Automation, which allows for more efficient use of human resources,
is critical for global manufacturing plants. The core technology for developing
the automation platform is Mechatronics, which leverages integrated principles
from the engineering and multi-disciplinary design space. Mechatronics systems
include robots, semiconductor machines, CNC machines and so on. Dr. Jihyun
Lee's research on mechatronics systems helps to make the automation platform
smarter and more efficient. She is working to address several pressing issues
confronting societies around the world, including rising global manufacturing
competition, rising labour costs, rising and unpredictable technological
growth, and inequitable distribution of this technology. Dr. Lee's innovations
have been implemented in a wide range of industries, from traditional
manufacturing to emergency medical settings.
Dr. Lee’s research focuses on robotics and AI-based automation with
applications to advanced manufacturing technologies. She also works in sensor
fusion, system’s fault detection and monitoring. Development of robot machining
technology, cable-assisted-robotic system, AI-based identification method and
sensory systems are her research achievements at the University of Calgary. Dr.
Lee has been very successful in securing research funding to support her
research infrastructure and activities. Her research has been funded by the
Canadian government, provincial government, industries, Korean government, etc.
She actively collaborates with colleagues within the Department, the School,
and the University, as well as industry partners. Especially, Dr. Lee has
closely worked with small-medium companies to revitalize digital manufacturing.
Dr. Lee has collaborated with advanced manufacturing companies to develop an
automation platform with robots and AI-based vision for a certain manufacturing
process. Her research output includes many peer-reviewed journal papers and
conference papers. She has the experience to transfer technology to machine
tool companies as well. Her potential and achievements have been recognized with several awards.
It is also worth noting that her collaboration with doctoral fellows
on the development of a differential multi-ventilator system has generated
positive outcomes and was featured by CBC News.
She has been awarded the Anna Boyksen Fellowship from the Institute
for Advanced Study at the Technical University of Munich to enable her to lead
the development of strategies to foster female talent in the German and
Canadian manufacturing sectors.