The Clarkson family crest in stained glass occupies the window of the second floor staircase landing in Holcroft House.

Kevin Fite

Kevin Fite
Assistant Professor
206 CAMP
Clarkson University
PO Box 5725
Potsdam, NY 13699-5725

Phone: 315-268-3809
Fax: 315-268-6695
E-mail: kfite@clarkson.edu

CV: PDF

Educational Background
B.S., Vanderbilt University (1997)
M.S., Vanderbilt University (1999)
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University (2002)

Teaching
ES/ME 380 - Biomechanics

Research Interests
Dr. Fite’s research interests lie in the area of dynamic systems and control, with specific focus in the design and control of electromechanical and fluid power systems.  A major thrust of this work is in the development of self-powered human-scale robotic systems. 

Applications of particular interest include upper and lower-extremity powered prosthetic limbs.  The major goal of this work is the restoration of human-level functionality and performance to the amputee.  One aspect involves the design of prosthetic limbs capable of force and power outputs comparable to those of normal human limbs.  Such designs require the integration of the power supply, actuation system, and control electronics all within the volumetric envelope of a normal human limb.  Another component of the prosthesis development entails the development of the communication interface with the amputee.  Current work is investigating the use of EMG-based control approaches where measured muscle activity in the residual limb is utilized as input commands to the prosthetic limb.  The objective is an artificial limb which behaves as a natural extension of the amputee’s residual limb. 

Other broad areas of interest include the development of power and actuation for portable power systems.  The goal of this research is to improve upon the limitations inherent in battery-powered DC-motor actuated systems by investigating the use of alternative energy sources (e.g., compressed gas sources, liquid and solid propellants) and actuation systems (e.g., pneumatic and hydraulic actuators) that can be used to deliver controllable mechanical work outputs.  Relevant applications include self-powered robots, portable power and rescue tools, and lawn care equipment. 

Selected Publications
Fite, K. B., and Goldfarb, M.  Multivariable Loop-Shaping in Bilateral Telemanipulation.  ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, vol. 128, no. 3, pp. 482-488, September, 2006.

Shields, B. L., Fite, K. B., and Goldfarb, M.  Design, Control, and Energetic Characterization of a Solenoid Injected Monopropellant Powered Actuator.  IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 477-487, August 2006.

Fite, K. B. and Goldfarb, M.  Design and Energetic Characterization of a Proportional Injector Monopropellant-Powered Actuator.  IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 196-204, April 2006.

Fite, K. B., Mitchell, J. E., Barth E. J., and Goldfarb, M.  A Unified Force Controller for a Proportional-Injector Direct-Injection Monopropellant-Powered Actuator.  ASME Journal of Dynamic  Systems, Measurement, and Control, vol. 128, no. 1, pp. 159-164, March 2006.

Fite, K. B., Goldfarb, M., and Rubio, A.  Loop Shaping for Transparency and Stability Robustness in Time-Delayed Bilateral Telemanipulation.  ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, vol. 126, no. 3, pp. 650-656, September 2004.

Fite, K. B., Shao, L., and Goldfarb, M.  Loop-Shaping for Transparency and Stability Robustness in Bilateral Telemanipulation.  IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 620-624, 2004.

Fite, K. B., Speich, J. E., and Goldfarb, M.  Transparency and Stability Robustness in Two-Channel Bilateral Telemanipulation.  ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, vol. 123, no. 3, pp. 400-407, 2001.

Selected Conference Proceedings
Fite, K. B., Wait, K. W., Withrow, T. J., and Goldfarb, M.  Design of an Anthropomorphic Upper Extremity Prosthesis.  Proceedings of ASME International Mechancial Engineering Conference and Exposition, ref. 13604, Novermber 2006.

Fite, K. B., Withrow, T. J., Wait, K. W., and Goldfarb, M.  Liquid-Fueled Actuation for an Anthropomorphic Upper-Extremity Prosthesis.  Proceedings of the 28th IEEE EMBS Annual International Conference, pp. 5638-5642, 2006.

Fite,  K.  B.  and  Goldfarb,  M.   Servo Control and Energetic Characterization of a Proportionally Injected Liquid-Fueled Actuator for Power-Autonomous Mobile Robots.  Proceedings of ASME International Mechancial Engineering Conference and Exposition, ref. 81398, November 2005.

Fite, K. B., Mitchell, J. E., Barth, E. J., and Goldfarb, M.  Design and Characterization of a Rotary Actuated Hot Gas Servovalve.  Proceedings of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference and Exposition, ref. 59727, November 2004.

Li, B., Barth, E. J., Fite, K., and Goldfarb, M.  Design of a Hot Gas Vane Motor.  Proceedings of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Conference and Exposition, ref. 59581, November 2004.