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Aerospace Technology

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OPL 2
Graduate students work with autonomous vehicles in the CAS Lab
OPL 2

Research Areas

Artificial intelligence
Automated vehicles
Autonomous systems 
Cognitive
Command and control
Computational mechanics
Computer vision
Data analytics
Engines and fuels
Flight research, avionics
Flight testing
Human factors/ergonomics
Human simulation
Mechanical design
Motion capture
Photonics/optical sensors
Robotics 
Satellite remote sensing
Sensors
UAV research
Wireless communication

Centers and Labs

Director: Jun Wang, professor of chemical and biomedical engineering

Email: jun-wang-1@uiowa.edu

Phone: (319) 353-4483

Learn more: AER Lab

Director: Venanzio Cichella, assistant professor of mechanical engineering

Research areas: Artificial intelligence, automated vehicles, autonomous systems, command and control, flight research--avionics, flight testing, robotics, satellite remote sensing, UAV research

Learn more: Cooperative Autonomous Systems Lab

Director: Tom Schnell, professor of industrial and systems engineering, professor of occupational and environmental health, professor of electrical and computer engineering, professor of neurology

Research areas: Artificial intelligence, automated vehicles, autonomous systems, cognitive, command and control, data analytics, flight research - avionics, flight testing, human factors/ergonomics, human simulation, photonics/optical sensors, sensors, UAV research, wireless communication

Learn more: Operator Performance Laboratory

Director: Al Ratner, associate professor of mechanical engineering 

Research area: Engines and fuels

Learn more: Ratner Research Group

Recent News

University of Iowa Spirit Squad at OPL

OPL's Mi-2 helicopters and L-29 jet win in Iowa DOT photo contest

Monday, December 21, 2020
University of Iowa Technology Institute
An in flight photograph of one of the Operator Performance Lab's (OPL) Mi-2 helicopters earned first place in the helicopter category of the Iowa Department of Transportation's biennial Iowa Aviation photo contest for 2019-2020. 
OPL L-29 Delfin carrying pod

Schnell, OPL support Collins Aerospace in testing combat training system

Friday, December 11, 2020
University of Iowa Technology Institute
The Operator Performance Lab (OPL) was selected as the flight test center for initial testing of a program called the Tactical Combat Training System II (TCTS II), a military training tool that includes Collins Aerospace Joint Secure Air Combat System (JSAS) technology.
Abbie Moore

UI student, future Air Force officer reaches for the stars

Tuesday, November 10, 2020
University of Iowa
She knew the University of Iowa was where she would make that happen. It was ideal for Moore: a top-tier university only a short drive from her hometown. As for what that career would be, Moore looked to family members’ military experience.
View more news

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