CISR Latest news

International Immersive Simulation Workshop hosted by CISR, Boston Dynamics and the Defence Science Institute

On 2 May CISR hosted the Immersive Simulation: Challenges and Opportunities workshop, at Deakin University. Workshop participant's experienced the latest developments in modelling and simulation, with sessions covering the creation, application and benefits of virtual human models, crowd behaviour simulation and analysis, human performance measurement, biomechanical and ergonomic modelling, and more. Attendees learned how to create digital human models for real life scenarios involving everything from manufacturing, law enforcement and logistics management to medicine and defence.

Several workshop sessions focused on recent developments with Boston Dynamics' DI-Guy Human Simulation Software. Participants learnt how to interface Motion Capture systems and the Microsoft Kinect with DI-Guy scenarios allowing dynamic avatar control for crowd behaviour simulation. A second workshop session demonstrated the integration of haptic devices with DI-Guy for disaster management and evacuation scenarios. Those in attendance were shown how models of real life robotic platforms, such as CISR's OzBot, can be controlled using a 3D mouse and a desktop haptic device for virtual search and rescue training tasks. Additional workshop sessions highlighted the use of DI-Guy for rehabilitation and remote education, human performance modelling and measurement using Digital Biomechanics software, and the design and development of virtual reality systems for part task training and ergonomic analysis.

CISR would like to thank all event partners including Boston Dynamics, the Defence Science Institute, Simulation Australia, DI-Guy, Deakin University and the State Government of Victoria.

Boston Dynamics and CISR teaming up to improve simulation and training for the future

At the 2012 International Immersive Simulation Workshop hosted by the Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR) at Deakin University's Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus (Australia), Boston Dynamics and CISR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable further collaborative research.

CISR has been working closely with Boston Dynamics to develop new functionality for their DI-Guy and Digital Biomechanics environments. The developments have application in areas such as airport security training, online fatigue analysis for soldiers in the battlefield, haptic interfaces for operators and training counter-IED operators.

The MoU was jointly signed on behalf of Boston Dynamics by Martin Pincock, Director of Sales and Business Development and on behalf of Deakin University by Professor Lee Astheimer, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research).

DARPA Ex-Director reviews CISR research

DARPA Ex-Director Dr. Tony Tether visited CISR at Deakin University in May 2012, critically reviewing a number of key defence-based research projects. Dr. Tether also visited CISR's defence, robotics, haptics and universal motion simulator research labs, assessing research carried out by the 50 resident researchers. CISR Director Professor Saeid Nahavandi said it was great to receive such positive feedback and to perform benchmarking against some of the world's leading research organisations.

CISR's Dr. Asim Bhatti designs improved multielectrode array at Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Asim Bhatti, senior research academic at CISR, was awarded an Australian Endeavour Fellowship in 2011 that led to multidisciplinary research in collaboration with renowned Georgia Institute of Technology researchers. The joint research with Prof. Hamid Garmestani (Laboratory of Micromechanics of Materials) and A/Prof. Steve Potter (Potter Lab - Laboratory for Neuroengineering) focussed on the design and development of improved multielectrode arrays.

Microelectrode arrays are electronic devices used to integrate with living neuron cells to investigate their working principles and behaviour in response to different environmental influences and stimulations. In vitro multichannel recordings from neurons have been used as important evidence in neuroscientific studies to understand the fundamentals of neural network mechanisms in the brain as well as to study the effect of structural, biochemical and electrical abnormalities on the overall capabilities of the brain.

Dr. Bhatti's research developed an improved multielectrode array architecture featuring:

• improved electrode geometry for better adhesion and interfacing with neurons;
• high conductivity, for improved signal to noise ratio, and biocompatible materials allowing long term neural studies without making the environment inhospitable; and
• higher resolution and scale of electrodes for better neural mapping and the ability to investigate larger neural networks collectively

This ongoing collaboration has facilitated the design of new Ti/SiN/Ag multielectrode arrays with improved cage-like electrode geometry to better interface with neurons.

CISR's Zoran Najdovski wins 2012 Australian Endeavour Research Fellowship for Japan

CISR post-doctoral research fellow, Dr. Zoran Najdovski, has won the prestigious 2012 Endeavour Research Fellowship, to join Professor Toshio Fukuda's group at Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan. While in Japan, Zoran will investigate modelling haptic interaction for medical robotic teleoperation.

The Endeavour Awards are a part of the Australia Awards initiative which was announced in November 2009. The Australia Awards have been established to maximise the benefit to Australia of its extensive scholarship programs, and to support enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours. Further information is available at www.australiaawards.gov.au

CISR revs up for the 2012 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

CISR researchers have returned from displaying a number of robots to the crowds attending the 2012 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. On display were robots ranging from factory automation tugs, police explosive handling robots and the next generation of military bots.

The hugely successful display was met with enthusiasm from school children, industry representatives and members of parliament alike. Minister Richard Dalla-Riva (State Minister for Manufacturing, Exports & Trade) spent time on the stand using military robot prototypes and discussing their capabilities and future within the manufacturing and exports space.

CISR wishes to thank the Defence Science Institute for providing stand space for use during the Grand Prix.

Defence Science Institute....details

CISR welcomes Prof. Anthony Maciejewski as an Honorary Professor

Prof. Maciejewski's research and teaching interests centre on the analysis, simulation, and control of kinematically redundant robotic systems. His current work focuses on how kinematic redundancy can be utilized to design failure tolerant robotic systems for remote operations. His research has been supported by NSF, Sandia National Laboratories, DARPA, NASA, National Imagery and Mapping Agency, Missile Defense Agency, Non-lethal Technology Innovation Center, the NEC Corporation, Caterpillar, AT&T, H-P, Intel, Wolf Robotics, and the TRW Foundation.

Prof. Anthony A. Maciejewski received the B.S.E.E (summa cum laude), M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering in 1982, 1984, and 1987, respectively, all from The Ohio State University. In 1988, Prof. Maciejewski joined the faculty of Purdue University as an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1993 and Full Professor in 1998. In August of 2001 he joined Colorado State University where he is currently a Professor and Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Biography for Prof. Anthony Maciejewski
Articulated Motion (ArM) Laboratory, Colorado State University

CISR hosts Suzanne Cory High School

Approximately 60 Year 9 & 10 students from Suzanne Cory High School recently visited the CISR facilities as part of a 3-day Orientation/Leadership program organised by the Deakin YMCA. The program, designed to promote team building and student awareness of university research programs, gave 400 visiting students a hands-on look at many of the exciting research projects happening within Deakin University.

Places were limited, but the lucky students and staff who stopped by the CISR area were able to try their skills on a haptic dental training simulator, 'feel' virtual materials such as jelly, clay and water, or even 'touch' a virtual beating heart!

Students and teachers were also invited to participate in a live-demo of CISR's Universal Motion Simulator, a next-generation air and ground vehicle simulator. The multi-million dollar simulator allows a person to pilot an aircraft using force-enabled controls and a 3D headset and experience ultra-realistic forces, or drive a virtual vehicle down a track and feel every bump! The simulator, designed to evaluate pilot performance and safely train for difficult missions, can move the pilot into any orientation, even upside-down, and pull up to 6g's of acceleration.

CISR thanks both the Deakin YMCA and Suzanne Cory High School for the opportunity to participate in the program.

CISR BBQ Group Photo

A recent CISR group barbeque held in conjunction with our weekly 2012 Research Seminar Series proved to be the perfect opportunity to capture some of the ever-expanding team of intelligent systems researchers in attendance.

In preparation for Christmas this year Santa has made the trip down-under for some flight training! Santa tested his skills on the new CISR Haptically-Enabled Universal Motion Simulator (UMS) to make sure that he can deliver all of his presents on time this Christmas Eve. We have a feeling Santa's reindeer will be flying super-fast this year, hope you've been good!

Have a Very Merry CISR Christmas!

CISR wins two ARC awards

At the ARC Major Grants Announcement at Parliament House on 1 November 2011 Senator The Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research visited the Deakin University stand to get a grip on using haptics. Professor Saeid Nahavandi is shown left describing the outcome of some recent ARC funded awards.

CISR was awarded both a discovery and linkage grant at the announcement. CISR's discovery award(50 KB) will develop new interval type-2 fuzzy logic system-based tools for quantifying uncertainties present in complex systems. The outcome of this project will greatly help all Australian industries and organisations that directly or indirectly use model-based estimation for prediction and forecasting purposes.

CISR was also awarded a linkage grant(41 KB) to focus on adaptive scenario generation and performance evaluation for virtual training of helicopter pilots. This project will develop effective pilot training methods, delivered through virtual simulation, to improve aviation safety.

CISR's Aung Kyaw Soe develops method for degassing PDMS with readily available equipment

CISR PhD student Aung Kyaw Soe has devised a method of degassing a PDMS mixture without a vacuum desiccator or a laboratory centrifuge and curing the PDMS chip in an ordinary kitchen oven. See Chips and Tips for further details

Prof. Anthony Maciejewski visits CISR

IEEE Fellow, Professor Anthony A. Maciejewski visited the Centre for Intelligent Systems Research in August 2011 as part of an ongoing research collaboration between CISR and the Articulated Motion (ArM) Laboratory at Colorado State University. Joint research between the groups has focused on kinematic redundancy and fault tolerant robotics.

CISR's Khashayar Khoshmanesh wins Prestigious Research Award

CISR post-doctoral research fellow, Khashayar Khoshmanesh, has won the very prestigious 2011 American Australian Association Fellowship to join Professor Juan G. Santiago's group at Stanford Microfluidics Laboratory, Stanford University, USA. Khashayar will investigate rapid detection of bacterial infections in blood samples using microfluidics.

The American Australian Association awards individual fellowships for advanced study in the United States of up to US$30,000 each year. The fellowships build on existing strong social and economic partnerships and foster intellectual exchange between the United States and Australia. Fellowships are named Sir Keith Murdoch Fellows after the association's principal founder.

Deakin newsroom....details

CISR hosts VDMC Seminar

CISR recently hosted a meeting of Victorian Direct Manufacturing Centre (VDMC) participants at their Deakin University research centre. Ron Mack, a case manager with Commercialisation Australia (CA) presented a seminar on CA's grant's programs, eligibility and merit criteria.

CISR wins ARC grant with Boeing, General Motors and Vestas

The outcome of the latest round of Australian Research Council grants was announced by Senator The Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, on 30 May 2011. CISR was awarded a linkage grant (52KB) with three of the world's largest companies as research partners; Boeing, General Motors and Vestas. The project will develop methods to optimise and schedule networks of smart and traditional cameras in a manufacturing environment to capture knowledge, manage performance and identify causes of quality degradation. This research will assist Australian manufacturers to stay competitive in the dynamic global market. CISR's proposal was the only winner in the Manufacturing Engineering field of research.

Deakin newsroom....details

CISR successful in Collaborative Research Network (CRN) project bid

A joint 'Self-sustaining Regions Research and Innovation Initiative' involving Deakin University and the University of Ballarat was recently announced. This Collaborative Research Network (CRN) project is aimed at strengthening regional 'well-being' and driving regional rejuvenation through an alliance of research excellence in regional landscape change; regional social connectedness and health; and regional information use and systems optimisation. Deakin University, including CISR, will contribute expertise in modelling and optimisation, visualisation and material research.

2011 World Conference on Innovative Virtual Reality (WINVR2011)

CISR researchers Prof. Saeid Nahavandi and Wael Abdelrahman recently attended the ASME 2011 World Conference on Innovative Virtual Reality (WINVR2011) in Milan, Italy.

CISR welcomes Prof. Toshio Fukuda as an Honorary Professor

Prof. Toshio Fukuda received the B.S. degree from Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, in 1971, and the M.S and Dr. Eng. from the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, in 1973 and 1977, respectively. Prof. Fukuda is currently Director of the Center for Micro-Nano Mechatronics and Professor of the Department of Micro-Nano Systems Engineering at Nagoya University. His research focuses on the fields of intelligent robotic and mechatronic systems, cellular robotic systems and micro- and nano-robotic systems, in which he has published over 700 journal papers and 1000 conference papers.

Biography for Prof. Toshio Fukuda
Fukuda Laboratory, Nagoya University

CISR and ETH Zurich collaborate on Haptics Modelling in Medicine

During a visit to ETH Zurich, PhD Student Wael Abdelrahman has extended data-driven methods in haptic simulation to multiple points of contact. The collaboration between researchers in the vision group at ETH and CISR is addressing haptics deformation modelling challenges in the medical field, to simulate manipulation of soft tissue and organs.

CISR's Hamid Abdi investigates Fault Tolerant Robotics at Colorado State University

Fault tolerance is a current research challenge in the robotics community to design and control robots to be safe and reliable. CISR recently sent PhD researcher Hamid Abdi to Colorado State University (CSU) to initiate research collaboration with IEEE Fellow Professor Anthony A. Maciejewski in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). During this time Hamid investigated reliability for fault tolerant robotic workspaces and fault tolerance of haptics. He also commenced collaborative work connecting fault tolerant techniques for rehabilitation and modelling motion behaviour of disabled people. While visiting CSU, Hamid implemented fault tolerant motion of a PA-10 Mitsubishi robot in the ECE Articulated Motion (ArM) Laboratory.

ARC award

CISR researchers win ARC award (37KB) to help the blind and visually impaired through the use of haptic with their HEAR - Haptic-Enabled Art Realisation research project

The Age....details (118 KB)

Dr Zoran Najdovski explores Nano-manipulation and Medical Haptics in Japan

Under the Endeavour Fellowship program 2010, CISR's Dr Zoran Najdovski recently took part in a collaborative research project with eminent Professor Toshio Fukuda, Director of the Centre for Micro-Nano Mechatronics at Nagoya University (Japan). The joint research focused on precision nano-manipulation and medical haptics. Nanotechnology has demonstrated the potential to provide advanced solutions within electronics and medicine. Due to the complexity of nano-scale dynamics, the goal of this work was to identify and control the interaction forces experienced during the initial contact with a nano-scale object.

The medical haptics component of the research focused on the integration of haptics with medical robotics. Haptics technology was successfully used to remotely control a catheter insertion robot, allowing a doctor to feel forces relating to the catheter tip contacting the interior walls of an artery model. The force feedback utilised deformation measurements of photoelasticity effects from the artery model.

Haptically Assisted Microrobotic Cell Injection

Visiting researcher Ali Ghanbari, from the University of Canterbury (NZ), has spent over six months at CISR investigating Haptically Assisted Microrobotic Cell Injection. Ali's research has utilised haptic interaction to enhance human-in-the-loop cell injection by assisting the operator's control of a micropipette. Experimental results have demonstrated the operation of the approach and considered the relationship between workspace scaling and the operator's resolution. Image processing techniques were used to extract necessary cell parameters and a new potential field haptic virtual fixture was introduced to assist the operator in penetrating the cell at the desired location. A virtual fixture plane was also utilised to prevent the operator from moving the micropipette tip beyond the deposition target.

Prof. Saeid Nahavandi at the University of South Florida

CISR Director Professor Saeid Nahavandi makes an invited talk at the University of South Florida, USA, December 2010

Land Warfare Conference 2010

CISR research Director Professor Saeid Nahavandi provides Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Chief of Army, with update on Haptically Enabled EOD (HEEOD) platform at Land Warfare Conference, Brisbane, November 2010

Fukuda Laboratory Invited Talk

CISR Director Professor Saeid Nahavandi gives an invited presentation at Fukuda Laboratory, Nagoya University September, 2010

Keynote Speech at KES'2010

CISR Director Professor Saeid Nahavandi makes a keynote speech at the 14th International Conference on Knowledge-Based and Intelligent Information & Engineering Systems KES'2010 Cardiff, Wales, UK, September 2010

2010 I/ITSEC Conference, Orlando Florida

CISR attend 2010 I/ITSEC Conference in Orlando, Florida as part of the Australian JSF team.

Australian I/ITSEC brochure

Airport Passenger Screening

CISR research has had a direct impact on improving airport security in Australia, with recent government announcements to changes in airport security measures.

More details..

Related Coverage: "Airport x-rays hide naked truth" - Herald-Sun

Air Cargo Examination

The Australian Government announces upgrades to Air Cargo security, following a recent detailed performance and economic study by CISR.

More details..

Baggage Handling

CISR develops simulation software to study the behaviour of baggage-handling systems and to estimate system responses to security upgrades.

More details..

Port Simulation

3D simulator to aid Melbourne port navigation

DEAKIN University has provided the state channels authority with a 3D simulation to show how the port will cope with bigger ships

The Geelong Advertiser....details (93 KB)

Good sign, Geelong

VRCA .... are currently working on a navigation simulation (NavSim) project for the port of Geelong. That project has used the facilities and expertise of Deakin University's Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR)

LLoyds List....details (153 KB)