Georgia Institute of Technology College of Sciences

Science explains through systematic inquiry; magic celebrates that which defies explanation. This will be tour of sorts along the boundary between science and magic. We will explore the magic of quantum mechanics, the predictions of knot theory, and randomness, as well as the mysteries of the number 58008.

The loops on a topological space up to an equivalence relation called homotopy form a group called the fundamental group. We'll define the fundamental group and talk about two riddles whose solutions use this idea.

TBA

We will present a broad overview of UTRC’s research initiative in Autonomous and Intelligent Systems (AIS) that was created to conceive, develop and mature a broad range of intelligent mobile robotic systems and capabilities to enhance and support the diverse array of businesses that comprise the United Technologies Corporation. While initial efforts have been focused on Sikorsky Aircraft unmanned rotorcraft, the initiative is now expanding to include other aerospace and commercial applications, as well. The research, conducted by a diverse team of researchers in robotics, dynamical systems, control, applied mathematics, computer vision, and computer science (in partnership with several leading universities including CMU, MIT, UPenn, and UCB) includes: • Real-time algorithms for dynamic collision avoidance in an obstacle-rich environment using probabilistic roadmaps. • Navigation with imperfect and intermittent sensors in GPS degraded environments. • Multi-vehicle missions including efficient robotic search algorithms based on ergodic theory methods. • Collaborative motion planning for multiple aerial and ground robots in large, cluttered environments, trading off mission objectives while satisfying logical/spatial/temporal constraints. • Intelligent system design methodology including architectures for autonomy, human-machine systems, and formal verification. We will conclude with research problems of interest to UTRC and discuss existing and future career and internship opportunities in the broad area of autonomy and robotics.