Marcia O’Malley is the Thomas Michael Panos Family Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice University. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at both Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She received her BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and her MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Her research is in the areas of haptics and robotic rehabilitation, with a focus on the design and control of wearable robotic devices for training and rehabilitation. She has twice received the George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching at Rice University. O’Malley was a recipient of both the ONR Young Investigator award and the NSF CAREER Award. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. She currently serves as associate editor-in-chief for the IEEE Transactions on Haptics and as the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation Conference Editorial Board.
WEBSITE(S)| Faculty Bio | Research Lab
Research Areas
Marcia O’Malley’s research addresses issues that arise when humans physically interact with robotic systems, with a focus on training and rehabilitation in virtual environments. The main goal of this research is to develop and demonstrate an adaptive training algorithm based on the display of artificial force cues within a simulated environment. These cues, displayed via an arm exoskeleton haptic feedback device, will convey additional information to the trainee beyond the physical laws that govern the simulated environment, such as desired trajectories within the environment, desired exploration speeds, and suitable interaction forces during task completion. The adaptive training algorithm will tune itself based on the individual's performance.
Industry Impact & Relevance
The MAHI (Mechatronics and Haptic Interfaces) Lab studies physical human-robot interaction. Physical interactions between humans and robots are information rich exchanges that can be leveraged to enhance both human and robot performance. Dr. O’Malley’s research focuses on the design of robotic hardware and control systems for applications that involve collaboration between humans and robots. Examples include skill training in virtual reality; control of remote robots; human-human, human-robot, and human-agent communication; and movement assistance for workforce safety, dexterity enhancement, strength enhancement, and rehabilitation following injury. Robots are increasingly being used in applications that involve close coordination and even physical contact with humans. No longer are robots relegated to roped off spaces on factory floors. Instead, they are in our homes, healthcare facilities, and workplaces. Robots can be used to train workers in virtual reality, using force feedback and haptics to guide the trainee like a virtual coach and objectively assess performance. Wearable robotic systems can augment human dexterity and strength. Pre-programmed robots can be tuned by allowing a human expert to adjust movements during execution. Together, these capabilities can improve workforce efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Education
2001 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
1999 M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
1996 B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University
Advisory Role
Co-Chair, Robotics Public Policy Task Force, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Standing Committee of External Evaluators for Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology
Teaching Areas
Introduction to Robotics
Design of Mechatronic Systems
Translational Neuroengineering
Modeling of Dynamic Systems
Recent Patent Applications
US9910411B2 “Method and device for real-time differentiation of analog and digital signals”
Societies & Organizations
Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Member, Scientia
Senior Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Honors & Awards
2019: Women in Science with Excellence (WISE) Award, BioHouston
2019: Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Teaching and Service, Rice University
2019: Graduate Student Association Faculty Teaching and Mentoring Award, Rice University
2018: Hamill Innovation Award, Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Rice University
2017: George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching, Rice University
2014: Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
2008: George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching, Rice University
2004: Literati Award for Excellence, Emerald Publication
2003: Elite Team Award, NASA Johnson Space Center Automation, Robotics, and Simulation Division
2002: Summer Faculty Fellowship, NASA/American Society for Engineering Education
Researcher Media