Michael Bridges

About

Michael Bridges is a robotics and control systems researcher whose work has significantly advanced the field of nonlinear and adaptive control for robotic manipulators. His research has focused primarily on rigid-link flexible-joint (RLFJ) robots, electrically driven robotic systems, and the development of globally stable tracking controllers — areas where he has made lasting theoretical and practical contributions. Bridges is perhaps best known for his influential 1995 survey on backstepping approaches for RLFJ robot control (105 citations), which became a foundational reference for researchers designing trajectory tracking controllers using integrator backstepping techniques. Complementing this, his book on nonlinear control for environmental waste and restoration applications (48 citations) demonstrated the real-world relevance of robust robotic control in challenging, high-stakes settings. His sustained contributions to adaptive control of electrically driven robots — including systems actuated with brushless DC motors — reflect a deep commitment to bridging theoretical stability proofs with practical implementation. He also made notable contributions to robust control of redundant-actuator systems and harmonic drive gearing, the latter explored in both theoretical redesigns and experimental validation. His critical commentary on sliding mode force/motion control further illustrates his rigorous approach to advancing the field's methodological standards. Across his career, Bridges has accumulated over 350 citations, cementing his reputation as a significant contributor to modern robotic control theory.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Contril of rigid‐link, flexible‐joint robots:a survey of backstepping approaches

   105 citations · 1995
2. 2
   Nonlinear control of robotic systems for environmental waste and restoration

   48 citations · 1995
3. 3
   Adaptive control of rigid-link electrically-driven robots

   37 citations · 2002
4. 4
   Adaptive control of rigid-link electrically-driven robots actuated with brushless DC motors

   31 citations · 2002
5. 5
   Robust control of rigid-link flexible-joint robots with redundant joint actuators

   29 citations · 1994
6. 6
   Redesign of robust controllers for rigid-link flexible-joint robotic manipulators actuated with harmonic drive gearing

   26 citations · 1995
7. 7
   Hybrid adaptive control for tracking of rigid-link flexible-joint robots

   26 citations · 1993
8. 8
   Adaptive control for a class of direct drive robot manipulators

   21 citations · 1996
9. 9
   Comments on "Force/motion control of constrained robots using sliding mode"

   17 citations · 1994
10. 10
    An experimental study of flexible joint robots with harmonic gearing

    13 citations · 2002

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links