Autonomous Systems and Connectivity

The Smart Systems Group at the University of Glasgow (UoG) is pleased to announce that one of their PhD students, Mr. Daniel Mitchell, has been accepted to participate in the Visiting Student Researcher Program within the Control and Dynamical Systems Division at California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

This research will consist of a 3-month project in Pasadena, Los Angeles and to focus on the advancement of digital twinning technology for robotics and autonomous systems. The project will commence in September 2023 where Daniel will be under the supervison of Prof. Soon-Jo Chung, Bren Professor of Control and Dynamical Systems and Senior Research Scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Caltech Primary Supervisor) and Prof. David Flynn, Professor of Cyber Physical Systems at the University of Glasgow (UoG Secondary Supervsor).

'We are delighted to have received the support from our sponsors as to create the opportunity for two of the worlds leading universities, to explore a partnership in delivering global game changing research in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI).'- Prof. David Flynn

Daniel's work to date has consisted of developing a Symbiotic Multi-Robot Fleet (SMuRF) aimed at Offshore Renewable Energy and Nuclear sectors. This includes using a wide range of robot types, which work together to overcome challenges in the environment when completing their inspection duties. This work utilises a digital twin interface with a human in the loop to ensure coordination of robots and mission reporting.

ICRA 2023: A Scalable Cyber Physical Architecture for Symbiotic Multi-Robot Fleet Autonomy

'We are delighted to welcome Daniel from the University of Glasgow to our team at California Institute of Technology. Both of our institutions provide global leadership in RAI and through international collaboration we aim to accelerate learning and impact from the technologies we create. Such collaborations can forge new research frontiers, where research and innovation converge as to address global challenges where robots can do good for our global society.' - Prof. Soon-Jo Chung 

Daniel is being funded under several mobility awards to support his travel and accomodation whilst conducting this project. We would like to thank: 

• The Scottish International Education Trust who provide financial help to Scottish men and women who show exceptional ability and promise. 
• The Glasgow Mobility Award aimed at promoting new collaborations and enabling students to work with internationally renowned laboraties or research environments.
• The Mac Robertson Travel Award aimed at fostering collaborative links with other research institutions.
• Autonomous Systems and Connectivity Division at the University of Glasgow - Prof. Muhammad Imran and Prof. David Flynn 

'It's an amazing opportunity to work with an institution which has world class engineers, facilities and knowledge. The research I will be conducting will enable to significantly advance robotics and autonomous systems with respect to resilience, reliability and safety. I am extremely grateful to have been awarded funding from everyone who has supported me in making this project possible.' - Mr. Daniel Mitchell 

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First published: 20 July 2023