|
|
|
|
|
ABSTRACT Mobile robotics is one of the best examples of systems engineering: it requires the integration of sensors, actuators, energy sources, embedded computing, decision algorithms in a common structure, working in the real world. Only technologies and methodologies that work with the constraints of such integration can be useful, and so integration directly influences scientific considerations associated with the intelligent behavior of such systems. Intelligence may be so difficult to define mainly because it results from the integration of various capabilities according to the goals and operation conditions of the entity. It is therefore important to address such challenges by developing and addressing them in real world field experiences. This is the goal pursue by LABORIUS, the Research Laboratory on Mobile Robotics and Intelligent Systems at the Université de Sherbrooke. Research projects underway at the lab can be categorized in four groups: 1) mechatronics (the design of robotic platforms); 2) devices and tools for intelligent capabilities; 3) decision-making approaches for physical multi-agent systems; and 4) interaction and interface of intelligent systems with people. In this talk, four projects that illustrate well these categories will be presented: Tito, a robot design for interacting with autistic children, dynamic assignation of robots moving in formation, sharing of energy sources in a group of robots, and an integrated programming environment for mobile robots. SPEAKER BIO Franois Michaud holds the Canada Research Chair in Autonomous Mobile Robots and Intelligent Systems, and is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering of the University de Sherbrooke. He is the principal investigator of LABORIUS, a research laboratory on mobile robotics and intelligent systems working on applying AI methodologies in the design of intelligent autonomous systems that can assist humans in everyday lives. His research interests are architectural methodologies for intelligent decision making, autonomous mobile robots, social robotics, robot learning and intelligent systems. He is also involved in a major engineering educational reform underway at Sherbrooke based on problem-based and project-based learning, mainly by developing a mobile robotic platform for introducing EECE and design to freshmen students. He received his bachelors degree (1992), Masters degree (1993) and Ph.D. degree (1996) in Electrical Engineering from the University de Sherbrooke. He then spent one year as a postdoctoral researcher at the Interaction Lab (Brandeis University, USA), before going back to Sherbrooke as an Adjunct Professor. He is a member of IEEE, AAAI and OIQ (Ordre des ingnieurs du Qubec). Francois Michaud URL: http://www.gel.usherb.ca/laborius |
|
Back to CRES |