Electrical & Computer Engineering

Intelligent Systems and Automation

We employ novel applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to address our strategic research efforts.

The new reality of artificial intelligence crosses almost all of our work. From automation and connected systems to novel medical sensors, these pervasive, emerging technologies will likely advance each of our research impacts. Increasing realization of human-machine teaming will result in robust human/cyber/physical systems networks. Our ability to excel in all areas will rely on advances in this rapidly evolving technology base.

Agriculture Goes Digital

The UC Davis Digital Agriculture Laboratory sits at the intersection of agriculture and digital technology. Led by biological and agricultural engineering assistant professor Alireza Pourreza, the lab works directly with growers to develop and deploy technology that gives them the information they need to better understand their plants and navigate our changing climate.

One of the lab’s most beneficial projects is helping growers predict how much their crops will produce, which is largely determined by how well each plant receives and absorbs sunlight.

Orchard under lighting

Research in Action

Back of someone's head as they hold a remote and look at a smart TV mounted to the wall

Your Smart TV is Watching What You Watch

If you're thinking of buying a "smart" TV for the holidays, you ought to know that your new device is constantly capturing snapshots of what's on screen and sending them back to the manufacturer — even if you are using the device as a computer monitor and not watching TV at all.

AI Generated image that depicts a green web of cells

Harnessing AI to Advance Solar Cell Research

Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Marina Leite leads a team of UC Davis researchers in an AI-driven project to build foundational knowledge of halide perovskites, a promising material for solar cells.

Iman Soltani holds something in lab

Eye, Robot: Researchers Give Machines a New Perspective with Active Vision

After seeing the gaps in robotics in the automotive industry, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Iman Soltani is teaching robots to adjust their sight line using active vision and machine learning, hoping to push robotics one step closer to widespread adoption.


Read more research in action

Engineering a better world calls for solutions of a different caliber, demanding innovation across disciplines using a design-centric approach.

We employ and develop intelligent systems and automation, tools at the nano-and-micro- scales and engineering for all that will revolutionize energy systems, strengthen climate resilience, advance human health and transform mobility to bring a sustainable, healthier and more resilient world within reach.