MAE Seminar: Control, Customization, and Actuation: Key Elements Toward Real-world Deployment of Wearable Robo

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MAE Seminar: Control, Customization, and Actuation: Key Elements Toward Real-world Deployment of Wearable Robot Systems.

Date: January 22, 2026, Time: 12:50 PM Location: MAE-A 303

Dr. Ung Hee Lee
Machine Learning Research Scientist
Autonomy Group
Nuro

Abstract
Lower limb robotics holds the potential to transform human mobility by assisting in locomotor activities. Specifically, robotic exoskeletons and prosthetics can either assist lower limbs by offloading the body’s weight or generate sufficient power to enable people to walk and run as biological limbs. Despite the promise of wearable technologies, these devices are not often seen in daily life. I argue that there is a gap in how we design and control robotic systems. To close this gap, I focus on three key elements: control, customization, and actuation. First, I present an intent recognition system that predicts users’ intent ahead of time, allowing seamless control across multiple activities. Second, I describe an online customization framework by optimizing user preferences for controlling robotic exoskeletons. Lastly, I characterize a high-performance brushless DC motor, which is an emerging actuation system for lightweight and efficient robots, including the Open-Source Robotic Leg developed at the University of Michigan. With these key elements addressed, my dissertation lays the groundwork for translating these technologies outside of the lab and into the real world.

Biography
Ung Hee Lee is currently a Machine Learning Research Scientist in the Autonomy group at Nuro. In 2022, he obtained his doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. During his doctoral studies, Lee served as an AI Resident at Google X, enriching his experience in the field of robotics and machine learning. His academic journey began with a focus on Physics during his undergraduate years at Korea University. During this time, he actively participated in research at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology’s Bionics Research Center, working on rehabilitation robots. Notably, Lee is a recipient of the esteemed National Science and Engineering Scholarship issued by the Government of South Korea. Lee’s research endeavors have encompassed diverse areas, notably delving into learning-based control for wearable robots, particularly emphasizing intent recognition and active learning using human preference. Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Lee is dedicated to mentoring and advising aspiring scholars and professionals. His guidance has facilitated the career growth of numerous individuals who now thrive in academia and industry alike.

Faculty Host: Dr. Rushikesh Kamalapurkar