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Northwestern University

Petras SwisslerPhD Student, Mechanical EngineeringAdviser: Michael Rubenstein

Research Topics

Control and optimization for robot swarms

Robotic self-assembly

Swarm shape control

Modular self-reconfigurable robotics

My research focuses on how to tackle the challenge of robotic self-assembly through the use of novel attachment mechanisms and robot design. It is my belief that successful robotic self-assembly requires a move away from the discretized structures which are near-universal in most self-assembling robotic systems. It is my hope that my research will enable self-assembling robots to form ad hoc complex and useful structures.

Education
  • MS Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University (2018)
  • BS Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2012). Minors in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, and Spanish
Employment
  • Mechanical Engineer at Parametric Solutions Incorporated, Jupiter, FL (2012 - 2016).
Outreach Work

Northwestern Splash:

  • Organized a one-day event targeted at underprivileged area high school students with 96 classes available to approximately 250 students. Developed and taught four classes: Introduction to Jet Engines, Idea Workshop: Getting Started with Arduino,  Introduction to Robots and Control Systems, and Board Game Design. Served as group secretary and teacher training focal.

Science In Your Community Center:

  • Mentored underprivileged and underserved middle school students in a monthly program. Sessions focused on introducing the students to complex topics in engineering and science
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