Bob Brennan, PhD, PEng, FEC

PhD in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Schulich School of Engineering University of Calgary

Bob Brennan

Areas of Research

Advancing Resilient and Adaptive Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems through Innovative Device-Level Self-Management
The objective of this research program is to develop innovative technologies and practical solutions to realize industrial cyber-physical systems that are both resilient (i.e., capable of recovering from disturb-ances) and adaptive (i.e., capable of reconfiguration). This work will build on the conceptual work on cyber-physical systems with a focus on developing design methods and tools for device-level sensing and control in harsh, industrial environments (e.g., discrete-part manufacturing, chemical and process industries). However, unlike extant industrial cyber-physical systems that require high investment in advanced technology, infrastructures, and human resources, we propose a low-cost, modular solution for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that is scalable to their needs. The overall aim of this research is to help Canadian manufacturers remain competitive in today’s global market by enabling them to respond quickly to change while maintaining stable system operation and efficient use of available resources.
Agent-based Modelling
Agent-based modelling (ABM) is a form of computational modelling whereby a phenomenon is modelled by software agents and their interactions. Early work in this area focused on understanding natural phenomena such as ant foraging, termite nesting, and bird flocking behaviour, as well as the behaviour of engineered systems such as freeways and computer networks. In the past two decades interest has expanded to the study of social science systems, including studies of market economies, cooperation in groups, ethnocentrism, segregation, and language change . Our work in this area spans a number of application domains that include: (1) simulation of manufacturing systems, (2) environmental and GIS based simulations for risk analysis, and (3) engineering education.

Supervising degrees

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - Masters: Accepting Inquiries
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - Doctoral: Accepting Inquiries
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - Masters: Accepting Inquiries

Working with this supervisor

I am currently seeking MSc and PhD students in two areas: (1) Resilient and Adaptive Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems, and (2) Modelling and Simulation. The first area  is for students who wish to pursue rigorous research into the development of industrial automation systems that are capable of rapidly adapting to change. As a member of our research team, you will be conducting fundamental research into the application of distributed artificial intelligence techniques to automation systems with the goal of developing systems that are more robust, reconfigurable, and efficient. Students working in the second area will conduct research on advanced information technology topics such as object-oriented and agent-based software, agent communication languages, instrumentation and measurement systems, and modelling/simulation as well as very specialized technologies such as IEC 61499 and OPC UA.

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