Gökhan Alcan

I am an Assistant Professor in Robotics and Machine Learning. I lead the Advanced Learning, Control and AutomatioN (ALCAN) Research Group. My research interests include safe model predictive control, constrained optimal control theory, reinforcement learning, system identification, machine learning, and their applications in dynamical systems.

We apply our foundational research to solve tangible problems in three primary areas:

• Robotic Manipulation: We develop techniques for learning how to manipulate both deformable and rigid objects, including advanced bimanipulation and mobile manipulation.
• Safe Navigation: We focus on constrained trajectory optimization for complex nonlinear systems and robust decision-making under uncertainty to ensure vehicles and robots navigate their environments safely.
• Shared Control: We investigate shared autonomy between humans and intelligent machines, using active cognitive learning to create more intuitive and effective robotic assistance.