Samir A. Rawashdeh Biography

Samir RawashdehSamir Rawashdeh, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Director, Dearborn Artificial Intelligence Research (DAIR) Center
University of Michigan – Dearborn

2047 Engineering Laboratory Building
Dearborn, MI 48128
E-mail: rawashdeh[at]umich[dot]edu

 

Samir Rawashdeh, PhD, is a tenured Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Director of the Dearborn Artificial Intelligence Research (DAIR) center at the University of Michigan Dearborn. He received the BSc. EE from the University of Jordan in 2007 and the MSc. EE. in 2010 and Ph.D. in 2013 from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kentucky. He also held a postdoctoral position at the University of Kentucky Space Systems Laboratory. Since joining UM-Dearborn in 2014, his interests and experience spanned smart health, robotics perception, and embedded systems. His work in embedded systems, networking, and automotive perception includes projects sponsored by Ford, General Motors, Mercedes Benz R&D, and Hyundai MOBIS. In smart health and robotics, he is pursuing projects sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

 

Current Research Activities

    Autonomous Driving Perception, Deep Learning, Event Cameras

We are currently pursuing four main thrusts: (1) model-based visual odometry, mapping, SLAM, and object tracking, (2) Deep-learning methods for semantic segmentation and object detection, (4) studying the effect of adverse weather on perception algorithms, and (4) using the bio-inspired event-based cameras (dynamic vision sensors) for high speed and autonomous driving perception tasks.

    Humanoid Robotics and Perception

Supported by an NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award, we have acquired a Humanoid robot consisting of a mobile base, articulating neck, two 6 degree-of-freedom arms, and two five-fingered hands. Our group and other colleagues at UM-Dearborn are interested in a wide range of research problems, including perception, navigation, manipulation, and human-robot interaction.  

    “RehabBuddy”; extending individualized physical rehabilitation beyond the clinic using wearable technology

RehabBuddy is a rehabilitation assistance system that extends the reach of a physical rehabilitation specialist beyond the clinic, in order to address two consistent issues encountered with musculoskeletal rehabilitation performed outside of the clinic walls: poor intervention adherence and the lack of objective tracking. Both will be addressed by developing a system that uses body-worn inertial measurement units and a mobile application that provides the patient with assistance or a “buddy” to ensure that home exercises are performed with the same precision as under clinical supervision.

    Embedded Systems, Networks

Underway are industry-sponsored activities in the area of networked embedded systems. 

Education

University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering  
Dissertation: Visual Attitude Propagation for Small Satellites (available here)

University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering   
Thesis: Passive Attitude Stabilization for Small Satellites (available here)

University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering    

Experience

University of Michigan – Dearborn, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering   
Associate Professor    2020 – current

University of Kentucky, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences   
Adjunct Professor    2017 – current

University of Michigan – Dearborn, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering   
Assistant Professor    2014-2020

University of Kentucky, Space Systems Laboratory   
Postdoctoral Scholar    2013-2014

University of Kentucky, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering   
Instructor    Fall and Spring 2013/14

SSBV Space and Ground Systems, Portsmouth, United Kingdom   
Visiting Engineer    04–07/2012

University of Kentucky, Space Systems Laboratory
Research Associate (toward PhD)   2011- 2013

University of Kentucky, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering   
Part-time Instructor   Fall and Spring 2010/11

University of Kentucky, Space Systems Laboratory
Graduate Research Assistant (toward MSc)   2007 – 2010 

Mechatronics Engineering Laboratory, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan  
Full-time Researcher    06-07/2007

Embedded Systems Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY  
Research Intern    06-08/2005

 

Sponsored research and projects

(excludes funding from programs internal to University of Michigan)

  • S. Rawashdeh, J. Kwon, “Detection and tracking of vehicles using Lidar point clouds for autonomous lane-changing system”, MOBIS Technical Center of North America, 2021
  • S. Rawashdeh, T. Uhl, “RehabBuddy; Extending Individualized Physical Rehabilitation Beyond the Clinic Using Wearable Technology to Empower Patients”, National Science Foundation – Smart and Connected Health,  Aug 2019 – Jul 2022.
  • S. Rawashdeh, “Evaluation of Wireless Communication Protocols for Electric Vehicle Wireless Charging Control”, Mercedes Benz Research and Development North America, Nov 2018 – Jul 2019.
  • W. Su, S. Rawashdeh as Co-PI, “REU Site: Undergraduate Research in Sustainable Energy (U-RISE)“, National Science Foundation, 1/2018-2021.
  • S. Rawashdeh et al., (PI, formerly Co-PI), “MRI: Acquisition of a Mobile Manipulation Robot Platform for Research and Education“, National Science Foundation, 10/1/2017-2022.
  • S. Rawashdeh et al., “Hybrid Body Control Module Wired & Wireless Networking Phase 2”, General Motors, Sep 2017 – Dec 2018.
  • S. Rawashdeh, “Augmented Reality Glasses for Self-Guided Dealership Experience”, Ford Motor Company, Dec 2015 – Aug 2016.
  • W. Xiang, P Richardson, S. Rawashdeh (Co-PI), “Hybrid Architecture for Inter-ECU Communications”, General Motors, Sep 2015 – Aug 2017.
  • S. Rawashdeh, “Cubesat Star Imaging using Multiple Sensor Nodes”, Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) Research Seed Grants, May 2015 – April 2016.
  • A. Cramer, S. Rawashdeh, “A Modular Electrical Power System Architecture for Small Spacecraft”, NASA Kentucky Space Grant, Jan 2014 – Dec 2014.
  • S. Rawashdeh, J. Lumpp, “Integration of the Stellar Gyroscope”, NASA Kentucky Space Grant, Jan 2014 – Dec 2014.
  • V. Zeps, S. Rawashdeh, “Simulator for On-Orbit Solar Irradiation of CubeSats”, NASA Kentucky Space Grant, Jan 2014 – Dec 2014.
  • S. Bailey, S. Rawashdeh, “Precision Guided Return of High-Altitude Payloads”, NASA Kentucky Space Grant, Jan 2014 – Dec 2014.