Hybrid Estimation
I have been working on state estimation in hybrid discrete-continuous systems. I applied recent techniques to two robotic applications; a cooperative construction scenario on the MIT MERS robotics testbed, and a contact and force detection problem on the NASA JPL LEMUR testbed. The JPL work is described here.
My research in this area has developed methods for active hybrid estimation. The key idea behind active estimation is that much more information can be obtained by actively probing a system, rather than making observations passively. In the case of a UAV actuator fault, detection of the fault is impossible without requesting control effort from the actuator. I have developed novel methods for active diagnosis, whereby a controller can ensure that the nominal plan is successful, while optimally detecting faults. This work is described here.
An additional publication on advances in hybrid estimation is here.