inControl ep25 - Francesco Bullo: Geometric control, robotic networks, networked systems, mathematical sociology, contraction theory
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Jul 15, 2024 Francesco Bullo, an expert in geometric control, robotic networks, and mathematical sociology, discusses his research journey from Italy to California. Topics include robotic locomotion, academic environments, networked systems, contraction theory, coupled oscillators in power grids, and the art gallery problem. Bullo also shares insights on writing, publishing, and professional service in the field of control systems.
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Exchange Year That Sparked A Research Career
- Francesco recounts joining UC San Diego as an exchange student and taking a graduate course that launched his research career.
- That independent study became his first publication and convinced him to pursue graduate school in the US.
Set Expectations Upfront When Mentoring
- Set expectations early and be candid about difficulty when mentoring or advising students.
- Warn applicants about likely challenges and then let them exceed expectations.
Learn The Right Mathematical Language
- Learn the mathematical language (Lie groups, Riemannian geometry) if you plan to generalize control designs beyond specific examples.
- Abstract tools pay off when you want coordinate-free, singularity-free controllers and repeated reuse across problems.