Synopsis: Intelligent control of robots in the marine environment is a rapidly emerging field of intelligent system research. Being extremely multi-disciplinary, this research requires expertise that often cuts across the fields of computer science, engineering, operations research, physics, and ocean science. This workshop will bring together many of the world’s leading autonomy researchers to discuss the current state of the art in the theory and practice of controlling intelligent robotic vehicles in the harsh marine environment. The marine environment imposes numerous constraints on robot operation including very limited use of the RF spectrum for sensing, communications, and navigation, harsh currents, crushing depths, and significant vehicle hydrodynamic effects. These constraints pose unique and difficult challenges for robot autonomy and collaboration. Each of the speakers will present a unique perspective on these challenges with respect to robot autonomy. Topics will range from theoretical discussions on robot collaboration in bandwidth limited environments to the autonomy implementations currently used on the world’s most advanced research vehicles. Autonomy for both unmanned surface vehicles as well as unmanned underwater vehicles will be discussed.
Date: Monday, September 26, 2011
Speakers:
Professor Greg Dudek McGill University
Presentation Topic: Coordinating Autonomous Multi-Vehicle Search
Dr. Terry Huntsberger Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Presentation Topic: Process Algebra Approach for Action Recognition in the Maritime Domain
Dr. Kanna Rajan Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Presentation Topic: Onboard Automated Inference for Sampling and Control for Marine Robotics
Dr. Donald Eickstedt iRobot Corporation
Presentation Topic: Command and Control of Self-Organizing Robot Teams
Professor Mae Seto Defence Research and Development Canada
Presentation Topic: Use of Machine Learning for on-line Decision-Making for Autonomous Marine Vehicles
Professor Ryan Eustice University of Michigan
Presentation Topic: Visual SLAM for Autonomous Hull Inspection
Dr. Arjuna Balasuriya Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Presentation Topic: UUV Autonomy for Ocean Observatories
Ms. Stephanie Kemna NATO Undersea Research Centre
Presentation Topic: Adaptive and Cooperative AUVs for Littoral Surveillance
Motivation and Objectives – The primary motivation for this workshop is to bring together the leading researchers in the field of marine vehicle autonomy to discuss the latest research developments in the field as well as to provide a forum for significant interaction. Marine vehicle autonomy is a very multi-disciplinary field with researchers publishing across many robotics, computer science, and ocean-related conferences. However, there is no forum specifically for intelligent control of marine vehicles. This workshop would help close that gap, allowing researchers a forum for discussion of the latest research with many of their peers. The major objectives of the workshop are:
Intended Audience – The primary audience for this workshop is anyone interested in the field of marine robotics who wishes to learn about the latest research and marine vehicle autonomy solutions being developed at the world’s leading research institutions. The secondary audience is anyone interested in autonomy for robotic vehicles who wishes to learn more about autonomy theory and practice for robotic vehicles in harsh environments and how this research may relate to autonomy in other environments.
Organizers:
Dr. Donald Eickstedt Dr. Mae Seto
iRobot Corporation Defence Research and Development Canada
8 Crosby Drive P.O. Box 1012
Bedford, MA 02421 Dartmouth, NS, Canada B2Y 3Z7
eicksted@mit.edu mae.seto@drdc-rddc.gc.ca
www.eickstedt.com
(617) 543-0890 (902) 426-3100 x274