Almanack
IEEE Philadelphia Section Night
Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Location: virtual
TIERA – Development of a Mobile Robot for Assembly and
Repair in Hazardous Environments
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Roozbahani
Abstract: TIERA is a versatile, mobile robot that can conduct repair and assembly operations in hazardous areas. The functionality and composition of the robot are defined by the tasks we expect it to perform and the harsh environments we expect it to work in. We considered many environmental factors in our design including radiation, corrosion, toxicity, explosion, biohazard, high voltage, and extreme temperatures. High mobility was another key design feature for enabling the traversal of hazardous environments. This contrasts with most industrial robots, which are usually stationary and consist of a jointed arm attached to a fixed surface. We had to carefully consider how to make it possible for an expert operator to remotely control the robot from a safe location, and subsequently designed the sensory, communication (WiFi and 4G), virtual reality, and haptic feedback systems required for intuitive teleoperation. Additional key features of TIERA include:
• Fanless embedded computer controlling most of the robot’s hardware
• Robotic manipulators and tools perform various repair tasks
• Vision system allowing operator to receive video feedback from robot’s cameras
• Sensors for getting information about the surrounding environment.
The main feature of TIERA’s central control system is integration of NI Linux Real-Time and CompactRIO with the flexibility and features of ROS, which generated many novel features for our robot.
NOTE: PDH certificates are available and an evaluation form will be emailed to you after the meeting. PDH certificates are sent by IEEE USA 3-4 weeks after the meeting.
Register here:
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/471365
2025 IEEE Section Annual Awards Banquet
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Location: Academy of Natural Sciences, Dinosaur Hall, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
Join us as we recognize those who have been honored by the Institute and the Philadelphia Section for their contributions.
Register to Attend: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/464515
Become a Sponsor: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/464516
IEEE Future Networks Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AIML) Working Group
Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Virtual
Large Language Models (LLMs), Optimization, and Game Theory
In this talk, we will explore the interplay between large language models (LLMs) and optimization. After introducing a use case (consumption power scheduling) for which studying this interplay is fully relevant, we will survey the main approaches in this area, which include pure LLM-based approaches (e.g., to deal with math word problems) and combined approaches. Both limitations and promising solutions will be discussed. Application to radio resource management and to telecommunications more generally will also be addressed. In the last part of the talk, connections between LLMs and game theory will be discussed.
Register here:
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/474729
AI for Control: Reinforcement Learning Short Course
Date: Wednesday April 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Reinforcement learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, is a computational approach that models decision-making by exploring the cause-and-effect relationships between actions and rewards. It provides a framework for solving optimization problems where an agent interacts with its environment and refines its policies over time. Closely related to both optimal and adaptive control, reinforcement learning has significant applications in control systems. This study explores the fundamental principles of reinforcement learning and its integration into control applications.
Upon completion of this program, you’ll walk away with:
- A solid understanding of reinforcement learning fundamentals as a subset of artificial intelligence
- The relationship between artificial intelligence, reinforcement learning, and optimal control.
- Practical skills in designing, training, and deploying reinforcement learning-based controllers for dynamic systems.
- The ability to understand the value-based reinforcement learning methods for optimization.
- The confidence to apply reinforcement learning techniques to real-world control problems in robotics, automation, and beyond.
Register to Attend
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/467824
Call for Speakers – IEEE Philadelphia Section Night
The IEEE Philadelphia Section is seeking knowledgeable and enthusiastic speakers for our upcoming monthly meetings. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise with a vibrant community of professionals.
Benefits of Speaking:
- Networking: Connect with industry leaders and peers.
- Recognition: Gain visibility and enhance your professional reputation.
- Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to the growth and learning of our community.
- Professional Development: Enhance your public speaking and presentation skills.
If you’re interested in presenting, please fill out the JotForm (link below) and let us know how you can contribute. Share your expertise and make a difference!