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