Browsing by Author "de Silva, C. W"

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Embargo
Design evolution of engineering systems using bond graphs and genetic programming
(Pergamon, 2016-02-01) Samarakoon, B. L; Gamage, L. B; de Silva, C. W
This paper presents a scheme of evolutionary design optimization, which integrates modeling with bond graphs and optimization using genetic programming for multi-domain engineering systems, particularly mechatronic systems. The performance of the developed system is studied using both experimentation and simulation. During the evolutionary optimization, in addition to the desired response error, system complexity is also taken into account. For the experimental study, the method is implemented in an industrial fish processing machine at the Industrial Automation Laboratory of the University of British Columbia, and the obtained results for suggested design modifications are studied and tested. The drawbacks of the fitness calculation methodologies that are presented in literature are identified and improved fitness functions are developed for evolutionary design in the present work. While previous work has investigated the integration of bond graphs and genetic programming for designing an engineering system, the present work specifically addresses the application of the developed method for the design improvement of an industrial machine. The proposed method is applicable particularly to existing engineering systems, first because the initial model can be tested by comparing its simulated results with the corresponding results from the actual physical system, and second because the design improvements as suggested by the evolutionary design framework, which is developed in the present work, may be implemented and tested against the behavior of the corresponding model.
Open Access
Intelligent Robotics—Misconceptions, Current Trends and Opportunities
(SLIIT,Faculty of Engineering, 2022-02-11) de Silva, C. W
The concepts of “Robots” have been of interest to humans from the historical times, initially with the desire to create “artificial slaves.” Since the technology was not developing to keep up with the “dreams,” initially Robotics was primarily of entertainment value, relegated to plays, movies, stories, and so on. The practical applications started in the late 1950s and the 1960s with the development of programmable devices for factories and assembly lines, as flexible automation. However, since the expectations were not adequately realized, the general enthusiasm and funding for Robotics subsided to some extent. With subsequent research, developments, and curricular enhancement in Engineering and Computer Science and with the resurgence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning, Robotics has found numerous practical applications today, in industry, medicine, household, the service sector, and the general society. Important developments and practical strides are being made, particularly in Soft Robotics, Mobile Robotics (Aerial—drones, Under Water, Ground-based—autonomous vehicles in particular), Swarm Robotics, Homecare, Surgery, Assistive Devices, and Active Prosthesis. This talk will start with a brief history of Robotics while indicating some associated myths and unfair expectations. Next it will outline key developments in the area. In particular, some important practical applications of Intelligent Robotics, as developed by groups worldwide including the Industrial Automation Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, headed by the author, will be indicated. Some misconceptions and shortcomings concerning Intelligent Robotics will be pointed out. The main shortcomings concern the mechanical capabilities and the nature of intelligence. The talk will conclude by mentioning future trends and key opportunities available in Intelligent Robotics, for both developed and developing counties.