ESC

Welcome to the
Computational Design Lab

We are looking for postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and research interns — see our openings!

The CDL research activities are in the area of Computational Design and Synthesis of Mechanical Systems. In particular, our research focuses on the development of new engineering models, representations, algorithms, and design semantics to enable systematic, and efficient design, analysis and manufacturing of engineering artifacts.

Some of Our Current Projects

(also see our publications)

A Universal Framework for Geometric Information in Product Development

A Universal Framework for Geometric Information in Product Development

Maximal Ball Disjoint Decompositions discretize a given shape in a unique and complete decomposition of maximal spheres. This geometric representation has broad applications in downstream engineering applications.

Optimization of Complex Systems

Optimization of Complex Systems

Simultaneous Packaging and Routing of Complex Interconnected Systems. Independently, each problem is known to be NP-hard. Solving the combined problem is a particularly interesting and challenging task.

Manufacturability Search

Manufacturability Search

FINDFabs: Searching The Universe of Manufactured Parts. Identifying potential manufacturers of existing designs by scanning the distributed information of geometric models using manufacturing-specific similarity metrics.

Nano Machines

Nano Machines

Systematic Design, Analysis and Control of Manufacturable Nano Machines. Discover, design, and synthesize robotic molecular agents whose motion is predictable and controllable.

Horea Ilies

Horea Ilies

University of Connecticut

  • (2000) Ph.D. ME, Wisconsin
  • (1995) M.S. Mechanics, MSU
  • (1993) Dipl. Engr., ME, Romania

News

September, 2026
Amir Vahedi presents at IROS 2027 our new paper GAASP: Graph-Based Automated Assembly Sequencing and Planning
August, 2026
Best Paper Award: our paper titled Spatial Packaging and Routing Optimization of Complex Interacting Engineered Systems received the 2025 Editor’s Choice (Best Paper) Award for the ASME Journal of Mechanical Design!

See all news →