© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Visit Day Presentation On Cybernetics, Systems Engineering, the University, and Reading Dr Richard Mitchell Senior Lecturer.

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007

Visit Day PresentationVisit Day PresentationOn Cybernetics, Systems Engineering,On Cybernetics, Systems Engineering,

the University, and Readingthe University, and ReadingDr Richard Mitchell

Senior Lecturer and Former Head of Cybernetics

Director of Teaching & Learning for theSchool of Systems EngineeringThe 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 with common interests As the science of systems it is as relevant to the study of our effect on natural systems as to the design of complex technological systemsCybernetics encompasses related subjects such as Engineering, Computer Science, IT, etcCybernetics 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


Feedback for Control : Feedback for Control : SteersmanSteersman

Also steering / speed control of other vehicles

Winds/ Tides

Steersman

CourseBoat

Lef t /Right


Feedback for Control of Robot Feedback for Control of Robot ArmArm

In fact, need control for each joint, ….

Obstacles

J oint Motors

PositionRobot ArmTurn

/ AntiClock


Feedback for Central HeatingFeedback for Central Heating

Sun, PCs, People

Air Con/ Boiler

TemperatureRoom

Heat /Cool


Feedback for Body ControlFeedback for Body Control

Sun, I llness, etc

Action

TemperatureBody

Sweat /Shiver


Feedback for VRFeedback for VR

Human

Computer

-ment

I mage

Move


Feedback for LearningFeedback for Learning

Refiner

Do Task

WayBetter

Well done?

You learn by your mistakes ……


Interactive R2-D2 ToyInteractive R2-D2 ToyBy Dave KeatingBy Dave Keating

Feedback Control – Feedback Control – derived from work derived from work

herehere

RoboticsRobotics

Communicating and Learning

Yorick – stereo robot head


BiomedicalBiomedical

Prosthetic Hand

Gentle – stroke rehabilitation

Haptics –feeling – Use with VR, e.g. surgery training

CYBORG - Implant


Instrumentation and SignalsInstrumentation and Signals

Terahertz Terahertz TechnologyTechnology

Infra-red Multi Layer Filters – in space


Cybernetics at ReadingCybernetics at ReadingFirst taught in 1963 within PhysicsDepartment of Cybernetics formed in 1977Over recent years, Cybernetics expanded, more degrees offered: MEng and BSc/BEng; and specialisms eg Biomedical Engineering, AI, Robotics


School of Systems School of Systems EngineeringEngineering

Comprises Computer Science and Informatics, Cybernetics and Electronic Engineering

About 40 academics involved in teaching 100 research, technical & administrative staff 120 fte postgraduates + 650 fte undergraduates Several specialist research centres - eg

Advanced Computing and Emerging Technologies

Infra-red Multilayer Filters Research income of £2m per annum Many ongoing projects, working with local

industry2 have won national awards for excellence


Degree Programmes in Degree Programmes in SchoolSchool

IT Comp Sci

Cybernetics

Elec Eng

EE & CybAI & CybIT & Man

Comp Eng EE & CS

CS & Cyb

BioM & Cyb

Sys Eng

Robotics

Cyb & Cont

Degrees accredited by IET, InstMC, BCS. MEng and/or BSc/BEng; some ‘applied’ year in industryMuch common in Part 1 so can change degree at Part 2Also have Foundation Year if not ok for normal entry.

+ MSc s


Job ProspectsJob Prospects Very good – Reading is well situated Courses provide excellent background

• Final Year Projects highly rated – good for interview

Graduates do a variety of jobs• Computing, electronics, communications, research,

…• In small or large companies

Placements – for ‘applied’ year – help also In addition, School houses the University’s

Knowledge Transfer Centre• Projects : University + Industry; employ a graduate• Most successful centre in the UK


Industrial Links/KTPs/PlacementsIndustrial Links/KTPs/Placements

Ti


University of ReadingUniversity of Reading Founded in 1896, with its own charter since 1926 One of the top 20 UK research-intensive

Universities Is in the top 10 best endowed Universities in the

UK Has about 15000 students (3000 overseas) In the official National Student Survey:• Reading came 4th = with Bath, Bristol, Nottingham• & beat: Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sussex,

Surrey and Imperial College for overall student satisfaction

In a BBC national survey Engineers in Reading came second only to Cambridge for “Happiness”!


Photos of UniversityPhotos of University


Some University FacilitiesSome University Facilities

One of largest and best Students Union in UK

Sports Centre – Gym also

Library: 1 million+ books; all major research journals; Maths Support Centre

~ 600 open-access computers 24 hour opening - free access to WWW, own email nameHelp desk & free courses on major software


Student Support and LifeStudent Support and Life Every student has a personal tutor University provides study skills advisors,

counsellors All courses have lectures, labs, seminars and

tutorials• typical commitment is 20 hours per week

Everyone needs time for private study• going over lectures, reading around subject, etc

All courses will have coursework – do in own time All courses will have exams in May/June• you have to pass in order to carry on next year

Outside this there is time for sport, hobbies, etc• Or part-time work


HallsHalls

Student Village

A typical bedroom

A hall bar

14 Halls of Residence: catered / self-catered

all on-campus or less than 15 minutes walk awayOverseas & home students mix

+ Student Houses in Reading


On FeesOn Fees Fees are at same level as most other UK Universities Living costs in Reading - like most places in the UK• ~ £6500 for undergraduates: • ~ £8000 for postgraduates - all in• cheaper than London

Lots of part-time work available• University offers a ‘job-shop’ to help

Many student discounts in shops, clubs, etc


On ReadingOn Readinga town of ~ 150,000 people

with nice countryside around

very good road and rail linksexcellent shopping / nightlifehome to major sporting clubshome of Reading Rock Festival

The Oracle

Town Hall

River at Caversham


LocationLocation•Reading is in the Thames Valley

–40 km west of London–30 km from Heathrow Airport

Train – 25mins to London; Close to M4 then to M25 / M5 / M1


SummarySummaryUniversity of Reading an excellent place to study

Good town; nicely situated re jobs and travel

Systems Engineering offers a range of coursesAt Undergraduate and Postgraduate LevelWith a lot of flexibility for what you study

More information is available on http://www.reading.ac.uk http://www.reading.ac.uk/sse http://www.reading.ac.uk/cyber

I am happy to answer any questions

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Visit Day Presentation On Cybernetics, Systems Engineering, the University, and Reading Dr Richard Mitchell Senior Lecturer.

Documents

uk cybernetics slide

robotics slide

vr slide

space slide

mixture slide

excellence slide

body control slide

photos of university