Interview with Farbod Khoshnoud EMET

Research Overview

Dr. Farbod Khoshnoud describes research in self-powered systems, bio-inspired engineering, autonomous robotics, and quantum technologies.

Research Areas

Self-Powered Systems and Long-Endurance UAVs

The research explores ways to generate or recover energy to power sensors, vehicles, and drones. One goal is to develop a solar-powered, buoyant blimp-like UAV that can remain airborne for extended periods and use solar energy for movement.

Student designs and a small prototype built at Cal Poly have been demonstrated, but the prototypes discussed are not yet fully solar-powered. Weight, buoyancy, and other engineering challenges remain. The work draws on mechatronics, including propulsion, sensors, actuators, dynamics, and control.

Bio-Inspired Design

The team considers how designs inspired by birds, insects, and other natural systems might improve vehicle maneuverability. Khoshnoud also mentions piezoelectrically actuated insect wings as an example of prior work.

Wind-Turbine Arrangements

Inspired by fish schooling, this research investigates the optimal spacing of vertical-axis wind turbines. The aim is to reduce interference and improve power density, particularly for turbines positioned behind others.

Quantum Technologies in Robotics

The research investigates photon-based quantum technologies—including entanglement and quantum cryptography—for communication among multiple robots and autonomous vehicles. A key motivation is to enable secure communication that resists interference. The work also examines how quantum hardware could be integrated with conventional mechatronic systems.

Experimental Communication Systems

Students are developing setups that use lasers or individual photons, optical detectors, and motorized tracking to maintain links between mobile robots or drones.

The presentation also discusses the longer-term possibility of combining brain-signal control with quantum-connected robotic systems. This is described as an emerging research direction, not a completed demonstration.

Resources and Speakers

Khoshnoud points viewers to related publications on his website for more information about quantum robotics and cryptography. The video does not provide a formal product review or step-by-step tutorial.

Main speakers: Jessica Perez, interviewer; Dr. Farbod Khoshnoud, researcher in electromechanical engineering technology.