Mechatronical Computer Systems that Perceive and Act

[Anders Lansner]

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  * 				Invitation to 				*
  *	International Workshop on Mechatronical Computer Systems 	*
  * 		for Perception and Action, June 1-3, 1993.		*
  *									*
  *                       Halmstad University, Sweden			*
  *									*
  *			First Call for Contributions			*
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  Mechatronical Computer Systems that Perceive and Act
  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  
  A new generation
  ================
  
  Mechatronical computer systems, which we will see in advanced products 
  and production equipment of tomorrow, are designed to do much more than 
  calculate. The interaction with the environment and the integration of 
  computational modules in every part of the equipment, engaging in every 
  aspect of its functioning, put new, and conceptually different, demands
  on the computer system. A development towards a complete integration bet-
  ween the mechanical system, advanced sensors and actuators, and a multi-
  tude of processing modules can be foreseen. At the systems level, power-
  ful algorithms for perceptual integration, goal-direction and action plan-
  ning in real time will be critical components. The resulting 'action-
  oriented systems' may interact with their environments by means of sophi-
  sticated sensors and actuators, often with a high degree of parallelism, 
  and may be able to learn and adapt to different circumstances and environ-
  ments. Perceiveing the objects and events of the external world and act-
  ing upon the situation in accordance with an appropriate behaviour, whet-
  her programmed, trained, or learned, are key functions of these, next 
  generation, computer systems.
  
  The aim of this first International Workshop on Mechatronical Computer 
  Systems for Perception and Action is to gather researchers and industrial 
  development engineers, who work with different aspects of this exciting 
  new generation of computing systems and computerbased applications, to a 
  fruitful exchange of ideas and results and, often interdisciplinary, disc-
  ussions. 
  
  Workshop Form
  =============
  
  One of the days of the workshop will be devoted to 'true workshop activi-
  ties'. The objective is to identify and propose research directions and 
  key problem areas in mechatronical computing systems for perception and 
  action. In the morning session, invited speakers, as well as other work-
  shop delegates, will give their perspectives on the theme of the workshop. 
  The work will proceed in smaller working groups during the afternoon, after 
  which the conclusions will be presented in a plenary session.
  
  The scientific programme will also include presentations of research res-
  ults in oral or poster form, or as demonstrations.
  
  Subject Areas
  =============
  
  The programme committee welcomes all kinds of contributions  papers to be 
  presented orally or as posters, demonstrations, etc.  in the areas listed
  below, as well as other areas of relevance to the theme of the workshop.
  
  From the workshop point of view, it is not essential that contributions 
  contain only new, unpublished results. Rather, the new, interdisciplinary 
  collection of delegates that can be expected at the workshop may motivate
  presentations of earlier published results.
  
  Specifically, we invite delegates to state their view of the workshop 
  theme, including identification of key reserch issues and research direc-
  tions. The planning of the workshop day will be based on these submitted 
  statements , some of which will be presented in the plenary session, 
  some of which in the smaller working groups.
  
  At this early stage we also welcome proposals for session themes and in-
  vited talks. 
  
  Relevant subject areas are e.g.:
  --------------------------------
  
  Real-Time Systems Architecture and Real-Time 
  Software.
  
  Sensor Systems and Sensory/Motor Coordina-
  tion.
  
  Biologically Inspired Systems.
  
  Applications of Unsupervised and Reinforce-
  ment Learning.
  
  Real-Time Decision Making and Action Plan-
  ning.
  
  Parallel Processor Architectures for Embedded 
  Systems.
  
  Development Tools and Support Systems for 
  Mechatronical Computer Systems and Applica-
  tions.
  
  Dependable Computer Systems.
  
  Robotics and Machine Vision.
  
  Neural Networks in Real-Time Applications.
  
  Advanced Mechatronical Computing Demands 
  in Industry.
  
  IMPORTANT DATES
  ================
  
  Dec. 15, 1992: Proposals for Invited speakers, Panel discussions, Special 
  sessions, etc.
  
  Febr. 1, 1993: Submissions of extended abstracts (4 pages max.) or full 
  papers. Submissions of statements regarding perspectives on the conference
  theme, that the delegate would like to present at the workshop (4 pages max.)
  
  March 1, 1993: Notification of acceptance. Pre-liminary final programme.
  
  May 1, 1993: Final papers and statements.
  
  ORGANISERS
  ==========
  
  The workshop is arranged by CCA, the Centre for Computer Architecture at 
  Halmstad University, Sweden, in cooperation with the DAMEK Mechatronics 
  Research Group and the SANS (Studies of Artificial Neural Systems) Research 
  Group, both at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden, 
  and the Department of Computer Engineering, Chalmers University of Techno-
  logy, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  
  The Organising Committee includes:
  
  Lars Bengtsson, CCA, Organising Chair
  
  Anders Lansner, SANS
  
  Kenneth Nilsson, CCA
  
  Bertil Svensson, Chalmers University of Technology and CCA, Programme and
  Conference Chair
  
  Per-Arne Wiberg, CCA
  
  Jan Wikander, DAMEK
  
  The workshop is supported by SNNS, the Swedish Neural Network Society.
  
  It is financially supported by Halmstad University, the County Aministration
  of Halland, and Swedish industries.
  
  Social Activities
  
  Social activities and a Programme for Accompanying persons will be arranged.
  
  
  
  
  
  MCPA Workshop, Centre for Computer Architecture, Halmstad University, 
  Box 823, S-30118 Halmstad, Sweden
  
  Tel. +46 35 153134 (Lars Bengtsson), Fax. +46 35 157387, 
  e-mail: mcpa at cca.hh.se
  
  
  
  FURTHER INFORMATION
  ===================
  
  For further information and registration form, fill out the form below 
  and send to: 
  
  MCPA Workshop/Lars Bengtsson
  
  Centre for Computer Architecture
  
  Halmstad University
  
  Box 823
  
  S-30118 HALMSTAD, Sweden
  
  Alternatively, by simply mailing the text 'send info' to mcpa at cca.hh.se
  you will be included in the e-mail mailing list and supplied with up-to-date 
  information.
  
  
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