Plenary speakers

Ronald C. Arkin

Biosketch

Ronald C. Arkin is Regents' Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. He served as STINT visiting Professor at KTH in Stockholm, Sabbatical Chair at the Sony IDL in Tokyo, and the Robotics and AI Group at LAAS/CNRS in Toulouse. Dr. Arkin's research interests include behavior-based control and action-oriented perception for mobile robots and UAVs, hybrid deliberative/reactive architectures, robot survivability, multiagent robotics, biorobotics, human-robot interaction, robot ethics, and learning in autonomous systems.  Prof. Arkin serves on the Board of Governors of the IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology, served on the IEEE RASAdCom,co-chair of IEEE RAS TC on Robot Ethics, and co-chair of the Human Rights and Ethics Committee. He is a Distinguished Lecturer for the IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology and a Fellow of the IEEE.

Heterogeneous Networked Robotic Teams: Bioinspired approaches

Abstract: 

In recent research conducted for the U.S. Army and Navy, we are exploring a multiplicity of methods for controlling and coordinating teams of robots using models derived from biological systems. This includes models drawn from bird lekking behavior, wolf pack predation, deception in humans, birds, and squirrels, and conceptual spaces theory among others. After first reviewing earlier bio-inspired approaches from our laboratory leading up to these new results, for each of these new approaches the underlying behaviors and computational models that are used to produce coherent distributed robotic agent behavior are presented, with simulation and robotic results as available to demonstrate this ongoing work.

Jose M. Carmena

Biosketch

Jose M. Carmena is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, Cognitive Science, and Neuroscience at the University of California-Berkeley, and Co-Director of the Center for Neural Engineering and Prostheses at UC Berkeley and UCSF. His research program in systems neuroscience and neural engineering is aimed at understanding the neural basis of sensorimotor learning and control, and at building the science and engineering base that will allow the creation of reliable neuroprosthetic systems for the severely disabled. Dr. Carmena received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain) in 1995 and the University of Valencia (Spain) in 1997. Following those he received the M.S. degree in artificial intelligence and the Ph.D. degree in robotics both from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK) in 1998 and 2002 respectively.
From 2002 to 2005 he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Neurobiology and the Center for Neuroengineering at Duke University (Durham, NC). In the summer of 2005 he joined the faculty of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, the Program in Cognitive Science, and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. He is senior member of the IEEE (EMB, RA, and SMC societies), Society for Neuroscience, and the Neural Control of Movement Society. Dr. Carmena has been the recipient of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Early Career Achievement Award (2011), the Aspen Brain Forum Prize in Neurotechnology (2010), the National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2010), the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2009), the Okawa Foundation Research Grant Award (2007), the UC Berkeley Hellman Faculty Award (2007), and the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2003).

Neural adaptations to a brain-machine interface

Abstract:

Closed-loop brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) provide a framework for studying cortical dynamics and the neural correlates of learning neuroprosthetic skills, i.e. accurate, readily-recalled control of disembodied actuators irrespective of natural physical movements. In this talk I will present exciting results from our lab showing that:

1) the brain can consolidate neuroprosthetic motor skill in a way that resembles that of natural motor learning;

2) proficient neuroprosthetic control reversibly reshapes cortical networks through local effects;

3) learned neuroprosthetic actions are intentional and goal-directed, rather than habitual;

4) corticostriatal plasticity is necessary for neuroprosthetic skill learning;

5) neuroprosthetic control capitalizes on the neural circuitry involved in natural motor learning.

This will be followed by discussion on BMI systems design with the goal of developing neuroprosthetic devices for the impaired.

Toshio Fukuda

Biosketch

Toshio Fukuda graduated from Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan in 1971 and received the Master of Engineering degree and the Doctor of Engineering degree both from the University of Tokyo, in 1973 and 1977, respectively. He joined the National Mechanical Engineering Laboratory in Japan. He joined the Science University of Tokyo in 1981, and then joined Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya University, Japan in 1989. He was President of IEEE Robotics& Automation Society (1998-1999), IEEE Director Division X Systems & Control (2001-2002), Editor-In-Chief, IEEE/ASME Trans.
Mechatronics (2000-2012), IEEE Region 10 Director-elect (2011-2012).
At present, he is Professor of Dept. of Micro System Engineering and Dept. of Mechano-Informatics and Systems, Nagoya University, Japan. He is director of Center for Micro and Nano Mechatronics. He is mainly engaging in the research fields of intelligent robotic system, micro and nano robotics, bio-robotic system, and technical diagnosis and error recovery system. He was appointed as a Russell Springer Chair professor at UC Berkeley (2010), Distinguished Professor of Seoul National University (2010-2011), Guest Professor of HUST ( 1994-).
He was the President of IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (1998-1999), Director of the IEEE Division X, Systems and Control (2001-2002), the Founding President of IEEE Nanotechnology Council (2002-2005), and Region 10 Director-elect (2011-2012). He was Editor-in-Chief of IEEE/ASME Trans.
Mechatronics (2000-2002).
He was the Founding General Chairman of IEEE International Workshop on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) held in Tokyo (1988) He was Founding Chair of the IEEE Workshop on Advanced Robotics Technology and Social Impacts (ARSO, 2005), Founding Chair of the IEEE Workshop on System Integration Internatioal (SII, 2008), Founding Chair of the International Symposium on Micro-Nano Mechatronics and Human Science (MHS, 1990-2011).
He has received many awards such as IEEE Eugene Mittelmann Achievement Award (1997), IEEE Third Millennium Medal (2000) , IEEE Robotics and Automation Pioneer Award (2004), IEEE Transaction Automation Science and Engineering Googol Best New Application Paper Award (2007), George Saridis Leadership Award in Robotics and Automation (2009), IEEE Robotics and Automation Technical Field Award (2010). IEEE Fellow (1995). SICE Fellow (1995). JSME Fellow (2002), RSJ Fellow (2004), VRSJ(2011),  and member of Science Council of Japan (2008- ).

Micro and Nano Robotics System for Single Cell Analysis

Abstract:

Micro-nano robotics system nowadays has a solid discipline, as synergetic integration of the micro and nano sensor, actuator, control, computer and material, and wide spread applications to industry and consumer in our daily life. Micro-nano fabrication, materials, assembly with evaluation leads downsizing of the products and give more economical material and energy efficiency, and more functions from the viewpoints of Green and Life innovations. In this presentation, carbon nano-tube
(CNT) and wires are often used as materials of fabricating the sensor and 3D nano-assembly structure.
Furthermore, micro-nano mechatronics give a new dimension of theory and applications in the life science, such as medical engineering, bio-engineering, bio-robotics and other areas. In particular, more active observation with micro-nano robotic manipulation has been more popular, leading new discovery and finding in single cell analysis as well as improving the quality of life. 2D/3D Cell assembly system will also be shown in this presentation.

Neville Hogan

Biosketch

Neville Hogan is Sun Jae Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research is in robotics, motor neuroscience, and rehabilitation engineering. He is Director of the Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehabilitation and a founder and director of Interactive Motion Technologies, Inc. Awards include Honorary Doctorates from Delft University of Technology and Dublin Institute of Technology, the Silver Medal of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, the Henry M. Paynter Outstanding Investigator Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the Rufus T. Oldenburger Medal from the Dynamic Systems and Control Division of ASME.

Contact robotics: Physical interaction in assistive and therapeutic technologies

Abstract: 

Physical interaction between humans and machines is a key element of emerging assistive and therapeutic technologies. Clinical evidence shows that robotic neuro-motor therapy is effective. It requires sensitive but forceful physical interaction with a patient, yet physical contact can severely de-stabilize robots. Motorized amputation prostheses present even greater challenges. They must manage physical interaction with objects in the world as well as with the amputee. This talk will review how machine mimicry of natural control provides the gentleness required for robotic therapy and enables seamless coordination of natural and prosthetic limbs. I will argue that knowledge of the human motor control system is a pre-requisite for success in these applications.

J. Marc Simard

Biosketch

Professor J. Marc Simard, M.D., Ph.D., has an active practice of neurosurgery in which he specializes in treating patients with brain tumors, aneurysms and other vascular abnormalities using conventional micro-neurosurgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Professor Simard also runs an active basic science laboratory staffed by 18 scientists that is heavily funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense of the United States. His laboratory is focused on advancements in the molecular mechanisms of brain injury in stroke, hemorrhage and trauma. Over the last 6 years, he has developed a strong collaboration with Professor Jaydev Desai of the Robotics, Automation and Medical Systems laboratory of the University of Maryland Clark School of Engineering, where they have worked jointly to develop the next generation of miniature, MRI compatible intracranial robots for advanced neurosurgical applications.

Problems in neurosurgery - A rich enviroment for Engineers

Abstract: 

Recent decades have witnessed a growing interest in the use of robotics to aid in neurosurgery. Purported advantages over currently available, image-guided micro-neurosurgery have been said to include an increase in precision in positioning needles used for the biopsy of tumors, and electrodes used for electrical stimulation or tissue ablation. Although such goals have been met, monetary costs have been high and real benefits, in terms of patient care, have been questioned. Numerous problems persist in neurosurgery that are not satisfactorily addressed either by conventional micro-neurosurgery or by current robot-assisted neurosurgery. Two critical areas include: (i) minimally invasive resection of hematomas and tumors deep to eloquent cortex, with minimal or no disturbance to overlying tissues; (ii) quasireal-time, intraoperative delineation of normal versus abnormal tissues, for the complete and safe resection of tumors such as gliomas. Successfully attacking these problems will require major technical advances that are uniquely suited to robotic engineering.

Nitish V. Thakor 

Biosketch

Nitish V. Thakor is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins and directs the Laboratory for Neuroengineering. His expertise is in the areas of neuroengineering, neural instrumentation, rehabilitation, neural control of prosthesis and brain machine interface. He has published 230 refereed journal papers and generated 11 patents.  He was the Editor in Chief of IEEE Transactions on Neural and Rehabilitation Engineering (2005-2011). Dr. Thakor is a recipient of a Research Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health, Presidential Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation, and the Centennial Medal from the University of Wisconsin School of Engineering. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, IEEE and Founding Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society.

Building a Brain Machine Interface: the Neuroprosthetics Grand Challenge

Abstract:

Brain machine interface (BMI) in its infancy involved using EEG signals to control computer cursors. Upon further maturing practical real time interpretation of rhythms resulted in demonstration of BMI for wheelchair control. However, revolutionary advances in prosthetic technology has resulted in limbs with as many as 22 degrees of freedom.  BMI for controlling prosthetic limb can use surface electromyography, noninvasive EEG, or invasive Electrocorticography (ECoG) and neural local field potentials or spike activity. This talk will present the problems and challenges of recording and interpreting these signals and strategies for achieving elegant high dimensional control of prosthesis.