The four research clusters are:
AI-Powered Microchips and Systems (AIMAS)
The AI-Powered Microchips and Systems cluster focuses on creating intelligent hardware and software platforms that integrate cutting-edge algorithms with next-generation devices and systems. Building on strengths in statistical signal processing, machine learning, data mining, image processing, computer vision, and game theory, faculty advance research in AI-powered microchips, health care systems, edge intelligence, AI-native communication and network systems, and trustworthy and explainable artificial intelligence. Applications include analyzing medical images and video, interpreting genomic data to detect cancer markers, identifying toxins in water supplies, and developing advanced facial recognition for security. Projects exploring digital twins and virtual, augmented, and extended reality enhance decision-making and system resilience. Collaborations with the Miller School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences apply novel signal and image processing to biomedical and societal challenges, strengthening the department’s ability to design AI-powered systems that balance big data demands with privacy, security, and regulatory requirements.
Faculty: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Xiaodong Cai, Mingzhe Chen, Alsafrjalani Hamman, Nigel John, Mansur Kabuka, Manohar Murthi, Shahriar Negahdaripour, Kamal Premaratne, Lokesh Ramamoorthi.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS)
The Robotics and Autonomous Systems cluster investigates the design, control, and deployment of intelligent machines that operate alongside humans and within complex environments. Research spans medical and surgical robotics, assistive devices, legged robots with bioinspired tails, exoskeletons, autonomous vehicles, underwater robots, drones, vehicle networks, and human-machine collaboration. Faculty explore haptics, robotic touch, bioinspired designs, multi-agent decision-making, and real-time distributed data fusion that enable autonomy at scale. Applications include medical diagnostics, rehabilitation, advanced manufacturing, marine exploration, and smart infrastructure. Collaborations with the Miller School of Medicine, the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the School of Architecture, and the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science drive innovations in health care, mobility, sustainability, transportation, and the built environment.
Faculty: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Mingzhe Chen, Shahriar Negahdaripour.
Quantum and Nano Technologies (QNT)
The Quantum and Nano Technologies cluster unites research in quantum communication, computing, and sensing with advances in nanoelectronics and emerging devices. Faculty develop energy-efficient circuits, neuromorphic and in-memory computing, spin-based electronics, and multifunctional nanomaterials for future medical, energy, and information processing applications. Key areas include photonics, optical imaging, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and nanomagnetics for quantum computing. These breakthroughs support translational research in health care, environmental monitoring, and energy systems. Collaborations with the BioNIUM Center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and the Radiology Department expand the impact of this work, linking device-level innovation with system-level integration to shape the next wave of quantum and nanoscale technologies.
Faculty: Sakhart Khizroev, Michael Wang.
Cybersecurity and Cyber Physical Systems (CCPS)
The Cybersecurity and Cyber Physical Systems cluster addresses the growing need for secure infrastructure in an increasingly connected world. Research spans hardware, software, and network security; wireless privacy; AI for security; and the sociotechnical aspects of online safety and trust. Faculty develop secure algorithms, architectures, and protocols for cyber physical systems, the Internet of Things, cloud and edge computing, and mobile and smart grid networks. Applications include protecting connected medical devices, safeguarding digital health records, and enabling resilient smart buildings and cities. Work in privacy-preserving analytics and distributed consensus secures multi-agent systems and drones. Collaborations with the College of Arts and Sciences, the Miller School of Medicine, the School of Architecture, and the social sciences ensure that next-generation cyber systems can perform mission-critical tasks with privacy, robustness, and trust.
Faculty: Mingzhe Chen, Alsafrjalani Hamman, Nigel John, Manohar Murthi, Lokesh Ramamoorthi.
