Open Day Presentation

Dr Richard Mitchell

Former Head of Department
Department of Cybernetics, The University of Reading, UK
Cybernetics
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 mans 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
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
Cause System
Effect
Cause
Reaction
Effect
System
The Closed Loop view - has feedback.
Irony: Cybernetics comes from a Greek Word!
The Open Loop View.
The (practical) Cybernetic view
Standard: Aristotelian (Greek) - Cause & Effect
Feedback Problems ?
Wages Up
Prices Up
System more complicated
Can lead to run away disasters
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
With control looking where you are going
Rudder
Wind, etc
Course
Boat
Rudder
Wind, etc
Course
Steersman Boat
Classical Feedback Control System
Has many other applications -
Drive in right direction / speed
Robot gripper at right place
Central Heating System
Maintain body temperature / balance
Environment - Earths temperature controlled, etc.
See what you have got, if not what you want, do something!
Actual
Control
Error
Desired
Device
Disturbance
Learning - a feedback process
You learn by your mistakes
Used in machine learning: Neural Networks
In Neural Network, have to set its weights
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
(Learning)
Net
Expected
Outputs
Outputs Inputs
O
u
t
p
u
t
s
I
n
p
u
t
s
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
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. Cybernetics*
Computer Science and Cybernetics *
Electronic Engineering and Cybernetics*
BSc Cybernetics & Control Engineering*
Biomedical Engineering & Cybernetics*
Computer Science and Cybernetics*
Artificial Intelligence and Cybernetics
BEng Electronic Engineering and Cybernetics*
Some (applied) courses have year in industry)
*Courses accredited by professional institutions
Striving for Excellence
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
Research informs teaching and now recognised as
internationally competitive level (RAE2001 grade 5)
Engineering at Reading in general 6
th
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 Universitys
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 UKs high tech industry

25 minutes by rail to London; coach to Heathrow
Close to M4 - thence via M25 / M5 / M1 to rest of UK