 Prof.
Jessy Grizzle was recently named the Jerry W. and Carol L. Levin Professor
of Engineering. Prof. Grizzle, a professor in the division of Electrical and
Computer Engineering in the EECS Department, is an expert in the theory of
nonlinear control systems. His current research focuses on modeling and
control of automotive powertrain systems, and the control of bipedal robots.
Prof. Grizzle's work in bipedal robots has received
significant attention among other researchers, and the press. After creating
a path-breaking approach to control walking for the French robot, RABBIT, he
has continued to press forward to enable an even more natural walking gait
in robots through advanced feedback control and machine design. He is
collaborating with Jonathan Hurst and others at Carnegie Mellon University
to test this theory on a new robot, called BiMASC (biped with Mechanically
Adjustable Series Compliance) currently under construction through funding
by the National Science Foundation.
L: Gabriel Buche, Jonathan Hurst, Jessy Grizzle
This research is expected to have enormous impact on both medical
prosthetic limbs, and on the ability to create robots that are able to
remain stable on uneven terrains. For additional information about his work
on bipedal robots, including press releases, papers, and videos, please see
Prof.
Grizzle's web page.
 In
recognition of his robotic research, Grizzle was named to the
Scientific American Top 50 Technologists of 2006. His book,
Feedback Control
of Dynamic Bipedal Robot Locomotion, co-authored by former student Eric
Westervelt and others, is now available for pre-order.
Grizzle combines research excellence with teaching excellence. He has
been recognized with a CoE Teaching Award, and a Tau Beta Pi Engineering
Professor of the Year award. He is particularly appreciative of the Tau Beta
Pi award, since the students of this CoE student honor society determine the
winner.
Upon hearing the news of his professorship, Prof. Grizzle said he was
stunned, and extremely grateful. He is also honored that it is in the name
of the Levins, "who have done so much for the College of Engineering." With
typical humility and spousal pride, Jessy calls his wife,
Dr. Laurie K.
McCauley, William K. and Mary Anne Najjar Professor and Chair,
Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, the accomplished member of the
family.
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The Jerry W. and Carol L. Levin Professor of Engineering professorship
was endowed in 1998 by Jerry and Carol Levin. Jerry Levin has been a leader
in College of Engineering fundraising campaigns. He pledged $5M to spur
additional contributions to the Michigan Engineering Fund in 2002, he is
currently a co-chair of Progress & Promise: 150th Anniversary Campaign, and
he recently initiated the
Levin
Challenge for the remaining years of that campaign. He stated, "The idea
of creating this challenge was very appealing to me. I was personally able
to leverage the analytical skills I developed at the University of Michigan
into a successful career marketing products and services to consumers."
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