ESILV demonstrated its commitment to innovation and transdisciplinary collaboration through groundbreaking research at the ASME IMECE 2024 Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Swaminath Venkateswaran, professor and researcher at ESILV, presented two groundbreaking research papers at the prestigious ASME IMECE 2024 Conference in Portland, Oregon. This transdisciplinary work carried out in collaboration with colleagues and students from ESILV and EMLV, reflects the cutting-edge innovation at the heart of De Vinci Higher Education.
The IMECE Conference
The International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), organized by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), is the premier global platform for research and development in mechanical engineering.
While its primary focus is on mechanical engineering, IMECE uniquely integrates perspectives from a wide range of engineering disciplines. This conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for researchers to present their technical expertise, engage with cutting-edge innovation, and connect with thousands of peers worldwide.
At IMECE, participants experience a rich exchange of ideas, from foundational discoveries to the translational application of innovative approaches. The event fosters collaboration among stakeholders from academia, national laboratories, industry, and government funding bodies. As a hub of knowledge-sharing, IMECE provides a breadth and depth of unmatched technical insights, making it the essential venue for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of advancements in mechanical engineering and beyond.
The ESILV and EMLV Research Highlights
1. Human-Robot Interaction for Operator Well-Being
Aiming to improve the well-being of operators in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) production lines, this study was co-authored with professor researcher Jinan Charafeddine, a biomechanics teacher-researcher at ESILV.
- Objective: Addressing upper-arm fatigue and reducing risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during repetitive industrial tasks such as pump screwing operations.
- Methods: Biomechanical analysis, AI-based fatigue simulations, and ergonomic assessments informed the development of a collaborative robotic solution.
- Key Outcomes:
- An initial prototype has been designed to assist operators in strenuous tasks.
- Future enhancements will refine robotic components for seamless integration into SME workflows.
This research emphasizes the transformative potential of robotics in creating healthier work environments.
2. Last-Mile Delivery Optimization
This study, conducted in collaboration with professor researcher Zhe Yuan of EMLV and with contributions from former intern Hang Zhou, addressed the challenges of optimizing logistics in last-mile delivery.
- Approach: Utilizing the Meituan dataset, the team proposed a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model powered by the Gurobi optimizer to balance cost reduction, distance efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Next Steps: Testing is planned in the Paris region, incorporating real-time data and advanced AI algorithms.
This project showcases how engineering and management expertise can converge to address global logistical challenges effectively.
A Platform for Academic Excellence
The ASME IMECE 2024 Conference provided an ideal platform for ESILV to highlight its contributions to mechanical engineering research and related fields. The conference brought together global experts, offering students and researchers opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative avenues.
Driving Innovation and Excellence at ESILV
The research initiatives showcased at ASME IMECE 2024 exemplify the alignment of ESILV’s research strategy with its four main development objectives: scientific excellence, societal impact, interdisciplinarity, and internationalization. These guiding principles shape ESILV’s commitment to advancing impactful and innovative research.
Scientific Excellence and Societal Impact
ESILV has achieved notable progress in scientific excellence, reflected in a growing number of publications in leading academic journals.
This achievement is complemented by a focus on scientific dissemination, with contributions to practice-oriented journals, engaging popularization videos, and contractual research collaborations, including research chairs and European projects.
These efforts underline the school’s dedication to making its academically rigorous and practically relevant research activity, benefiting practitioners, industry, and students alike.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The emphasis on interdisciplinarity is embedded in the very structure of the De Vinci Research Center, where teams of researchers from management and engineering sciences collaborate.
This unique integration facilitates research on pressing societal challenges such as ecological transition and e-health. By bridging disciplines, ESILV fosters innovative approaches to complex problems, ensuring its research remains at the forefront of addressing global needs.
Internationalization of Research
Internationalization forms a cornerstone of ESILV’s research strategy, with initiatives to strengthen collaboration with foreign institutions. New agreements and partnerships drive the exchange of researchers, foster global scientific networks, and organise internationally recognized events. These efforts enhance the visibility of ESILV’s research and promote cross-border collaboration on critical scientific and technological challenges.
ESILV’s Commitment to the Future with an Ambitious Research Strategy
Through its structured and ambitious research strategy, ESILV supports groundbreaking projects like those presented at ASME IMECE 2024 and reinforces its role as a leader in transdisciplinary innovation. ESILV equips its students, researchers, and partners to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and complex world by combining scientific excellence, societal impact, interdisciplinary approaches, and international reach.
