David T. Westwick
Papers
2
Total Citations
8
H-Index
2
About
David T. Westwick’s research lies at the intersection of robotics, nonlinear control, and medical device design, with a focus on improving safety and precision in high-stakes environments. His work in nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) addresses a critical bottleneck in robotics: the computational burden of real-time optimization. By employing a quasi-LPV representation, Westwick’s approach enables faster, more reliable trajectory tracking for robot manipulators—a contribution that directly impacts industrial automation and surgical assistance. In the medical domain, Westwick has advanced percutaneous interventions through the development of a sensorized needle-insertion device. This tool characterizes tool-tissue interactions during tube thoracostomy, a procedure with complication rates as high as 37.9%, particularly among novice clinicians. By quantifying forces and tissue behavior, his work provides a foundation for training simulators and safer automated insertion systems. Though early in citation impact—with 6 and 2 citations respectively—these papers represent foundational steps toward bridging control theory and clinical practice. Westwick’s dual focus on algorithmic efficiency and tangible medical tools positions him as a rising contributor to both robotics and biomedical engineering.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2