Research Activities

The LAI is specialized in modeling (using developed analytical models and FEM) and design optimization of rotating and linear electric motors and actuators.

• The design optimization is performed using deterministic methods (based on various gradient methods – the commercial software ProDesign) or stochastic ones (a genetic algorithm developed by the LAI members, or design for experiment). The power ranges from several kW (electric traction) down to µW (MEMS – batch-processed motor placed on a silicon chip).
• To miniaturize an electric drive and increase its reliability by eliminating position sensors, sensorless control algorithms are applied. A broad set of electromagnetic phenomena is exploited to estimate the rotor/mover position. Among them, two completely new ones are used: the first one is the Magnetic Anisotropy of permanent magnet materials (MAM method) and the second is the local B-H hysteresis loops method.

Electromagnetism being the core of the Lab activity, two application domains have emerged: Contactless Power Transmission (CPT) and Radio Frequency (RF) based solutions for access control.

• CPT domain has brought the Lab to develop solutions for many applications. Among them, medical devices for direct stimulation, blood analysis, or power supply; transportation devices for battery charger, high speed vehicles, or particular robots; industry machines for special supply, specific movements, or combined information and power.
• The use of the RF domain leads to a lot of advantages in terms of movement freedom. Therefore, it is perfectly suited to ease individuals access management according to their position.

The combination of existing technologies and the use of new smart materials leads to new innovative devices.

• In the field of piezoelectric actuators, two main axes of research are followed. One axis addresses the generation of a touch feeling: a piezoelectric actuator generates vibrations on a touch screen so that the user feels a modified friction coefficient when touching the screen. The second axis concerns generation of high forces in a reduced volume. Sensorless techniques are applied to piezoelectric-based linear actuators as well. In the domain of haptics, the potential of Neural Networks and Machine Learning for position feed-back generation on a piezo-driven surface is explored.
• The use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), combined with Permanent Magnets (PM) leads to hybrid grippers that opens doors to new markets in replacement of conventional pneumatic ones.
• Dielectric Electro-Active (DEA) polymers present particular characteristics that are exploited by the Center for Artificial Muscles (cf. CAM) to benefit from actuators with large deformations under high voltage supply. Specific electronics is developed.