inControl

Karl Henrik Johansson, a Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Director of Digital Futures, dives into fascinating topics like hybrid systems and wireless control. He shares insights from his PhD journey and the significance of relay feedback in PID tuning. The discussion highlights the future of transportation, focusing on platooning in freight and innovations in autonomous vehicles. Johansson also addresses cybersecurity concerns in control systems and emphasizes the need for collaborative research to tackle societal challenges ahead.

Munther Dahleh, the William Coolidge Professor at MIT, shares his remarkable insights into control theory and its societal implications. He discusses the evolution of data systems, emphasizing their role in addressing complex issues like renewable energy and electric vehicles. The conversation touches on the intricacies of agile robotics and motion planning, intertwined with human-AI interactions. Dahleh also explores the dynamics of information flow in social networks and the importance of analytical thinking in engineering education, inspiring future innovators to embrace challenges.

Bart De Moor, a Professor at KU Leuven, dives into the fascinating realms of subspace identification and linear algebra. He shares insights from his academic journey, influenced by giants like Willems and his experiences at Stanford alongside Golub and Kailath. The discussion touches on the evolution of machine learning and its connection to quantum information. Bart also offers valuable advice on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of networking and intellectual property for future innovators.

Francesco Bullo, an expert in geometric control, robotic networks, and mathematical sociology, discusses his research journey from Italy to California. Topics include robotic locomotion, academic environments, networked systems, contraction theory, coupled oscillators in power grids, and the art gallery problem. Bullo also shares insights on writing, publishing, and professional service in the field of control systems.

Brian Douglas, Principal Technical Marketing Manager at MathWorks and the brain behind Engineering Media, dives into his journey from Boeing to space mining. He discusses the birth of his popular control theory videos, focusing on innovative, engaging teaching methods. The conversation highlights his visual map of control theory, designed to clarify complex concepts, and the importance of creativity in education. Douglas also shares insights on the future of control education, emphasizing interaction and real-world applications.

Outline00:00 - Intro01:17 - Early Years04:17 - The “Scenic Route” to Control Theory12:44 - Sampled Data Systems22:26 - Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) Identification28:07 - From Distributed Systems and PDEs ...38:59 - ... to Distributed Control of Spatially Invariant Systems49:02 - Taming the Navier-Stokes Equations50:55 - Advice to Future Students1:13:12 - Coherence in Large Scale Systems1:32:28 - On Resistive Losses in Power Systems1:39:00 - Cochlear Instabilities1:50:40 - Stochasticity in Feedback Loops2:00:00 - About Linear and Nonlinear Control2:08:14 - How to Select a Research Problem2:14:21 - Future of Control2:22:06 - OutroLinks- Paper on moment-invariants and object recognition: https://tinyurl.com/26tnks3z- Bassam’s PhD Thesis: https://tinyurl.com/3n2274dv- Identification of linear parametrically varying systems: https://tinyurl.com/mryebhhy- Distributed control of spatially invariant systems: https://tinyurl.com/rzszjch2- Shift Operator: https://tinyurl.com/24fwehet- Heat Equation: https://tinyurl.com/57rc6s7h- Navier-Stokes Equations: https://tinyurl.com/45ktrd2e- The impulse response of the Navier-Stokes equations: https://tinyurl.com/4vaausfn- Non-Normal Matrix: https://tinyurl.com/58z4sph8- Coherence in large-scale networks: https://tinyurl.com/ynm5cbay- The Price of Synchrony: https://tinyurl.com/3svzancw- Tinnitus: https://tinyurl.com/yc5hm549- Cochlear Instabilities: https://tinyurl.com/fjespjbj- Stochasticity in Feedback Loops: https://tinyurl.com/yc6aw9xt- Koopman Operator: https://tinyurl.com/3jeu68p8- Carleman Linearization: https://tinyurl.com/yckzrnfh- Mamba Model: https://tinyurl.com/33h59jwj- Spectral Factorization: https://tSupport the showPodcast infoPodcast website: https://www.incontrolpodcast.com/Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5n84j85jSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/4rwztj3cRSS: https://tinyurl.com/yc2fcv4yYoutube: https://tinyurl.com/bdbvhsj6Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3z24yr43Twitter: https://twitter.com/IncontrolPInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/35cu4kr4Acknowledgments and sponsorsThis episode was supported by the National Centre of Competence in Research on «Dependable, ubiquitous automation» and the IFAC Activity fund. The podcast benefits from the help of an incredibly talented and passionate team. Special thanks to L. Seward, E. Cahard, F. Banis, F. Dörfler, J. Lygeros, ETH studio and mirrorlake . Music was composed by A New Element.

Alberto Sangiovanni Vincentelli, an esteemed professor at UC Berkeley, shares his insights into cutting-edge technology. He discusses platform-based design in biology and its potential to create innovative biobricks. The conversation delves into hybrid systems and their application in the automotive industry, alongside the evolving concept of chiplets in circuit design. Sangiovanni explores how neuromorphic design mimics brain operations and emphasizes the role of innovative ecosystems. He also reflects on the philosophy of luck, highlighting how courage can shape one’s opportunities.

Alberto Sangiovanni Vincentelli, a luminary in electronic design automation and co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, shares his remarkable journey in technology. He delves into the evolution of circuit design through innovations like SPICE and logic synthesis. The conversation touches on his work with IBM and Intel, highlighting the Intel x386's impact. He also explores the shift towards automotive innovation and platform-based design. Throughout, he reflects on the cyclical nature of technological advancements and the integration of academic insights with industrial needs.

Aude Billard, a renowned professor at EPFL and a groundbreaking figure in robot learning, shares her journey from physics to robotics. She delves into the vibrant atmosphere of Edinburgh's academic scene that inspired her PhD work. Billard discusses the fascinating concepts of imitation learning and connectionism, revealing their importance in enhancing robotic capabilities. She also addresses the challenges of dexterous manipulation in unpredictable environments and advocates for more democratic practices in academic publishing while encouraging students to pursue their passion in science.

In this podcast, guest Naomi Ehrich Leonard, expert in collective decision-making, discusses fascinating topics such as starling flock formations, decision making in the natural world, political polarization, control theory and dancing, creativity, and the importance of pursuing exciting directions for enhancing creativity.