Key research themes
1. How can model-based and formal methods improve PLC code generation and validation for complex industrial control systems?
This research theme focuses on developing systematic methodologies and automated tools for generating and validating PLC application programs from formal models, supervisory control theories, or simulation environments. The motivation is to bridge the gap between theoretical control models and practical PLC implementations, ensuring safety, modularity, reusability, and regulatory compliance in complex, concurrent, and regulated industrial environments such as manufacturing systems and pharmaceutical device manufacturing. These approaches aim to reduce development time, minimize programming errors, and enable agile, model-driven updates of control software.
2. What educational strategies and hands-on laboratory platforms effectively prepare engineering students for industrial PLC applications?
This theme addresses curriculum development, interdisciplinary laboratory design, and training platform development that furnish engineering students with the practical skills and theoretical foundations needed for PLC programming, industrial automation, and real-world control systems integration. Emphasis is on bridging academic instruction with industry requirements, multipurpose training tools, and component interoperability to increase graduate readiness for industry employment.
3. How are PLCs being applied to automate and optimize industrial and energy management systems?
Research under this theme explores the design, implementation, and benefits of PLC-based automated control systems within various sectors, including manufacturing, energy distribution, renewable energy monitoring, and water treatment. These studies demonstrate PLC use to enhance operational efficiency, safety, product quality, real-time monitoring, and resource optimization in industrial and infrastructural applications.