Dr Mark A. Post

Biography

Biography

Mark A. Post received his B.A.Sc. in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto in 2004, and his M.Sc. in ultrasonic material analysis and Ph.D. in space robotics from York University in Canada in 2008 and 2014 respectively. From 2014-2018 he worked on novel autonomous manufacturing, agricultural robotics, and space robotics technologies including mobility, vision, and sensor fusion in the Space Mechatronic Systems Technology Laboratory at the University of Strathclyde. He joined the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at York in 2019 and focuses on applying both space and terrestrial robotics technologies to challenges in comprehensive sensing, artificial intelligence, self-awareness, and bio-inspired adaptable structures for robotics. He has reviewed for several international journals including IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics and Mechatronics, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Advances in Space Research, Sensors, and Acta Astronautica and so on.  Mark was made a Senior Lecturer in 2022

Publications

Publications

Publications information is available via the York Research Database

Journal Publications

• F. Carreno, M.A. Post, “Design of a Novel Wheeled Tensegrity Robot: A Comparison of Tensegrity Concepts and a Prototype for Travelling Air Ducts”. Robotics & Biomimetics, submitted Nov 2017. Accepted April 2018. Available Online: https://rdcu.be/OnfZ
• M.A. Post, A. Bianco, X. T. Yan, “Autonomous Navigation with Open Software Platform for Field Robots”. Springer, Lecture Notes on Electrics Engineering, 2017.
• M.A. Post, J. Li, B. Quine. “Planetary Micro-Rover Operations on Mars Using a Bayesian Framework for Inference and Control”. Acta Astronautica (2016), vol. 120, pp. 295-314. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.12.019.
• M. Post, J. Li, R. Lee. “Design and Construction of a Magnetic Field Simulator for CubeSat Attitude Control Testing”. Journal of Instrumentation, Automation, and Systems. Vol.13. Accepted publication 09 May 2014.
• M. Post, J. Li, R. Lee. "A Low Cost Photodiode Sun Sensor for CubeSat and Planetary Micro-rover", International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, vol. 2013, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/549080.
• J. Li, M. Post, and R. Lee. "Real-Time Nonlinear Attitude Control System for Nanosatellite Applications," Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics (2013), vol. 26, no. 6, pp. 1661-1671. doi: http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/1.59023
• J. Li, M. Post, T. Wright, and R. Lee. "Design of Attitude Control Systems for CubeSat-class Nanosatellite", Journal of Control Science and Engineering, Volume 2013, Accepted 24 April 2013. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/657182
• Z.H. Zhu, M.A. Post, S.A. Meguid. "The Potential of Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Measurement of Residual Stresses by Modal Frequency Spacing using Leaky Lamb Waves". Journal of Experimental Mechanics, Published Online 06 January 2012.
• M.A. Post, R. Lee. "Lessons learned from the York University Rover Team (YURT) at the University Rover Challenge 2008–2009". Acta Astronautica (2010), vol. 68, pp. 1343-1352. doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2010.08.037
• Z.H. Zhu, M.A. Post, and P.C. Xu. “Stress evaluation using Ultrasonic Interference Spectrum of Leaky Lamb Waves”. Journal of Experimental Mechanics, vol. 51, no. 6, pp. 971-980, 2011. doi:10.1007/s11340-010-9391-x. Accepted 12 July 2010, Published Online 06 August 2010.
• M. Post, Z.H. Zhu, G. Clarkson. “Characterization of fibre orientation in FRP using pitch-catch ultrasonic technique”. International Journal for Multiscale Materials Modeling, Vol.1, Number 1, January-June 2010 pp53-61.

Conference Publications

• M. A. Post , J. Li, “Proof of Concept Study for Small Planetary Rovers using Tensegrity Structure on Venus”, 16th Reinventing Space Conference, London, 30 Oct- 1 Nov. 2018.
• M. A. Post et al., “InFuse Data Fusion Methodology for Space Robotics, Awareness and Machine Learning”, 69th international Astronautical Congress, Bremen, 26-28 Sept. 2018.
• R. Dominguez, S. Govinderaj, J. Gancet, M. Post, et al., A common data fusion framework for space robotics-architecture and data fusion methods, 14th International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation in Space (i-SAIRAS), ESA i-Sairas, 4-6 June, Madrid, 2018.
• S. Greenland, M. Ireland, M. Post, Deep learning powered forward looking imager for responsive onboard operations: design and prototyping, ESA 4s Symposium, 28 May- 1 June 2018, Italy.
• M. A. Post, J. Li. “Autonomous Micro-Rovers for Future Planetary Exploration and Terrestrial Sensing”. 15th Reinventing Space conference. 24-26 October 2017. Glasgow, UK.
• S. Greenland, M. Ireland, C. Kobayashi, P. Mendham, D. White, B. Crowther, M. A. Post, “System Framework for Autonomous Data Processing Onboard Next Generation of Nanosatellite”, 15th Reinventing Space conference. 24-26 October 2017. Glasgow, UK.
• M. A. Post. “InFuse: Infusing Perception And Data Fusion into Space Robotics with Open Building Blocks”. Poster and Presentation. 14th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics (ICINCO), 26-28 July 2017. Madrid, Spain.
• M. A. Post, A. Bianco, X. T. Yan. “Autonomous Navigation with ROS for a Mobile Robot in Agricultural Fields”. 14th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics (ICINCO), 26-28 July 2017. Madrid, Spain.
• S. Govindaraj, J. Gancet, M. Post, R. Dominguez, F. Souvannavong, S. Lacroix, M. Smisek, J. Hidalgo-Carrio, B. Wehbe, A. Fabisch, A. De Maio, N. Oumer, V. Bissonnette, Z.-C. Marton, S. Kottath, C. Nissler, X. Yan, R. Triebel, F. Nuzzolo. “InFuse: A Comprehensive Framework for Data Fusion in Space Robotics” 14th Symposium on Advanced Space Technologies in Robotics and Automation (ASTRA 2017). Scheltema, Leiden, the Netherlands, 20-22 June 2017.
• M.A. Post, R. Bauer, J. Li, R. Lee. “Study for Femto Satellites Using Micro Control Moment Gyroscope”. IEEE Aerospace Conference 2016. 05-12 March 2016. Big Sky, Montana,USA.
• M.A. Post. “An Embedded Implementation of Bayesian Network Robot Programming Methods”, IMA Conference on Mathematics of Robotics 2015. St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, 9–11 September 2015.
• J. Li, M.A. Post, and G. Vukovitch. “Orbit and Attitude Stability Criteria of Solar Sail on the Displaced Orbit”, 2015 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Vail, Colorado, USA, 09-13 August 2015.
• J. Li, M.A. Post, S. Greenland, and C. Clark. “Microsatellite Formation Flying using Pulsed Plasma Thruster and Solar Sailing at Earth Moon L4”, 8th International Workshop on Satellite Constellations and Formation Flying, 8-10 June 2015, Delft, Netherlands.
• M.A. Post, X. Yan. “Visual Pose Estimation and Identification for Satellite Rendezvous Operations”. Sixth China-Scotland SIPRA workshop “Recent Advances in Signal and Image Processing”. Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK. 31 May 2015.
• M.A. Post, J. Li, C. Clark, X. Yan. “Visual Pose Estimation System for Autonomous Rendezvous of Spacecraft”. ESA Astra 2015: 13th Symposium on Advanced Space Technologies in Robotics and Automation. ESA/ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands, 11-13 May 2015.
• J. Li, M.A. Post, R. Lee. “FPGA based Nonlinear Control Design for NanoSatellite Attitude Control Systems”, 2015 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 07-15 March 2015, Yellowstone Conference Center, Big Sky, Montana, U.S.
• M.A. Post, X. Yan. “Target Shape Identification for Nanosatellites using Monocular Point Cloud Techniques”, 6th European CubeSat Symposium, 14-16 October 2014, Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland.
• J. Li, S. Greenland, M. Coletti, M.A. Post. “A Highly Miniaturized uPPT Thruster for Attitude-orbit Control”, 6th European CubeSat Symposium, 14-16 October 2014, Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland.
• M.A. Post, B. Quine. “Planetary Micro-Rover Operations on Mars using a Bayesian Framework for Inference and Control”. Oral Presentation. 65th International Astronautical Congress, Toronto, Canada, 29 September-03 October 2014.
• J. Li, M. A. Post, S. Greenland, C. Clark, A. Vick, D. Pearson, D. Lee, and D. MacLeod. “Practical Strategies to Stabilize a Nanosatellite Platform with a Space Camera and Integrated Mechanical Parts", 65th International Astronautical Congress, Toronto, 29 September-03 October 2014.
• J. Li, M. A. Post, R. Lee. "A Novel Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter Attitude Estimation and Control System for a 3U Nanosatellite". 12th biannual European Control Conference, Zurich, Switzerland, 17-19 July 2013.
• M. A. Post, J. Li, R. Lee. "Nanosatellite Air Bearing Tests of Fault-Tolerant Sliding-Mode Attitude Control with Unscented Kalman Filter". AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, Minneapolis, 13-16 August 2012.
• J. Li, M. A. Post, R. Lee. "Nanosatellite Attitude Air Bearing System using Variable Structure Control". IEEE 25th Annual Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering, Montreal, Canada, 29 April-02 May 2012.
• M. A. Post, B. M. Quine, R. Lee. “Bayesian Decision Making for Planetary Micro-Rovers.” AIAA Infotech@Aerospace 2012, 19-21 June 2012, Hyatt Regency Orange County, Garden Grove, California.
• J. Li, M. A. Post, R. Lee. "Real Time Fault Tolerant Nonlinear Attitude Control System for Nanosatellite Applications", AIAA Infotech@Aerospace 2012 Conference, Garden Grove, California, 19-21 June 2012.
• J. Bailey, S. Sahani, M. Post, R. Lee, M. Daly. "York University Rover Team: Space Education Beyond The Classroom, Developing Lasting Institutions For Hands-On Education". CASI ASTRO 2012, 24-26 April 2012. Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel, Québec City, Quebec, Canada.
• R. Lee, H. Chesser, M. Cannata, M. A. Post, K. D. Kumar. "Modular Attitude Control System Design For CubeSat Application". CASI ASTRO 2012, 24-26 April 2012. Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel, Québec City, Quebec, Canada.
• M. A. Post, B. M. Quine, R. Lee. “Beaver Micro-Rover Development for the Northern Light Mars Lander.” CASI ASTRO 2012, 24-26 April, 2012, Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel, Québec City, Quebec, Canada.
• J. Li, M. Post, R. Lee, K. D. Kumar. “Nanosatellite Nonlinear Attitude Control Testing on an Air Bearing System”. CASI ASTRO 2012, 24-26 April, 2012, Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel, Québec City, Canada.
• M. A. Post, R. Lee, and B. Quine. “Modular Design for Space Engineering Research Platforms”. 8th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics (ICINCO). 29 July 2011. Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands.
• M. Post, R. Lee. “Lessons Learned from the York University Rover Team (YURT) at the University Rover Competition 2008”. Oral presentation. 60th International Astronautical Congress, Daejeon, Korea, 12-16 October 2009.
• M. Post, Z.H. Zhu. “Non-Destructive Measurement of Stress using Ultrasonic Leaky Lamb Waves”. 22nd Canadian Congress of Applied Mechanics, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 2009.
• M. Post, G. Zhu, G. Clarkson. “Ultrasonic Amplitude Fitting of of Fibre Orientation in Fibre-Reinforced Polymers”. 22nd Canadian Congress of Applied Mechanics, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 2009.
• J. O. Parra, P.-C. Xu and M. A. Post. “Experimental ultrasonic microseismograms using scaled realistic earth and borehole models”. Expanded Abstracts, BG P1.1, SEG 76th Annual Meeting, 2006. New Orleans, USA.
• S. Mann, R. Janzen, M. Post “Hydraulophone Design Considerations: Absement, Displacement, and Velocity-Sensitive Music Keyboard in which each key is a water jet”. MM-2006: ACM Multimedia. Oct. 23-27, 2006. Santa Barbara, California, USA.

News

• International Robotics Showcase 2019

Research

Research Interests

My research interests focus on technologies to make robots and vehicles fully autonomous for long periods and capable of mobility, sensing, and adaptability in harsh and distant environments. This includes self-awareness and self-configurability by robust probabilistic reasoning on semantic information, control of lightweight and reconfigurable mechatronic structures, and adaptable machine vision and sensor fusion algorithms to give robots a comprehensive understanding of their environment.

Research Expertise

• Robotics and Mechatronics: mobile robots; space robotics; manufacturing robotics; real-time embedded systems; kinematic and dynamic models; actuator and sensor system design; bio-inspired tensegrity robots
• Autonomous Systems: probabilistic and evidence-based semantic reasoning; autonomous mechanical design; machine learning and adaptation; localization and mapping; automated data collection; high reliability systems
• Sensing and Control: 2D and 3D machine vision; visual reconstruction, adaptive nonlinear filtering and control; modular semantic sensor fusion; communications and networking; distributed sensing and control

Current Research Projects

3D-RSS: a 3D radioactive scanning system
Radiation detection provides a crucial component of societally-important applications such as homeland security and nuclear decommissioning. This project applies extensive research by the Nuclear Physics group into scintillator-based detector technology focussing on employment of compact and low cost silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) for scintillation light collection, with modular robotics and SLAM sensory technology employed by the Intelligent Systems and Robotics group. The objectives of this project are to fuse a directional planar scintillator with LIDAR, camera, and inertial measurement sensors on a modular robotic system to achieve automated three-dimensional localization and mapping of radiation sources identified within volumetric environments.

RoboFish: Autonomous Biomimetic Robot-fish for Offshore Wind Farm Inspection (EPSRC, Supergen ORE Hub, 2019-2021)
RoboFish is an autonomous, bio-mimetic AUV capable of navigation about dense and moving underwater structures for the propose of continuously and autonomously locating and monitoring structural damage to Offshore Renewable Energy infrastructure such as floating wind farms. The project is funded by the Supergen ORE Hub, and partners in this project are University of Strathclyde, PicSea Ltd, East Coast Oil and Gas Engineering Ltd.

Control methods for flexible and bio-inspired superlight tensegrity rovers (internal funding 2019-2022)
Autonomous Robotics vehicles for planetary exploration must be responsive, energy efficient, lightweight for transport, and mechanically robust. To accomplish these goals, a small rover platform driven by the need for light weight, simplicity and reconfigurability is being developed with a minimalist mechanical structure and a flexible software design model to facilitate additions and multiple use cases. The advantages of this platform are resilience and transportability due to the low mass thin structural members of the tensegrity spine chassis, and the combined adaptability of wheeled and full-body movement. The use of flexible and distributed structures allows the rover to better adapt physically to complex and varied terrains such as those encountered on Martian slopes. We have a tensegrity rover prototype that students can work on by testing out new actuators, control methods, and payload tasks, in addition to the possibility of students testing out new forms of flexible and tensegrity robots.

Previous Projects

MOSAR - MOdular Satellite Assembly and Reconfiguration
MOSAR is a Horizon 2020 funded project to develop a sound technology demonstrator of on-orbit modular satellite reconfiguration relying on robotic capabilities and exploiting the outcomes of previous Space Robotics SRC building blocks. MOSAR shall elaborate and refine the concept of Modular Spacecraft, identify and recommend standards and design the ground and space infrastructure elements that will enable its realisation and sustain its progressive deployment and economical exploitation.

Thickness AI (Innovate UK 2019-2021)
This project led by Macro Engineering & Technology Inc. (Canada) with with Peacock Technology Limited, University of York and University of Strathclyde (UK) titled “Development of Thickness Control using AI Controls for Blown Film Air Ring”. Develop an auto-profile airing system controlled by Artificial Intelligent software designed to improve gauge uniformity in blown film extrusion equipment

InFuse: Infusing Sensor Fusion Into Space Robotics
InFuse is a European Horizon 2020 funded project in which a consortium of expert companies and organisations have developed a novel Common Data Fusion Framework (CDFF) for the Space Robotic Technologies Strategic Research Cluster (SRC).

Standard Interface for Robotic Manipulation of Payloads in Future Space Missions (SIROM)
SIROM is another project in the Horizon 2020 Space Robotics SRC in which a standard mechanical, electrical, and thermal interface between robotic space systems has been developed.

The Agribot: Autonomous, repeatable sensing for improving crop yields and farm field monitoring

Research Groups:

https://www.york.ac.uk/yorrobots/

https://www.york.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/research/intelligent-systems-nano-science/

PhD students:

James White 2019-2023 Topic: Self-Organising reconfigurable cellular robots with semantically aware elements.

Tianyuan Wang 2019-2023 Topic: Design of an Autonomous Topological Modular Wheeled Tensegrity Robot

Yunlong Lian 2020-2024 Topic: CPG-based dynamic locomotion learning fo a bionic quadruped robot

Haowen Liu 2021-2025 Topic: Machine Learning for Controlling Bio-Inspired Robots on Complex Terrains

Hanyang Zhong 2022-2026 Topic: Bio-inspired miniaturized light weight autonomous underwater vehicles and Manipulators for Sea and Ocean Environments

MSC by Research students:

Qi He 2019-2021 Topic: Robotics and Autonomous Systems —— Bio-Inspired Robotics

Positions are currently available for PhD students and MSc by Research students 

Teaching

Teaching Interests

I coordinate the University of York's Intelligent Robotics MSc programme and lead the Control and Robotics Teaching Stream in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology. My approach to teaching emphasizes experiential education and focuses on helping students build a strong theoretical understanding of science and technology in the context of Engineering challenges, and then applying this understanding to solve practical problems in the physical world. I also incorporate both practical experience and novel research into my teaching and try to help students find what they are most interested in throughout their studies. Most of the modules I teach follow a 'flipped classroom' format where lectures are pre-recorded and other sessions focus on discussion, exercises, and most importantly hands-on work building, implementing and creating in the laboratory. The modules I teach include

• Practical Robotics for MSc
• Robot Intelligence
• Robotics Design and Construction
• Machine Vision and Human Machine Interaction
• MSc Group Robotics Project
• Stage 3 Engineering Project