The Underwater Mechatronics Laboratory (UML) was established in 1996 in the Institute of Undersea Technology at National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan. Research at the UML is focused on the design and development of underwater instruments, systems, and techniques for specific scientific needs. The UML achieves this objective through integrating mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science in a vibrant, collaborative environment that fosters interactions between students, research staff, faculty, and industry partners. Several systems and instruments have been developed and introduced to undersea exploration, including the Fiber-optical Instrumentation Towed System (FITS), Abyss Twisted-pair Imaging System (ATIS), Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS), Autonomous Benthic Lander (ABL), Seafloor Laser-line Scanning System (SLSS), Seafloor Acoustic Transponder System (SATS), ROV Auroree, an AUV, and a sediment trap. The UML is jointly directed by Chau-Chang Wang, Ph.D; Hsin-Hung Chen, Ph.D; and Yu-Cheng Chou, Ph.D; all members of the Institute of Undersea Technology at National Sun Yat-sen University.
Dr. Chau-Chang Wang received his Ph.D degree in mechanical engineering in 1995 from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. He is currently a Professor in the Institute of Undersea Technology at National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. His research interests focus on the development of low-power underwater mechatronic systems and underwater robotic systems.
Dr. Hsin-Hung Chen received his Ph.D degree in mechanical engineering in 1996 from National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. He is currently a Professor in the Institute of Undersea Technology at National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. His research includes the development of underwater vehicles and underwater positioning.
Dr. Yu-Cheng Chou received his Ph.D. degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering in 2009 from the University of California, Davis, USA. He is currently an associate professor in the Institute of Undersea Technology at National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. His research includes the development of intelligent control systems and design optimization schemes for unmanned underwater vehicles.