Research / Areas of ResearchAI and Design
Developing human-centered, physics-based, and AI-enabled design methods for creating engineering products and systems that address societal challenges
Design combines engineering, business, the arts, and the social sciences to tackle complex societal challenges. Designers use machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to work at the interface between technology and society. In collaboration with the Segal Design Institute and the Center for Human-Computer Interaction+Design, we develop human-centered design principles, collective-innovation platforms, and AI-enabled computational design methods.
Research Area Subtopics
and social computing systems. (E. Gerber)
Human-centered Design
Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives from how we work and learn to how we play and socialize. We blend engineering and social sciences to build novel socio-technical systems to augment human behavior and develop theories of society and technology interactions. We consider the context in which the systems are deployed and the human cognition, emotion, and behavior and the ways in which the technology can support, complement, or augment human ability.
learn. (B. Argall)
AI for Physical Human-machine Interaction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing human-machine interaction through methods such as natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, and neurotechnology. We exploit and enhance machine learning and AI techniques in the design of engineering systems that involve human-machine interaction, such as human-in-the-loop control systems, surface haptic technology, cyber manufacturing, human-robot co-adaption, swarm robots, and rehabilitation devices.
metamaterial systems. (W. Chen, L. Wang)
Physics-based Machine Learning
The rapid growth of machine learning and AI techniques has augmented engineers’ ability to model complex phenomena. We study physics-based machine learning using multi-modal data from simulations, experiments, on-line sensors, and expert knowledge for rapid predictive modeling, uncertainty quantification, and design. Applications include multiscale modeling and design, manufacturing process control, and creation of cyber-physical systems.
photovoltaic solar cells. (W. Chen, J. Munshi, and
G. Balasubramanian)
Design of Engineered Materials Systems
We accelerate the discovery of novel materials and their deployment into engineering systems by leveraging our strengths in mechanics, materials, manufacturing, and design. In particular, we develop novel design representations and data-driven design optimization approaches, leading to novel materials and structures associated with soft matter, composites, quantum materials, and metamaterials, that exhibit multiple functionalities such as impact resistance, light weight, friction reduction, and energy saving.
Bioinspired Design and Synthesis
When using nature as inspiration we learn from a system that has evolved resilience, adaptability, and efficiency for over 3 billion years. Using bioinspired design approaches, we translate biological knowledge into the design of innovative products and processes such as underwater robotics, metamaterials, optics, and 3D nano synthesis.
ME Faculty
Brenna Argall
Professor of Computer Science
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Jian Cao
Associate Vice President for Research
Cardiss Collins Professor of Mechanical Engineering and (by courtesy) Civil and Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences, and Materials Science and Engineering
Director, Northwestern Initiative for Manufacturing Science and Innovation (NIMSI)
Wei Chen
Chair and Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Wilson-Cook Professor in Engineering Design and (by courtesy) Materials Science and Engineering
Horacio Espinosa
James N. and Nancy J. Farley Professor in Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship
Director, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program
Director of the Institute for Cellular Engineering Technologies
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and (by courtesy) Biomedical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering
Elizabeth Gerber
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and (by courtesy) Computer Science
Professor of Communication Studies
Co-Director, Center for Human Computer Interaction + Design
Mitra Hartmann
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Computer Science (by courtesy)
Sinan Keten
Jerome B. Cohen Professor of Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering and (by courtesy) Biomedical Engineering
Associate Chair of Mechanical Engineering
Sridhar Krishnaswamy
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Director of Center for Smart Structures and Materials
Wing Liu
Walter P. Murphy Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Civil and Environmental Engineering and (by courtesy) Materials Science and Engineering
Todd Murphey
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Director of the Master of Science in Robotics Program
Michael Peshkin
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Allen K. and Johnnie Cordell Breed Senior Professor in Design
Michael Rubenstein
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Ryan Truby
Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
June and Donald Brewer Junior Professor
Q. Jane Wang
Joseph Cummings Professor in Mechanical Engineering
Executive Director, Center for Surface Engineering and Tribology
Courtesy Faculty
Jennifer Dunn
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and (by courtesy) Mechanical Engineering
Director, Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience
Associate Director, Northwestern-Argonne Institute of Science and Engineering
Julio Ottino
Walter P. Murphy Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and (by courtesy) Mechanical Engineering
Distinguished Robert R. McCormick Institute Professor
Professor of Management and Organizations, Kellogg School of Management