The four research clusters are:
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 are advancing research in AI-powered microchips, AI-driven healthcare systems, edge intelligence, AI-native communication and network systems, and trustworthy and explainable artificial intelligence. Their work spans applications such as analyzing medical images and video, interpreting genomic data to detect cancer markers, identifying toxins and pathogens in water supplies, and enabling advanced facial recognition for security. Ongoing projects explore digital twins and virtual, augmented, and extended reality (VR/AR/XR) to enhance decision-making and system resilience. These efforts are closely tied to interdisciplinary collaborations with the Miller School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences, where novel signal and image processing methodologies are applied to biomedical and societal challenges. As the cluster grows, the department is expanding its ability to design AI-powered systems that meet the demands of big data applications while navigating complex requirements for privacy, security, and regulation.
Faculty: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Xiaodong Cai, Mingzhe Chen, Alsafrjalani Hamman, Nigel John, Mansur Kabuka, Manohar Murthi, Shahriar Negahdaripour, Kamal Premaratne, Lokesh Ramamoorthi.
The Robotics and Autonomous Systems cluster investigates the design, control, and deployment of intelligent machines that operate seamlessly alongside humans and within complex environments. Research spans medical and surgical robotics, assistive devices, legged robots with bioinspired robotic tails, robotic exoskeletons, autonomous vehicles, underwater vehicles, drones, vehicle networks, and human-machine collaboration. Faculty also explore haptics, robotic touch, bioinspired designs, multi-agent decision-making, and real-time distributed data fusion that support autonomy at scale. Applications range from medical diagnostics, rehabilitation, and therapeutic tools to advanced manufacturing, marine exploration, and smart infrastructure. By leveraging expertise in mechatronics, controls, and applied artificial intelligence (AI), researchers are developing robotic systems capable of adapting to uncertainty while ensuring safety and reliability. Collaborations extend across the university, including with the Miller School of Medicine, the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the School of Architecture for smart cities and buildings, and the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science for ocean and climate applications. These interdisciplinary efforts support transformative applications where robotics can directly improve health care, mobility, sustainability, transportation, and the built environment.
Faculty: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Mingzhe Chen, Shahriar Negahdaripour.
The Quantum and Nano Technologies cluster brings together pioneering work in quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing with research in nanoelectronics and emerging devices. Faculty are advancing novel approaches in energy-efficient circuits, neuromorphic and in-memory computing, spin-based electronics, and multifunctional nanomaterials that support future medical, energy, and information processing applications. Key areas include photonics, optical imaging, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and nanomagnetics for quantum computing. These efforts not only support fundamental breakthroughs but also enable translational research in health care, environmental monitoring, and energy systems. Collaborations across the university, including with the BioNIUM Center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and the Department of Radiology, expand the impact of this cluster. By linking device-level innovations to larger system integration, faculty are shaping the next wave of quantum and nanoscale technologies.
Faculty: Sakhart Khizroev, Michael Wang.
The Cybersecurity and Cyber-Physical Systems cluster addresses the critical role of secure infrastructure in a world of interconnected devices and systems. Research spans hardware, software, and network security; wireless and network security and privacy; and AI for security, as well as the sociotechnical aspects of online safety and trust. Faculty are developing secure algorithms, architectures, and protocols for cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), 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. Research also explores privacy-preserving analytics and robust distributed consensus to secure multi-agent systems and drones. Collaborations extend to the College of Arts and Sciences on complex systems; to psychology and sociology for understanding technology use; to the Miller School of Medicine for connected health; and to the School of Architecture for secure, smart infrastructure. Together, these efforts ensure that next-generation cyber systems can perform mission-critical tasks while maintaining privacy, robustness, and trust.
Faculty: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Mingzhe Chen, Alsafrjalani Hamman, Nigel John, Manohar Murthi, Lokesh Ramamoorthi.
