Dr. Homayoon Kazerooni, is a
Mechanical Engineer who conducts research on Robotics, Control Sciences, Exoskeletons, Human-Machine Systems and Augmentation, Bioengineering, Mechatronics Design, Artificial Locomotion, Intelligent Assist Devices, and Power and Propulsion. Holding 15 patents, Dr. Kazerooni is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of California, Berkeley and director of the Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory, affectionately known as "KAZ LAB".
Dr. Kazerooni is one of the pioneers in
Design and Control of Machines and Robotic Systems Interacting with Humans. After developing
BLEEX, ExoHiker, and ExoClimber – three super-light, load-carrying exoskeletons – Berkeley Bionics and his team created HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier). It is the first energetically-autonomous, orthotic, lower extremity exoskeleton, providing the ability to carry 200-pound weights over any terrain for an extended periods of time without undue effort.
Dr. Kazerooni also led his team to successfully develop robotics systems that enhance human upper extremity strength. The results of this work led to a new class of
Intelligent Assist Devices currently being used by workers worldwide for manipulating heavy objects in distribution centers and factories.
Consulting Interests Include:
- Biomimetic Design
- Haptics
- Non-Linear Control Systems
- Embedded Systems
- Networked Control Systems
- Power Regeneration
- Monopropellant
- Portable Energy Generation Methods for Mobile Platforms
View Expert Witness Profile.
Recently, with the progress of computers, robot manipulators have obtained some abilities of perception and judgmenl. However, it st ill remains a dream that robots have the same or more nexible intelligence than humans. In the mean time, the physical ability of a robot manipulmor is superior in cases such as carrying heavy loads.
Many places in the world are too rugged or enclosed for vehicles to access. Even today, material transport to such areas is limited to manual labor and beasts of burden.
The primary Objective of the Berkeley lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) Project at the University of California, Berkeley is to develop fundamental technologies associated with the design and control of energetically autonomous lower extremity exoskeletons that augment human strength and endurance during locomotion.
