open day presentation dr richard mitchell former head of department department of cybernetics, the...
TRANSCRIPT
Open Day PresentationOpen Day Presentation
Dr Richard Mitchell
Former Head of Department
Department of Cybernetics, The University of Reading, UK
CyberneticsCybernetics
‘Cybernetics’ is derived from the Greek word kybernetes meaning steersman, a person in control It arose from discussions between researchers from various disciplines who found they had much in common Cybernetics is the science of systems and, as such, it is as relevant to the study of man‘s effect on natural systems as it is to the design of complex technological systemsCybernetics encompasses related subjects such as Engineering, Computer Science, Information TechnologyIn fact Cybernetics pioneered Control, AI, Comp Sci...
CyberneticsCybernetics
Cybernetics - a Different Perspective
Fundamental principles, such as feedback, applicable to a great variety of diverse systems, technological, environmental, biological, or a mixture.
Standard and Cybernetic ApproachesStandard and Cybernetic Approaches
Cause System Effect
Cause
Reaction
EffectSystem
The Closed Loop view - has feedback. Irony: Cybernetics comes from a Greek Word!
The Open Loop View.The (practical) Cybernetic view
Standard: Aristotelian (Greek) - Cause & Effect
Feedback Problems ?Feedback Problems ?
Wages Up
Prices Up
System more complicated
Can lead to run away disasters
Arms race is similar
Though can be useful for quick changes
Can also be advantageous - for instance for control
Feedback Advantages - for ControlFeedback Advantages - for Control
Cybernetics from Greek word for steersmanWithout control – like having eyes closed
With control – looking where you are going
Rudder
Wind, etc
CourseBoat
RudderWind, etc
CourseSteersman Boat
Classical Feedback Control SystemClassical Feedback Control System
Has many other applications - Drive in right direction / speedRobot gripper at right placeCentral Heating SystemMaintain body temperature / balanceEnvironment - Earth’s temperature controlled, etc.
See what you have got, if not what you want, do something!
ActualControl
ErrorDesired
Device
Disturbance
Learning - a feedback processLearning - a feedback process
‘You learn by your mistakes’Used in ‘machine learning’: Neural NetworksIn Neural Network, have to set its weights
This is done by finding actual output, comparing it with desired, and adjusting weights if there is a difference.
Cybernetic's robots, like babies, learn by trial and error
(Learning)
Net
ExpectedOutputs
OutputsInputs
Out
puts
Inpu
ts
Human Computer InteractionHuman Computer InteractionJust positioning a mouse is a feedback process
Ultimate HCI is ‘Virtual Reality’
Also, Augmented Reality - mixed real and virtual world
Teleoperation remote control where operator given input to suggest is at remote location. Needs force feedback.
Cybernetics at ReadingCybernetics at Reading First taught in 1963 within Dept Physics Dept Cybernetics formed in 1977 Over previous ten years …
• Department has expanded to 15 academic staff (with additional research, teaching and support staff)
• Degrees offered have expanded to include MEng Level
• Subject area has broadened to allow specialization in Biomedical Engineering
• Student numbers have doubled, entry requirements raised
• Research has improved steadily
Degree Programmes Degree Programmes
M.Eng. Cybernetics* Computer Science and Cybernetics * Electronic Engineering and Cybernetics* BSc Cybernetics & Control Engineering* Biomedical Engineering & Cybernetics* Computer Science and Cybernetics* Artificial Intelligence and Cybernetics BEng Electronic Engineering and Cybernetics*
– Some (applied) courses have year in industry)*Courses accredited by professional institutions
Striving for ExcellenceStriving for Excellence Committed to provide high quality teaching in an
intellectually stimulating environment Courses monitored and approved at many levels
• University (Subject Review, Spring 2002)• Governmental (87.5% in TQA 1998)• Accreditation by Professional Bodies IEE, InstMC, BCS
Research informs teaching and now recognised as internationally competitive level (RAE2001 grade 5)
Engineering at Reading in general 6th best in the UK in terms of research output (Guardian)
Job ProspectsJob Prospects
Very good – Reading is well situated Courses provide excellent background
• Final Year Projects rated very high• Can help to give good impression at interview
Graduates do a variety of jobs• Computing, electronics, comms, research, etc.
In addition, Cybernetics houses the University’s Teaching Company Centre• Projects with University and Industry in which a graduate
is employed• Most successful centre in the UK
Robotics ResearchRobotics Research
Robot Head - YorickRobot Head - Yorick
Prosthetic HandProsthetic Hand
HAPTIC ResearchHAPTIC Research
VR ResearchVR Research
Implant - ‘Cyborg’ experimentImplant - ‘Cyborg’ experiment
Terahertz TechnologyTerahertz Technology
Research in SpaceResearch in Space
All happens in this modern buildingAll happens in this modern building
On the picturesque campusOn the picturesque campus
In Reading - In Reading - heart of the Thames Valley, the centre of the UK´s high tech industry
25 minutes by rail to London; coach to Heathrow
Close to M4 - thence via M25 / M5 / M1 to rest of UK