Our research
Research conducted within the Centre for Intelligent Systems and Sustainable Energy aims to contribute to knowledge and practice in the field.
Vision
To advance cutting-edge intelligent systems that transform industry and society, and to drive sustainable energy solutions that support a low-carbon, resilient future.
Current research areas
Members of CISSE work collaboratively on multiple projects and also co-supervise students across the team. The centre currently has the following research areas:
- Intelligent Robotics
- Communications and Networking
- Intelligent Vehicles
- Multi-Agent Systems
- Wireless Sensor Networks
- Smart Grids
- Power Systems
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy
- Energy Conversion
- Hydrogen Economy
Our projects
Our members are actively involved in a number of research projects.
This is a multi-university MBIE research funding received for ‘Architecture of the Future Low Carbon, Resilient, Electrical Power System/ Future architecture network(FAN) - Te Whatunga Hiko as part of the Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) Advanced Energy Technology Platform Research Programmes, a collaborative project of power systems and power electronics researchers from AUT, University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Waikato, University of Canterbury and EPECentre, to future-proof the New Zealand electrical grid.
Funded by:
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Funding amount:
NZ$13 million for seven-year (2020-2027)
Research Team names from ECMS
- Tek Tjing Lie – Workstream 3 Leader
- Kosala Gunawardane – Key Researcher
- Aphrodis Nduwamungu – PhD student
- Nishita Padmawansa – PhD student
Industry partners
- ABB
- GE
- Transpower
- ETEL
- Unison
- Enatel
External collaborators
- ABB
- GE
- Transpower
- ETEL
- Unison
- Enatel
Funded by: Health Research Council of New Zealand (2024-2026)
Prof Boon-Chong Seet - Principal Investigator
External collaborator: University of Otago
ETEL Transformers Ltd are one of Australasia’s largest manufacturers of distribution transformers. Power industry concerns on the impact of future electric vehicle charging loads on distribution transformers are high. ETEL and AUT aim to address these concerns through the development of novel, smart technologies that encompass fibre optic sensing, wireless communication, transformer characterisation and artificial intelligence aspects. The research will result in transformers that are dynamically rated, with loading allowed based on current and predicted levels, as well as temperature, voltage regulation and oil pressure parameters. Strong industry interest in the outcomes of the research exist.
Funded by:
Callaghan Innovation for PhD and postdoctoral research
Funding amount:
NZ$125.000
Research Team names from ECMS
- Dr Michael Bunn (PhD (2022) & Postdoctoral Researcher)
- Dr Craig Baguley (Researcher)
- Associate Professor Boon-Chong Seet (Researcher)
By integrating cutting‑edge machine learning with proven safety techniques, we will design a solution that reduces the collision risk, eases traffic congestion, and lowers fuel consumption and emissions. This technology does not exist in New Zealand yet, and developing it here means we can tailor it to our unique landscapes and driving conditions.
Funded by: Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ)
Funding amount: NZ$150,000 for three years (2025-2028)
Dr Boda Ning - Principal Investigator
External collaborator: Swinburne University of Technology
Functional polymer composites are designed to sense volatile amines and print a passive chipless RFID tag directly on the polymer composite substrate. Successful execution of our research project will enable a new class of fully biodegradable chipless RFID sensors with the potential to disrupt a multibillion-dollar market.
Funded by: MBIE (Smart Ideas)
Funding amount: NZ$1,000,000 for three years (2023-2026)
Prof Xuejun (Jack) Li - Principal Investigator
Research networks
CISSE works collaboratively with industry, research institutions and universities to solve problems related to intelligent systems and sustainable energy for better futures. We are involved in the following collaborative networks:
Meet the team
Members of CISSE work across multiple projects and co-supervise students. Find out about our members' expertise, our current students and alumni.