Digital Manufacturing and Automation
Shaping production. Enabling intelligent design.
Digital Manufacturing & Automation at ISE explores how manufacturing, design, and automation are evolving toward more flexible, responsive, and human-centered systems. We investigate how technology, robotics and advanced design practices intersect with real-world industrial needs—from bio-robotics to global supply chains—by applying methodologies that optimize decision-making and enhance adaptability.
Design has long been central to ISE education and research. What began as a drafting program evolved into one of the first engineering departments to teach computer-aided design (CAD), establishing Illinois as a leader in digital design. Today, we continue that tradition by integrating cutting-edge design methodologies and digital manufacturing technologies into both research and curriculum, preparing the next generation of engineers to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Areas of Innovation
Advanced Materials & Product Design
Developing reliability-based battery designs, ML-accelerated material discovery, and complex 3D spatial packaging to meet emerging performance and sustainability demands.
Autonomous Systems & Robotics
Designing autonomous construction solutions, soft robotics for adaptive handling and robotics for manufacturing environments to increase safety, precision and efficiency.
Smart Monitoring & Maintenance
Creating intelligent health monitoring systems and predictive maintenance tools for complex equipment and infrastructure.