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College of Engineering news

Lei Zhou
September 12, 2023

Focus on new faculty: Lei Zhou is breaking down boundaries in precision mechatronics

Lei Zhou uses her interdisciplinary precision mechatronics research as a powerful tool for solving problems in various application areas, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment and robotics. With a systems focus, she…

Lei Zhou in her mechatronics lab
October 23, 2025

With NSF CAREER Award, Zhou aims to develop mechatronic systems that increase productivity in computer chip manufacturing

There’s a booming industry demand for microchips, which are used in virtually all electronic devices today. But meeting that demand is challenging for chipmakers, because current mechatronic systems have reached the limit for how fast…

Western Digital Corporation representatives at the College of Engineering at agreement signing
September 19, 2025

College debuts ‘hub’ partnership with Western Digital

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering has signed a memorandum of understanding with Silicon Valley data storage company Western Digital Corporation. The agreement marks the launch of the college’s first corporate innovation hub—a new…

Students in ME 376 work on a lab assignment. Credit: Adam Malecek.
February 10, 2025

New mechatronics course prepares students for high-demand engineering jobs

Mechatronics—integrating mechanical systems with electronics and software—is essential to a growing number of products and systems, including cellphones, vehicles and robots. “There is a significant demand for engineers with mechatronics…

December 21, 2023

Highlights from 2023, a year of innovation and impact

For the UW-Madison College of Engineering, 2023 was a year full of extraordinary achievements and tremendous growth. We advanced scientific knowledge on many fronts, improved the quality of people’s lives…

Grad student Anna Konstant examines a collaborative robot
August 8, 2022

In manufacturing jobs, robot workers could become human helpers

A future in which robot-powered automated manufacturing lines endlessly pump out products across industries sounds like a boon for efficiency and productivity. It also feels more than a little dystopian,…

November 9, 2017

More than meets the eye: New theory could open revolutionary applications for light

One bar, two bars; it’s an all-too-common problem: You’re in a large building, driving in a remote area, or even right in the middle of a big city, but you…