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Akin Tatoglu

Akin Tatoglu headshot

Associate Dean; Associate Professor, Director of Autonomous Mobile Robotics Group

Mechanical, Aerospace, and Acoustical Engineering

College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture
860.768.4591 UT 243 LinkedIn
Education

PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology

MS, Computer Science, Gazi University (Ankara)

BSCompE, Baskent University (Ankara)

Dr. Akin Tatoglu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Acoustical Engineering at the University of Hartford. He also serves as the Director of the Autonomous Mobile Robotics Group and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA). With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering/Robotics from Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Tatoglu specializes in autonomous robotics, control systems, localization, and AI integration. 

At the University of Hartford, Dr. Tatoglu leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on developing advanced mobile robotics technologies for various applications, including hazardous environments and high-altitude operations. His research has resulted in numerous publications and successful grant-funded projects. He is passionate about integrating AI tools into robotics for enhanced control and learning. 

Dr. Tatoglu is also a dedicated educator, teaching courses such as Automatic Control Systems, Mechatronics System Design and Machine Vision. He emphasizes self-directed learning and high-impact educational practices in his teaching, mentoring graduate students, and advising capstone project teams. 

In his administrative roles, Dr. Tatoglu oversees curriculum development, student services, and new program implementation at CETA, including the launch of an online Master of Engineering program. He also serves as a member of ASME Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures Technical Committee. 

Associate Dean of College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture
University of Hartford, Fall 2024 - Present

Assistant Dean of College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture
University of Hartford, Fall 2023 - Spring 24

Director of Engineering Graduate Programs
University of Hartford, Fall 2022 – Present

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering 
University of Hartford, Fall 2021 - Present 

Director of Autonomous Mobile Robotics Research Group 
University of Hartford, Fall 2017 - Present 

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering 
University of Hartford, Fall 2015 - Spring 2021 

Instructor, Department of Mechanical Engineering 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Spring 2015 

Instructor, Computer Science 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Summer 2014 

Teaching Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Spring 2012 - Fall 2014 

Research Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Fall 2009 - Fall 2011 

Co-Founder, Principal 
Obsidian Research & Development, Jan. 2008 - Aug. 2009 

Project Manager/ Research Engineer 
Underwater Systems Inc., Aug. 2006 - Aug. 2009 

Software Team Leader/ Research Engineer 
Tumer Engineering METU Technopolis, Aug. 2003 - July 2006 

 

Retention Committee 
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 

SCAA Committee 
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 

Chair, CETA Graduate Committee 
Fall 2022 – Spring 2024 

Residential Learning Community, STEM Director 
Fall 2021 – Spring 2022 

Faculty Senate, Senator 
Fall 2017 – Spring 2020 

Diversity Committee, Member 
Fall 2019 – Spring 2020 

Faculty Affairs Committee, Co-chair 
Fall 2017 – Spring 2018 

Faculty Senate Executive Committee 
Fall 2017 – Spring 2018 

CETA Technology Advisory Board for Online Teaching 
Summer 2020 

CETA Strategic Planning Committee 
Spring 2016

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 
  • Cyber-Physical Systems Virtual Organization (CPS-VO) 
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 
  • Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)

Autonomous Mobile Robotics 

  • Development and control of agile mobile robots for indoor, outdoor, and hazardous environments. 
  • Rapid 3D mapping and localization techniques for autonomous vehicles. 

Control Systems and Mechatronics 

  • Design and implementation of advanced control systems for robotics applications. 
  • Integration of AI and machine learning techniques in control systems. 

Localization and Mapping 

  • Modified monocular SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for improved accuracy and reduced uncertainty. 
  • High-fidelity mapping techniques for aerial and underwater vehicles. 

AI Integration in Robotics 

  • Utilizing AI chatbots like ChatGPT for robot control and self-directed learning applications. 
  • Benchmarking and comparison of AI-based tools for enhancing robotics research and education. 
Selected Publications
  1. Ho J., Cajuste J., Schneidler A., Tatoglu A., Sohn K. “Integration of IoT Network and Sensors with a Full-Sized Quadruped in a Simulated Human-Centered Environment,” ASME IMECE 2024, Mobile Robots and Unmanned Ground Vehicles. 
  2. Wong S., Markiewicz M., Keilich S., Tatoglu A., Sohn K. "Development of the Kinematic Adjustable Humanoid Platform and its Driving Capability," Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 2023. 
  3. Tatoglu A., Pelczarski A., Balaji D., Campana C., Altuger-Genc G. “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Feedback-Guided Self-Balance Equipment with Variable Motion Protocols for Physical Therapy and Elite Athletes,” Annual Review of Biomechanics, accepted December 2024. 
  4. Tatoglu A., Jacobson E., Campana C., Sohn K. “Enhanced Maneuverability and Control of a Hovering Robot Through Reaction Wheel Integration,” International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, under review (2024). 
  5. Tatoglu A., Pelczarski A., Balaji D., Pezzolesi J., Campana C., Altuger-Genc G. “Benchmarking the Efficacy of Feedback Guided Self-Balance Equipment for Physical Therapy and Elite Athletes,” ASME IMECE 2024, Biomedical Devices, Sensors, and Actuators. 
  6. Altuger-Genc G, Tatoglu A. “Incorporating AI in Engineering Assignments as a Reliable Self-Directed Learning Tool: A Pilot Implementation Overview,” ASEE North East Section 2024. 
  7. Tatoglu A., McClurkin E., Vaka M.S., Kelly R., Diehl E., Sohn S., Altuger-Genc G. “Continuously Variable Heterogeneous Density 3D Map Generation For Aerial Vehicles,” ASME IMECE 2023, Mobile Robots and Unmanned Ground Vehicles. 
  8. Tatoglu A., Wilson K., Chabot A., Marcelin J., Campana C., Arico M.C. “Feedback Guided Self Training Smart Balance Equipment for Physical Therapy and Elite Athlete Use,” ASME IMECE 2023, Biomedical and Biotechnology, Sensors and Actuators. 
  9. Sohn K., Wisdom J., Robinson J., Sharpe E., Kumar R., Tatoglu A. “Development of a Control System Architecture for a Self-Driving Humanoid, HART,” ASME IMECE 2023, Design and Control of Robots, Mechanisms and Structures. 
  10. Tatoglu A., Yin C., Cervello B., Corrado A., Balko B., Sohn K. “Aerial Vehicle Rapid 3D Map Generation For Safe Landing Area Detection,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, 2022. 
  11. Tatoglu A., Campana C., Yu Y., Alnajjar H., Nazaryan N. “Design and Investigation of the Mini-multilayer Inverse Conical Coil for Micro Displacement Detection in Fuel Injection Nozzles,” Journal of Vibration Testing and System Dynamics, January 2021. 
  12. Genc Y., Altuger G., Tatoglu A. “Systematic Review of ASEE Conference Proceedings (2007-2016) with A Machine Learning Approach,” International Journal of Engineering Education, June 2020. 
  13. King E., Tatoglu A., Iglesias D., Matriss M. “Audio-visual Based Non-line-of-sight Sound Source Localization,” Applied Acoustics Journal, June 2020. 
  14. Sulaiman A., Sohn K., Tatoglu A. “Mechanical Design Upgrade of Kinematically-Reconfigurable Humanoid, Hart,” ASME IMECE 2022. 
  15. Tatoglu A., Vollaro S., Wein M., Sohn K. “Multi-Purpose Open-Source Quadruped Platform for Robotic Research and Training,” ASME IMECE 2021. 
  16. Tatoglu A., Campana C, Nolan J., Toloczko G. “Fuzzy Logic Controller Design of a Single Stage Fluid Valve Based Robotic Arm,” ASME IMECE 2020. 
  17. Simko J., Tatoglu A. “Rapid Motion Control and Design of a Tricopter Style Hovering Ground Robot,” ASME IMECE 2019. 
  18. Benvenuto M., Tatoglu A. “Design and Optimization of Lidar Based 3D Point Cloud Parsers and Algorithms for Mobile Robotics Applications,” ASME IMECE 2019. 
  19. Dion S., Tatoglu A. “ROS Based Adjustable Resolution Compact Scanner,” ASME IMECE 2019. 
  20. Tatoglu A., King E. “Self Driving Car Path Planning Modification with Respect to Rapid Emergency Vehicle Detection,” Inter-Noise 2019, Madrid, Spain. 
  21. Iglesias D., Matriss A., Tatoglu A., King E. “Improving Autonomous Vehicle Safety—Using Acoustic Source Localization to Influence the Decision Making Capabilities of an Autonomous Vehicle,” Acoustical Society of America, 2019. 
  22. Jacobson E., Tatoglu A. “Performance Analysis of UAV Visual Landmark Tracking Under Rapid Motion,” ASME IMECE 2018. 
  23. Tatoglu A., King E., Lagler J. “On Self-Driving Car Safety: Occupancy Modification with Rapid Emergency Vehicle Detection,” ASME IMECE 2018. 
  24. Campana C., Tatoglu A. “Low-Cost Robotic Arm Manipulator Controller With Single Stage Fluid Valves,” ASME IMECE 2018. 
  25. Lamb S., Sohn K., Mellodge P., Tatoglu A. “Control Analysis of a 3D Self-Balancing Inverted Pendulum and Cart System for Stability in the Event of a Sensor Failure,” ASME IMECE 2018. 
  26. King E., Lagler J., Tatoglu A. “Emergency Vehicle Detection Using Acoustic Source Localization Techniques,” Inter-Noise 2018. 
  27. Tatoglu A., Altuger, G., Han Y., Campana C. “Incorporation of Computerized Applied Learning Environments in Traditional and Online Classroom,” ASEE North East Section Conference, 2018. 
  28. Tatoglu A. “Parameter Identification and Closed Loop Control of a Flywheel Mounted Hovering Robot,” ASME IMECE 2017. 
  29. King E., Tatoglu A., Celmer B. “Participatory Noise Mapping: Harnessing the Potential of Smartphones,” ASME IMECE 2017. 
  30. Altuger, G., Genc Y., Tatoglu A. “Investigating Self-Directed Learning in Flipped Classrooms,” ASME IMECE 2017. 
  31. Tatoglu A., Altuger-Genc G. “Project-Based Learning in Freshman and Senior Level Courses,” Mid-Atlantic Section Fall Conference, Penn State Berks, 2017. 
  32. Jacobson E., Darius S., Tatoglu A., Mellodge P. “Bionic Egg: Sealed Mobile Sensor Packaging Design with Adaptive Power Consumption,” IEEE LISAT, 2017. 
  33. Tatoglu A., Russell I. “Implementing Self Learning Skills with Multidisciplinary Robotics Courses,” ASEE Mid-Atlantic Section Conference, Hofstra University, 2016. 
  34. Tatoglu A., Greenhalge S., Windheuser K. “Utilizing Reaction Wheels to Increase Maneuverability of a Hovering Robot,” ASME IMECE 2016. 
  35. Tatoglu A., Campana C. “Adaptive Gimbal Control Approach for Power Consumption and Landmark Tracking Quality,” ASME IMECE 2016. 
  36. Tatoglu A., Gebre B., Pochiraju K. “Motion Plan Execution Using Empirical Data for an Omni-Directional Multi-Ball Drive Robot,” International Conference on Technologies for Practical Robot Applications, TEPRA 2015. 
  37. Tatoglu A., Pochiraju K. “CNC Tool Path Monitoring with Modified MonoSLAM,” Systems, Applications and Technology Conference, IEEE, 2015. 
  38. Tatoglu A., Pochiraju K. “Point Cloud Segmentation with LIDAR Reflection Intensity Behavior,” International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2012. 
  39. Pochiraju K., Men H., Tatoglu A. “Multi-Robot Forward Observation with Remote Lethality,” S.I.T. Research & Entrepreneurship Conference, 2011. 
Invited Talks
  1. Tatoglu A. “Probabilistic Methodologies for Autonomous Mobile Robot Localization and Agile Motion Control,” WPI Colloquium Series, March 2020. 
  2. Tatoglu A. “Doctoral Recruitment Event,” Keynote Speaker, Stevens Institute of Technology, March 2019. 
  3. Tatoglu A. “Video Talk: The Future of AI, Health Care and Robotics,” Parliament of Future Citizens, United Nations Education Summit, France 2018 
  1. Principal Investigator, “Benchmarking and Comparison of Evolution of Robot Control Technologies Utilizing Disseminated Academic Research and Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT).” 
    Funded by NASA CT Space Grant, 2023. 
  2. Principal Investigator, “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Assignments as a Dependable Self-Directed Learning Aid.” 
    Funded by Harrison Endowed Faculty Development Fund Grant, 2024. 
  3. Principal Investigator, Faculty Student Engagement Grant, “Conscious Troubleshooting and Improving Critical Thinking Skills in Peer Supported Project Environment.” 
    Fall 2022-Spring 2023. 
  4. Principal Investigator, “Investigating and Improving Interdisciplinary Communication Skills for STEM Students in a Peer Supported Project Environment.” 
    Funded by NASA CT Space Grant, 2021. 
  5. Principal Investigator, Faculty Student Engagement Grant, “A Peer Supported Multidisciplinary Robotics Project Environment.” 
    2020. 
  6. Co-Principal Investigator, “Aerial Vehicle Dynamic Object Tracking.” 
    Funded by SBIR with Custom Electronics. 
  7. Principal Investigator, “Intensity-Based Dynamic 3D Map Generation for Cooperative Autonomous Mobile Robot Localization.” 
    Funded by Student/Faculty Engagement Grant, 2019. 
  8. Principal Investigator, “Improving Career Readiness with Multidisciplinary Project-Based Peer Learning.” 
    Funded by High Impact Practices, Goal-1 Grant, 2017. 
  9. Principal Investigator, “Snowplow Robot.” 
    Funded by The Women's Advancement Initiative, Dorothy Goodwin Scholars Program Grant, 2017. 
  10. Principal Investigator, “Implementing Self-Learning Skills with Multidisciplinary Robots Courses.” 
    Funded by Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, Engaged Learning Fellowship, 2017. 
  11. Principal Investigator, “Rapid Control Systems Design and Development Utilizing Single Board Computers and Numerical Computing Environment.” 
    Funded by Student/Faculty Engagement Grant, 2017. 
  12. Co-Principal Investigator, “Innovation Place (IP) Robotics Program.” 
    Joint awardee with Trinity College, funded by CT Government “CT Next Program Grant, 2017. 
  13. Principal Investigator, “Autonomous 3D Mapping System.” 
    Funded by Coffin Grant, 2016. 
  14. Principal Investigator, “Utilizing Robotics for Labs and Capstone Projects.” 
    Funded by Student/Faculty Engagement Grant, 2016. 
  15. Principal Investigator, “Bionic Egg: Smart, Ruggedized Remote Sensor Suite for Environmental Conditions.”
    Funded by Aviagen Group, 2016.