Download Cybernetics - The University of Reading

Cybernetics
Open Day Presentation
Dr Richard Mitchell
Former Head of Department
Department of Cybernetics, The University of Reading, UK
Cybernetics
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‘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 systems
Cybernetics encompasses related subjects such as
Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology
In fact Cybernetics pioneered Control, AI, Comp Sci...
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 Approaches
Standard: Aristotelian (Greek) - Cause & Effect
Cause
System
Effect
The Open Loop View.
The (practical) Cybernetic view
Cause
System
Reaction
The Closed Loop view - has feedback.
Irony: Cybernetics comes from a Greek Word!
Effect
Feedback Problems ?
System more complicated
Can lead to run away disasters
Prices Up
Wages Up
Arms race is similar
Though can be useful for quick changes
Can also be advantageous - for instance for control
Feedback Advantages - for Control
Cybernetics from Greek word for steersman
Without control – like having eyes closed
Wind, etc
Rudder
Course
Boat
With control – looking where you are going
Wind, etc
Rudder
Steersman
Boat
Course
Classical Feedback Control System
Disturbance
Error
Desired
Control
Device
Actual
Has many other applications Drive in right direction / speed
Robot gripper at right place
Central Heating System
Maintain body temperature / balance
Environment - Earth’s temperature controlled, etc.
See what you have got, if not what you want, do something!
Learning - a feedback process
‘You learn by your mistakes’
Used in ‘machine learning’: Neural Networks
In Neural Network, have to set its weights
Outputs
Inputs
Expected
Outputs
Inputs
Outputs
Net
(Learning)
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
Human Computer Interaction
Just 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 Reading
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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

M.Eng.
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BSc
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BEng
Cybernetics*
Computer Science and Cybernetics *
Electronic Engineering and Cybernetics*
Cybernetics & Control Engineering*
Biomedical Engineering & Cybernetics*
Computer Science and Cybernetics*
Artificial Intelligence and Cybernetics
Electronic Engineering and Cybernetics*
– Some (applied) courses have year in industry)
*Courses accredited by professional institutions
Striving for Excellence
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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
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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 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 Research
Robot Head - Yorick
Prosthetic Hand
HAPTIC Research
VR Research
Implant - ‘Cyborg’ experiment
Terahertz Technology
Research in Space
All happens in this modern building
On the picturesque campus
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