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Human-Empowering Robotics and Control (HERC) Lab

Empowering Humans with Robots

Texas A&M University College of Engineering

PhD Students

Jadon Kaercher

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering

Jadon is a talented mechanical designer working at the intersection of fractal structures and human interface dynamics.

Anthony Petrakian

PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering

Anthony leads the strength amplification arm project, focusing on system theory and convex optimization for robust identification and control.

Jed Simms

PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering

Lewis “Jed” Simms is investigating the dynamics of ground reaction force feedback from the perspective of an knee exoskeleton, using a custom hardware setup combining a forceplate, motion tracking system, biomechanical leg model, and exoskeleton.

Anthony Barcio

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering

Anthony Barcio is a PhD-track student who works closely with the HERC Lab. His current research is focused on the optimal design of planar rotary springs for use in robotic manipulators. He received a B.S. in Aerospace engineering and a B.A. in Saxophone Performance from the University of Oklahoma before coming to study at Texas A&M University.

Zachary Moyer

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering

Zach is a Wisenbacker Fellow and is researching robust joint-level impedance controllers for space-rated robotic applications. He is currently developing nonlinear controllers for magnetically geared actuators and high-friction, series-elastic actuators. He received his B.S. in Engineering Science from Trinity University.

Alex Sowell

PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering

Alex is researching control techniques for compliant, multi-degree-of-freedom actuation systems. Concurrently, he works as an engineer in NASA Johnson Space Center’s Robotic Systems Technology Branch. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and an M.S. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Chinmay Prakash Swami

PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering

Chinmay is developing controllers for the use of prosthetic legs during dynamic and outdoor locomotion. He is interested in the intersection of A.I and Controls.

Matthew Hammond

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering

Matt’s research centers around complex robotic grasping and force feedback integration within novel control systems. He also has experience with the development of swarm robotics platforms and human-robot collaboration.

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