Michael Lipsett, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, believes that worthwhile moments and innovations are accomplished together through collaboration.
In this week’s spotlight, Michael discusses the impact he hopes that academic research can have on complex problems.
How do you describe your work to people who don’t work in your field?
I conduct research in automating inspection and remote sensing by designing robots and drones that can take samples and perform tasks in hazardous locations. I also work with student project teams who have developed satellites that have gone to space, as well as underwater robots and Mars rover competitions. Some of my former students have created a startup company that conducts environmental monitoring. I also teach engineering design and work with others to give students and researchers entrepreneurial experience and commercialize new technologies through the Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship (ICE) Engineering Incubator.
What’s one big problem you want to solve through your work?
I want academic research to make direct contributions to finding solutions for complex problems. During my career I have been fortunate to work with teams that have solved multidisciplinary problems in different industry sectors. By taking a systems engineering approach, I have been able to work in the areas of energy, transportation, mining, health care and space. Although there are significant differences between these sectors, most of the issues have common underlying issues of technology, processes and people.
What does the word “innovation” mean to you?
An innovation is an idea that can create value to society. In my experience, that is often an invention that has commercial value by solving a worthwhile problem.
What’s been your biggest a-ha moment — in life or work — so far?
Worthwhile things are accomplished by teams. Learning to put aside one’s ego and give one’s effort to the team is something that I learned in Japan while doing my master’s studies in robotics at Kyoto University — and is something that I am still working on.
How do you or your team come up with your best ideas?
Most of my ideas come to me when I am cycling or walking the dog. And my best ideas come during conversation with others. I also meditate daily.
What’s your favourite thing about working at the U of A?
My favourite thing about working at the U of A is working with people who want to learn and who want to make a positive difference.
Do you have a role model at the U of A? How have they influenced you?
I have several role models who have influenced me in finding inspiration, remaining curious and passionate and seeking humility and patience. I’m not there yet. Jacob Masliyah, who was a highly innovative chemical engineering scientist in oilsands processes, has been a particularly great person to work with. He has incredible passion, dedication, patience, rigour and soul. He always makes time for people, no matter how busy he is, and he can explain complex topics in terms that anyone can understand.
The U of A promises to Lead with Purpose as we build a university for tomorrow. How does your work help you lead with purpose?
Every day, I keep in mind that being an educator and researcher is a privilege; and on my best days, I can help others to find their purpose.
What’s next for you? Do you have any new projects on the horizon?
So many things yet to come. I want to help students get back to space, assist some nascent companies get their technologies to market, write a book or two, launch a new mechatronics program and deliver new robot technologies. A fun side project will be to combine my research and a favourite pastime of mine by developing a robot that can paint a watercolour picture.
About Michael
Mike Lipsett is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. He holds the Ernest and Gertrude Poole Chair in Management for Engineers and he is the Director of Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship program for the Faculty of Engineering. Mike worked in industry for part of his career as an engineering researcher and manager and he has been involved in three startups. His research is in the field of automated diagnostics for industrial systems, using novel robotic systems and AI for machinery diagnostics and environmental monitoring, with amphibious vehicles, drones and satellites. Mike is an active advisor of several student project groups, including AlbertaSat and the Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Project submarine team.
Innovator Spotlight is a series that introduces you to a faculty or staff member whose discoveries, knowledge and ideas are driving innovation.
Do you know someone at the U of A who is transforming ideas into remarkable realities? Maybe it’s you! We are interested in hearing from people who are helping shape the future, improving quality of life, driving economic growth and diversification and serving the public. We feature people working across all disciplines, whether they are accelerating solutions in energy, shaping the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence or forging new paths in health and Indigenous leadership.
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