Opening Keynote Address
“Autonomous Control Systems in Space”
April 18, 2006, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Professor Mo Jamshidi
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
and Autonomous Control Engineering - ACE Center
The University of Texas
moj@wacong.org
ABSTRACT
One of the main challenges of any control paradigm is being able to handle complex systems under unforeseen uncertainties. A system may be called complex here if its dimension (order) is too high and its model (if available) is nonlinear, interconnected, and information on the system is uncertain such that classical techniques cannot easily handle the problem. Soft computing, a consortium of fuzzy logic, neuro-computing, genetic algorithms and genetic programming, has proven to be a powerful tool for adding autonomy and semi-autonomy to many complex systems. For such systems, the size soft computing control architecture will be nearly infinite. Examples of complex systems are power networks, space robotic colonies, the International Space Station, the national air traffic control system, an integrated manufacturing plant, the Hubble Telescope, etc. In this presentation, paradigms using soft computing approaches are utilized to design autonomous controllers for a number of space application. These applications are satellite array formations, robotic agents and the Virtual Laboratory (V-LAB) for multi-physics modeling and simulation. A view of the future activities of the NASA JPL for space exploration will also be given. The talk will conclude with a story behind the NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers missions – Spirit and Opportunity.In the summer of 2003, two robot geologists were sent to the Red Planet in search of ancient seas that might have left behind some clues indicative of Mars’s potential to have hosted life. A chronicle of engineering challenges will be discussed. Animated and experimental implementation movies will be shown.
Brief Biography (PDF)
Second Keynote Address
"Hybrid and Electric Automotive Systems: Combined Electrical, Mechanical
and Fuel Cell Opportunities for Personal Transportation"
April 18, 2006, 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Professor Philip Krein
Grainger Center for Electric Machines and Electromechanics
University of Illinois, Urbana, USA
Abstract
Hybrid and electric automobiles are now practical systems because of advances in power electronics, controls, innovative mechanical drives, and other innovations in power electronics and mechatronics. Hybrid designs were originally seen as a temporary approach leading toward fully electric cars, but now have demonstrated unique value. These types of cars greatly enhance fuel efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Initial electric vehicle designs had limited success for many reasons. The main difficulty is batteries, which store only about 1% of the energy of liquid fuels. Hybrid vehicles, which combine a small engine with an electric drive system, overcome this limitation
Third Keynote Address
“Cyborg Intelligence: Linking Human and Machine Brains”
April 19, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Professor Kevin Warwick
Professor of Cybernetics at the
University of Reading, UK
ABSTRACT
In this presentation, a look will be taken at how the use of implant technology is rapidly diminishing the effects of certain neural illnesses and distinctly increasing the range of abilities of those affected. An indication will be given of a number of problem areas in which such technology has already had a profound effect, a key element being the need for a clear interface linking the human brain directly with a computer. However, in order to assess the possible opportunities, both human and animal studies from around the world will be reported on. The main thrust will be an overview of Kevin’s own research, which has led to him receiving a neural implant that linked his nervous system bi-directionally with the Internet. With this in place, neural signals were transmitted to various technological devices to directly control them, in some cases via the Internet, and feedback to the brain was obtained from such as the fingertips of a robot hand, ultrasonic (extra) sensory input and neural signals directly from another human’s nervous system. A view will be taken as to the prospects for the future, both in the near term as a therapeutic device and in the long term as a form of enhancement, including the realistic potential, in the near future, for thought communication—thereby opening up tremendous commercial potential. Clearly though, an individual whose brain is part human/part machine can have abilities that far surpass those who remain with a human brain alone. Will such an individual exhibit different moral and ethical values to those of a human? If so, what effects might this have on society?
Brief Biography (PDF)
Fourth Keynote Address
“Human Support Technology by Robotic and Mechatronics”
April 19, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Professor Toshio Fukuda
IEEE Division X Director, 2001–2002
Department of Micro System Engineering and
Department of Mechano-Informatics and Systems,
Nagoya University, Japan
ABSTRACT
Robotic and mechatronics technology can assist and support humans for more intelligent life: physical assistance, sensor/actuation augmentation, skill assistance and intelligence enhancement. There are many fields to be dealt with by robotic technology for safety, security and health of human beings. In this presentation, some examples will be demonstrated and future directions will be shown.
Brief Biography (PDF)
Fifth Keynote Address
“Part I: A Message from the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS)
Part II. RWTH and ISEA, T he German E ducation S ystem”
April 20, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Professor R. W. De Doncker
Institute of Power Electronics and Electrical Drives,
RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Abstract
With 51% of its members outside the US, the IEEE Power Electronics Society truly is an international organization. In 2005, membership of the society grew by about 1.4%. Chapters are being created steadily in all parts of the world. Aside of publishing the Transactions on Power Electronics and Power Electronic Letters, the society is offering many new activities to its members: a highly interesting color print newsletter, annually 15 sponsored or technically cosponsored conferences, support for the students' International Future Energy Challenge, student travel grants, etc. All activities are organized by volunteer members who share the same global view: to support the power electronic profession and engineers worldwide, according to the IEEE mission statement. The effort is paying off: within IEEE, PELS publications enjoy on average one of the highest citation rate and is one of the few societies with growing membership. Power electronics is a key enabling technology for future energy generation systems, automation systems, mechatronics, transportation and energy conversion systems. Consequently, the power electronics profession and the technologies it relies on will continue to grow. For this, the PELS seeks your help and support.
