Keynote Lectures

Keynote lectures in The Eigthth Joint International Conference on Multibody System Dynamics will be held by the following speakers (in alphabetical order) (Work in progress):
  • Inna Sharf, McGill University (Canada)
Inna Sharf

Multibody Dynamics Simulation in Robotics: Use-cases,  Applications and Challenges.
Multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation tools have become indispensable to robotics researchers and practitioners, forming a core part of modern robot design, analysis, and control. Today, a wide range of commercial and open-source MBD simulators are available, many of which are widely adopted across diverse robotic applications. In this talk, I will begin by outlining key use-cases for multibody dynamics modeling in robotics and provide a comparative overview of leading simulation platforms. I will then illustrate how these tools have supported our research through two contrasting case studies: one focused on the dynamics of space debris capture and on-orbit servicing, and the other on the development of autonomous log-loading machinery for forestry operations. Drawing from these experiences, I will discuss several challenges encountered when using commercial simulation software, with particular attention to the modeling of contact interactions.



Bio:
Dr. Inna Sharf is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Sharf conducts research in robotics and autonomous systems with applications to space robotics and sustainable timber harvesting. Sharf has worked on problems related to space debris remediation, on-orbit servicing and more recently, autonomy for timber-harvesting machines. Sharf has an established publication record in robotics, dynamics and control journals and conferences and has given numerous presentations on her research. She has supervised over 60 PhD and Master’s level engineering students over her career. Sharf recently completed a three-year term on Robotics and Automation Society Administrative Committee. She is an associate fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a member