PRISM Research Areas
The PRISM research laboratory at UCD Dublin merges related
disciplines such as electronic engineering, telecommunication and computer
science in the same structure which results in conceiving
global solutions for systems that are able to cope with dynamic
change of surrounding conditions according to user needs.
Multi-Agent Systems
An agent is an autonomous entity, which is implemented to complete a specific task.
In a distributed system such as internet or a sensor networks, the agent can have the
capability of migrating from a node to another. As a result, it should be able to adapt
itself based on changes occurring in its environment, so that a change in circumstances
will still yield the intended result.
The research on MAS focuses on systems in which a large number of agents interact with each
other for same or different tasks. Therefore, when interdependent problems or user requests arise,
the MAS is able to coordinate with one another so providing a more accurate solution to dynamically
changing systems.
Related PRISM research projects: AIC, Agent Factory, E=mC2, Agent Chamaleons.
Wireless Sensor Networks
A sensor node is, usually, a battery operated tiny device of low-cost and of low memory
capability while WSNs consist of a large ensemble of sensor nodes located in an area where
they need to accomplish a task. Such areas can be a remote region, a flat or even a body
according with the application. For example, sensors can monitor the water pollution in a
river, can localize grazing animals, or can be placed on patient bodies to continuously
check some functionality like hearth bit, temperature, movement etc.
In spite of such
applications are completely different one from another; their network management necessitate
to match some similar requisites. WSNs may work independently without the human intervention
for long period hence their energy efficiency is the main concern.
Related PRISM research projects: AIC, Agent Factory.
Augmented & Mixed Reality
AR/MR technologies allow both humans and virtual avatars to share a common space, while
embedding intentional agents into such avatars
makes them autonomous entities with their own mental states capable of behaving in a realistic manner.
We are investigating the use of these technologies to support human-agent interaction in two projects, rispectively:
Nexus and MiRA.
The Nexus project is a framework for the development of
behaviourally realistic distributed AR scenarios which
demonstrate how virtual agents equipped with BDI control systems
can provide the reasoning apparatus for creating believable characters that are
responsive to modifications and stimulus in their environment,
but are also proactive and goal-oriented
The MiRA project investigates the combination of physical robotic platforms with virtual characters visualized through
MR technology.
Such an approach constitutes a novel integration methodology for the creation of adaptable and ubiquitous human-robot social interaction.
Related PRISM research
projects: Nexus, MiRA
Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing
At present when we talk about computing, we generally think of a PC or workstation sitting
on a desk, or increasingly a laptop or PDA. But ubiquitous computing goes beyond this.
Rather than a single computing device, devices surround the user. When Mark Weiser coined
the phrase ‘ubiquitous computing’ in 1988 he envisioned computers embedded in walls,
in tabletops, and in everyday objects. Computing devices surround us today in the form
of microwaves, CD players, watches, electronic games, as well as computers and personal
digital assistants (PDAs). The element that keeps this current environment from qualifying
as ubiquitous computing is connectivity.
Related PRISM research projects: Nexus, MiRA, AIC.
Robotics
The PRISM laboratory hosts a collective of mobile robots which constitutes a university wide service for all researchers interested in developing robot applications.
These robots have been used in a number of projects in the area of mobile, ubiquitous and social robotics. The overall goal of these bodies of work has been to enable robot agents to operate in indoor (office-type) environments for long periods, with minimal supervision, and there engage with a dynamic population of other agents, including other robots, humans and software agents.
This research presents unique challenges, from the difficulty of grounding AI techniques with multiple robots, to the difficulties in applying principled software engineering techniques.
Some of the most interesting technology convergences are in designing robots that are integrated with intelligent ubiquitous environments and wireless sensor networks (WSNs), e.g. acting as user assistants, carrying out maintenance and calibration operations in applications such as security and surveillance systems, smart classroom, medical monitoring etc.
Visit the
UCD Robotic Test-bed description for
more information.
Related PRISM research projects:
Agent Factory, MiRA.
