Dr Robert Ward
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering
University Teacher

Full contact details
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering
Amy Johnson Building
Portobello Street
Sheffield
S1 3JD
- Profile
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Rob Ward is an academic in the department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering. Rob is an experienced engineer with significant project and operational management experience.
Rob received an MEng(Hons) degree in Avionics and Aerospace Systems from the University of Manchester followed by a period of research in Flight Dynamics & Control. He served as an Engineering Officer in the Military until 2017. He received an Engineering Doctorate in Machining Science and Control Engineering from the University of Sheffield jointly awarded from the department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Rob has worked on and supported many Catapult funded research projects at the AMRC, his research is heavily industry focused and as such works closely with The Machining Group at the AMRC and maintains close links with industrial partners.
- Research interests
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- Digital Machining
- Machine Tool Control
- CNC Trajectory Generation & Interpolation
- Precision Motion Control Systems
- Robotic Machining
- Digital Twins
- Industry 4.0 Technologies
- Adaptive CNC Control
- Publications
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Journal articles
- Machining cycle time prediction: Data-driven modelling of machine tool feedrate behavior with neural networks. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 75, 102293-102293.
- Machining Digital Twin using real-time model-based simulations and lookahead function for closed loop machining control. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. View this article in WRRO
- Accurate prediction of machining feedrate and cycle times considering interpolator dynamics. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 116(1-2), 417-438.
- Real-time vision-based multiple object tracking of a production process : industrial digital twin case study. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture. View this article in WRRO
- Five-axis trajectory generation considering synchronisation and nonlinear interpolation errors. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 1-26.
Conference proceedings papers
- Increasing part geometric accuracy in high speed machining using cascade iterative learning control. Procedia CIRP, Vol. 101 (pp 298-301). Online conference, 24 May 2021 - 26 May 2021.
- Machining cycle time prediction: Data-driven modelling of machine tool feedrate behavior with neural networks. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 75, 102293-102293.
- Teaching interests
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ACS336/ACS61015 Rapid Control Prototyping
- Professional activities
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Rob holds Chartered Engineer status and is Member of Institute of Engineering and Technology and a Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering