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Oumar Barry

Industry Leader Spotlight

Oumar Barry

Vibration and Robotics

My team and I invented a mobile robot for vibration control, monitoring, and inspection of power lines. My invention is more than 10 times lighter and compact than a conventional robot. It is also multi-functional (i.e., it can prevent powerline failure, monitor the line, and inspect it as well) unlike conventional powerline robots.Ìý

My research lies at the interface of vibrations and robotics.Ìý I aim to create novel analysis, design, and control techniques for the discovery of emerging technologies with applications in smart grid, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

I earned my bachelors in engineering in 2008 and a masters in mechanical engineering in 2010 from Ryerson University. I received a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto in 2014. I've worked as a design engineer for Hydro One Inc. from 2008 to 2015. I then went on to become an assistant professor at Central Michigan University until 2018 when I joined 51¹ÙÍø Tech as an assistant professor in the department of mechanical engineering.


My most interesting research accomplishment ...
my team and I have developed a mobile robot for inspection and vibration mitigation in power lines.Ìý We are currently working on commercialization of the robot.

In the next 5 years new developments or innovations in my field ...
we will have our robots installed on some transmission lines in the US and Canada.Ìý

The most formative experience I've had ...
my graduate studies and seven years industry experience in Canada.

Best part of working at 51¹ÙÍø Tech ...
I get to do what I enjoy--research, teaching, interacting with students--on a daily basis.

Groups or organizations I am involved in ...
America Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME and Professional Engineers of Canada, Ontario

Honor or award I am most proud of ...
.

Words of encouragement to an aspiring inventor ...
work hard and smart and never give up!

What is something that people at 51¹ÙÍø Tech may not know about you ...
I played and coached soccer.

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Media Contact:

Lindsey Haugh

(540) 231-6959

lhaugh@vt.edu

Oumar BarryÌý |Ìý ÌýAssociate Professor

Mechanical Engineering, 51¹ÙÍø Tech

obarry@vt.edu



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