Pierre M Larochelle
(
2017)
Department Head and Professor
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Education
B.S., University of California-San Diego
M.S., University of California-Irvine
Ph.D. University of California-Irvine
Contact/Location
Pierre.Larochelle@sdsmt.edu
605-394-2401
CM 133
(campus map)
Research Expertise
Dr. Larochelle's research interests are centered on the study of open and closed spatial
kinematic chains. These kinematic chains are the functional basis of robots, parallel
kinematic machines, mechanisms and linkages. Specific areas of interest currently
being investigated include autonomous walking machines, mobile robots, synthesis and
analysis of spatial mechanisms for rigid body guidance; design of robotic mechanical
systems for increased dynamic performance; optimal control of robotic mechanical systems;
computer-aided design of spatial and spherical mechanisms; virtual reality as applied
to the design of robotic mechanical systems; theoretical kinematics; and mechatronics.
In addition, Dr. Larochelle is an expert in creativity & innovation within the engineering
design process.
Click here to visit Dr. Larochelle's research lab
Brief Bio
Pierre Larochelle (Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California at Irvine)
serves as Department Head and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the South Dakota
School of Mines & Technology. Previously he served as an Associate Dean and Professor
of Mechanical Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology. His research focuses
on the design of complex robotic mechanical systems and enabling creativity and innovation
in design. He is the founding director of the RObotics and Computational Kinematics
INnovation (ROCKIN) Laboratory, has over 100 publications, holds three US patents,
and serves as a consultant on robotics, automation, machine design, creativity & innovation,
and computer-aided design. He serves on ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission
(EAC) and as an ABET Accreditation Visit Team Chair. Moreover, he currently serves
as the Chair of the U.S. Committee on the Theory of Mechanisms & Machine Science and
represents the U.S. in the International Federation for the Promotion of Mechanism
& Machine Science.
Teaching
At the undergraduate level Dr. Larochelle teaches courses in statics, dynamics, machines,
robotics, vibrations, controls, and design. At the graduate level he teaches courses
in advanced kinematics, robot dynamics & control, design of complex robotic mechanical
systems, and spatial mechanism design.
Course Listing