Welcome to the Applied Dynamics and Optimization Laboratory website. Our research and education areas include multibody system dynamics, optimization theory and algorithms, motion planning, design, and control, with their applications to mechanical and biological systems. Current specific fields of application include robotics, biomechanics, and their intersections (e.g., exoskeletons). In particular, we are interested in locomotion, balance, manipulation, energetics, and optimization. The studies of modeling, design, and control of mechanical systems can be extended to better understand more complicated biological systems and to validate nature's inherent hypotheses. On the other hand, the principles underlying and determining motions and structures of biological systems will provide innovative solutions and inspirations for novel mechanical systems toward higher performance, stability, and efficiency. Our research aims at bringing together both robotics and biomechanics fields to establish novel solution approaches.