Troy, N.Y. — John Wen, professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering, has been named a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The fellow grade is conferred upon a member in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of electrical and electronics engineering.

Wen is recognized for his work in robotics and automation, which has applications ranging from manufacturing to space exploration. His recent research involves distributed control, surgical robotics, mobile robots, multiple-robot coordination, and parallel robots. As part of the distributed control research, Wen has developed Java-based software that allows the use of the Internet for coordination and control of systems. He recently incorporated this software into the classroom where students can work on experiments, and Wen can monitor their progress, both remotely via the Internet.

This software tool has also been applied to industrial settings for remote process monitoring and diagnostics. Wen's group has also collaborated with physicians at the Albany Medical College to develop robotic devices, called the EndoBots, to assist surgeons with endoscopic surgeries. Wen's research in mobile robots has led to algorithms and demonstration of maneuvering and parking of tractor-trailer type of vehicles.

Wen earned his bachelor's degree from McGill University in 1979, his master's from the University of Illinois-Champagne in 1981, and his doctorate from Rensselaer in 1985, all in electrical engineering. He joined the Rensselaer faculty in 1988.

Prior to joining Rensselaer, Wen worked at Fisher Controls and then at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Contact: Patricia Azriel
Phone: (518) 276-6531
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