PGRs meeting and Research Presentations – May 2016

The monthly PGRs Research Presentations was held on Thursday 12th May, 2pm, Room MC3108.

This session we had the following presentations:

 

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Title: A ROS framework for single antenna RFID tag localisation with mobile robots.

 

By: George Broughton

 IMG_20160512_141116[1] Abstract: 

Over the last few years, RFID technology has evolved to give mobile robots an extra dimension to sense their surroundings. By determining whether certain tags, often fixed to interesting objects, can be read or not, the robot can effectively sense the objects presence. This is not just useful for finding lost objects, but has also been used for activity recognition. Additionally, tags have been used as landmarks within environments to aid with navigation.

This presentation looks at the development of a ROS framework for localising RFID tags from a mobile robot. The framework combines several different approaches to make use of the information provided by the tag and from the reader, to estimate possible locations of the tag. This is done by taking the output of the different algorithms, and then combining and feeding them into a densely populated occupancy grid using a bayesian update system to calculate the most probable tag location. Rather than rely on multiple antennas for trilateration, the framework exploits a robot’s ability to move within its environment to seek optimal positions to hone in on a tag. This also has the additional benefit of providing resistance to multipath signal errors.

This will lead to a framework that is future-proof, robust, works with multiple models of readers, and can be moulded to suit many needs.

 

 

 

 

 

PGRs meeting and Research Presentations – Sept. 2015

The monthly PGRs Research Presentations is resumed (after Summer Break) and was held on Wed. 9th September, 2pm, Room MC3108.

This session we had the following presentations:

Title: “Affordable Mobile Robotic Platforms for Teaching Computer Science at African Universities“. Title:   “Exploring the dynamics of social interaction in massive open online courses

By: Ernest Gyebi

By: Kwamena Appiah-Kubi

Abstract: Educational robotics can play a key role in addressing some of the challenges faced by higher education in Africa. One of the major obstacles preventing a wider adoption of initiatives involving educational robotics in this part of the world is lack of robots that would be affordable by African institutions. In this paper, we present a survey and analysis of currently available affordable mobile robots and their suitability for teaching computer science at African universities. To this end, we propose a set of assessment criteria and review a number of platforms costing an order of magnitude less than the existing popular educational robots. Our analysis identifies suitable candidates offering contrasting features and benefits. We also discuss potential issues and promising directions which can be considered by both educators in Africa but also designers and manufacturers of future robot platforms. Abstract:  MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) make free and easily accessible educational resources from participating universities spanning a wide range of courses. These learning resources are often structured and delivered to mimic a brick-and-mortar classroom. The courses usually attract large number of participants who have to collaborate within the time frame of the course to facilitate their learning as well as socialize. This large number of participants that have to collaborate within such a short time span presents a new context to investigate the dynamics of social interaction within such a group.

 

 

  • Then our usual catch-up agenda: New regulations and PGRs forms.