Understanding evolution in natural systems using robotic models. This project aims to build biologically-inspired robotic and computational systems, and then modify these in ways which are either not possible, or have not yet occurred in natural systems. A comparison of these two systems will then allow a quantitative understanding of how well optimised biological structures are and where the limitations to optimisation lie. Expected outcomes include advancing the understanding of evolutionary p ....Understanding evolution in natural systems using robotic models. This project aims to build biologically-inspired robotic and computational systems, and then modify these in ways which are either not possible, or have not yet occurred in natural systems. A comparison of these two systems will then allow a quantitative understanding of how well optimised biological structures are and where the limitations to optimisation lie. Expected outcomes include advancing the understanding of evolutionary processes, and will provide significant benefits, such as aiding the manufacture of efficient autonomous robots.Read moreRead less
Supervised autonomy for AUVs using limited bandwidth communication channels. This project aims to improve the feedback link between robotic platforms and an operator, to increase the effectiveness of underwater survey operations. During surveys, some level of adaptation is required to allow underwater robots to respond to the data they are collecting. It is often difficult to reliably program an autonomous system to identify salient data, particularly when the mission involves searching for part ....Supervised autonomy for AUVs using limited bandwidth communication channels. This project aims to improve the feedback link between robotic platforms and an operator, to increase the effectiveness of underwater survey operations. During surveys, some level of adaptation is required to allow underwater robots to respond to the data they are collecting. It is often difficult to reliably program an autonomous system to identify salient data, particularly when the mission involves searching for particular features whose sensor signatures may be difficult to determine a priori. In contrast, humans are generally good at quickly identifying important data or determining when a mission is not achieving its goals. The project aims to develop novel acoustic communication schemes that will allow communication between the human operator and the underwater robot, exploiting developments in machine learning, network and communication theory.Read moreRead less