Tsu-Chin Tsao: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Tsu-Chin Tsao, Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from National Taiwan University, and both his M.S. and Ph.D. also in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.  From 1988 to 1999, Tsao was Assistant then Associate Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Tsao came to UCLA Engineering in 1999.

Tsao’s research interests include modeling and control of dynamic systems and mechatronics.  His work in precision motion control has created a number of control algorithms, including optimal feedforward tracking, repetitive and iterative learning control, and adaptive control, realized on a broad range of high technology applications. Particularly, his technology of Non-Circular Turning Process has been realized in the production of automotive engine pistons and other bearing surfaces with tight tolerance, which has contributed to the technological advances and improvement in engine fuel economy and emission reduction. Tsao’s recent research addresses challenges and innovations in nano-precision positioning, laser beam target tracking, surgical robotic manipulators, and compressed air hybrid vehicles.

Tsao’s research has been recognized by the  International Symposium of Flexible Automation Best Paper Award, the American Automatic Control Council’s O. Hugo Schuck Best Paper Award, the ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems Measurement And Control Best Paper Award, and the ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Division Outstanding Young Investigator Award, just to name a few.

Providing numerous service and leadership to technical communities, he has been the Chair of the Executive Committee of the ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Division, Program Chair of the 2010 ASME Annual Dynamic Systems and Control Conference, Technical Editor of IEEE/ASME Transactions of Mechatronics, and Associate Editor of Transactions of ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems Measurement and Control.  He is a Fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Senior Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and Sustaining Member of American Society of Precision Engineers (ASPE).