Dan Lane, PhD

My journey into autonomous systems began during my transition from enterprise IT leadership to graduate research in 2017. What started as curiosity about robotics has evolved into specialized expertise in sensor fusion, machine learning, and real-time perception systems for autonomous platforms.

I earned my PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where my research focused on LiDAR-camera fusion for maritime autonomy. I led the development of the perception system for ERAU's Team Minion's USV, which competed in the 2024 RobotX Maritime Challenge.

When I'm not developing algorithms or testing autonomous systems, I enjoy exploring Florida with my dog and working on personal projects that keep me current with advances in AI and robotics.

1. Lead Researcher, Maritime Autonomy

   Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

   Leading real-time sensor fusion research for autonomous surface vessels, with a focus on LiDAR-camera integration for maritime object detection. Implemented a sub-millisecond video frame synchronization method and a robust color sequence detection algorithm for Team Minion's vision system entry in the 2024 Maritime RobotX Challenge and managing data collection from over 100 hours of autonomous vessel operations.

   • Python
   • ROS2
   • OpenCV
   • LiDAR
   • Sensor Fusion

   2024 — 2025

2. Data-Driven Systems Researcher

   Complex Dynamical Systems Lab, ERAU

   Developed and validated an information-theoretic, data-driven framework that fully recovers nonlinear system dynamics without prior model assumptions. Published peer-reviewed research on vehicular traffic modeling and supervised undergraduate teams on related hardware integration projects.

   • MATLAB
   • Python
   • Machine Learning
   • Data Analysis

   2022 — 2023

3. Imaging Systems Specialist

   Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

   Coordinated software development efforts to automate document workflows using OCR technology. Integrated admissions and registrar systems, transforming manual processes that took hours into automated workflows completed in minutes.

   • OCR
   • System Integration
   • Workflow Automation
   • Database Systems

   2017 — 2020

4. Technology Project Manager

   FDOT - Turnpike

   Led development and deployment of enterprise-level systems including public-facing web platforms. Managed stakeholder requirements and coordinated with software vendors to deliver robust IT infrastructure solutions for Florida's transportation network.

   • Project Management
   • Enterprise Systems
   • SharePoint
   • Web Platforms

   2014 — 2017

• PhD Dissertation: Object Detection and Classification for Autonomous Surface Vessels

  Comprehensive comparative analysis of LiDAR and vision-based sensing modalities for maritime object detection. Evaluated YOLOv8 neural networks against deterministic GB-CACHE algorithm, incorporating Kalman-weighted fusion strategy to improve detection accuracy and reliability for autonomous surface vessels in real-world maritime environments.

  • YOLOv8
  • LiDAR
  • Sensor Fusion
  • Computer Vision
  • Kalman Filtering
• Maritime RobotX Challenge

  Leading perception system development for autonomous surface vessel competition. Developed real-time LiDAR-HDR fusion pipelines for object detection and classification, enabling autonomous mission planning for international maritime robotics challenges.

  • ROS2
  • Python
  • LiDAR
  • Computer Vision
  • Sensor Fusion
• Data-Driven Traffic Modeling

  Developed a novel framework for recovering nonlinear system dynamics through data-driven and information-theoretic methods. Published in Journal of Physics: Complexity and presented at international MECC 2023 conference.

  Validating a data-driven framework for vehicular traffic modeling.
  doi: 10.1088/2632-072X/ad3ed6

  Using information theory to detect model structure with application in vehicular traffic systems.
  doi: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2023.12.051.

  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • Machine Learning
  • Information Theory
  • System Identification
• Yamaha Future Boat Concept

  Collaborated under NDA with Yamaha Marine Division to develop high-level design concepts for future vessels based on feasibility analysis of emerging marine technologies.

  • Autonomous Navigation
  • Eco-Friendly Design
  • Prototyping

• Exploring the Potential of Neural Networks for Nonlinear System Identification

  Explored neural networks for solving fundamental physics equations, addressing challenges like hyperparameter tuning and model inflexibility. Suggested improvements for sparse solutions and alternative methods like genetic algorithms.

  • Neural Networks
  • System Identification
  • Genetic Algorithms
• PongBot - An Autonomous Ping-Pong Ball Launching Robot

  PongBot is an autonomous robot with equipped computer-vision, capable of reliably launching ping-pong balls into Solo cups at a distance of 6 meters.

  • Robotics
  • Computer Vision
  • Autonomous Systems
• Dynamic Mode Decomposition for Dynamic System Estimation

  Investigated Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) and Koopman operator theory for traffic system identification, comparing computational efficiency and accuracy trade-offs.

  • Dynamic Mode Decomposition
  • Koopman Operator
  • Traffic Modeling
• System Dynamics of Group Opinion and Consensus Formation

  Compared binary and multivariate voter models for consensus formation in networks, analyzing how topology and parameters affect convergence rates and stability.

  • Voter Models
  • Network Topology
  • Complex Systems
• Path Planning of a Differentially Steered Robot with Jumping Capability

  Evaluated path planning algorithms for differentially steered robots with jumping capabilities, comparing A* and RRT* methods for obstacle navigation efficiency in 2D and pseudo-3D maps.

  • Path Planning
  • A* Algorithm
  • RRT* Algorithm