potential change robotic technology can make. This was the moment when I started looking at robotic technology for environmental and climate issues,” Ye said. “After leaving UF, I found that other domains also share similar bottlenecks, such as network stability and latency issues in remote medical tasks. So, my research now expands to teleoperated robots for remote medical examination, such as ultrasonic diagnosis.”  

Robotics in healthcare 

Du encourages his students to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in their robotics applications, particularly in areas like healthcare. 

“We work with medical professionals from the departments of emergency medicine and anesthesiology to analyze human motor skills during medical procedures and translate these skills to robotic operations,” Du said. “This interdisciplinary engagement allows students to see firsthand how robotics can enhance precision and efficiency in healthcare.” 

The lab collaborates with psychology researchers to explore cognitive robotics, studying how robots can simulate human decision-making processes. This approach advances robotics while providing students with an understanding of the intersection between technology and human behavior, enhancing their ability to address complex challenges. 

Additionally, the lab focuses on bilateral control systems for remote robots addressing critical needs in telehealth, such as improving the accuracy of ultrasound procedures during emergency medical interventions. By integrating these technologies, the lab showcases the diverse potential of robotics to transform industries ranging from disaster response to healthcare improvements.  

“[Du’s] mentorship has shaped my understanding of how robotics and other emerging technologies can be applied, not only to improve efficiency and safety on construction sites but also to address larger societal challenges such as climate resilience and sustainability,” Shi said. “As a result, my career goal is to contribute to the development of autonomous systems that bridge the gap between technological innovation and real-world applications, particularly in infrastructure and disaster recovery.”