Special Sessions

Schedule: Monday (December 16) 7:00 - 8:30am
Location: Panorama Lounge (Floor 3)

Organizers: Philip E. Paré (Purdue University) and Martina Maggio (Saarland University)

This activity is aimed at building a community for individuals who identify as under-represented within the Control Systems Society. The program includes some speakers, but most of the time will be devoted to informal interactions. The breakfast is open to students, postdocs, researchers, and faculty members who identify as under-represented in the control systems field, STEM, or the academic community. This may include, but is not limited to, those who identify as being Black/African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, or as having a disability.

(While women are welcome, this event is aimed at those from other under-represented groups. Women are encouraged to attend the Women in Controls luncheon, which provides a similar venue for community building.)

Schedule: Monday (December 16) 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Amber 1 (Floor 2)

Speaker information: Amirpasha Javid (Quanser, Director, Research Partnerships)

Developing a successful grant proposal is a time consuming and cumbersome process with many steps, uncertainties, and hidden corners. Yet it is key to the growth and success of an educational institution’s faculty and their teaching and research objectives. Having a partner that understands federal and private funding mechanisms and knows how to navigate the various steps of submitting a successful grant proposal is a valuable asset. Especially if such assistance is provided at no cost!

In this session we present Quanser's approach to securing funding for academic faculty and how a partnership with Quanser can help you increase the chances of your proposal's success and accessing the tools you need to conduct the proposed work. We will look at examples of previous awarded applications and some of the best practices that were deployed to make them successful. We will also present a few relevant current and upcoming funding opportunities across North America, UK and Europe for your review and consideration.

Please follow the link to register for the session.

Schedule: Monday (December 16), 18:00-19:00
Location: Amber 1 (Floor 2)

Organizers: Venkat Narayan Krovi, Chinmay Samak and Tanmay Samak (Clemson University) 

Join our celebration event to relive the nail-biting races, hear the top teams brag on their winning strategies and start your engines for the physical competition. For more information on the F1TENTH Autonomous Racing Competition, follow the link to the dedicated page.

The list of speakers will be publicized after the announcement of the virtual race results on December 9.

Schedule: Schedule: Monday (December 16) 18:00 - 19:00
Location: Amber 2 (Floor 2)

Organizers: Fabrizio Dabbene (Chapter Chair, CNR IEIIT, Torino); Alessandro Rizzo (Chapter Vice-Chair, Politecnico di Torino), Mauro Franceschelli (Chapter Secretary, Università di Cagliari), Martina Mammarella (Chapter Secretary, CNR IEIIT, Torino)

Abstract: This dedicated session will host the presentation of the ten awardees of the IEEE CSS Italy Best MSc Theses in Control. This is the final event of the Road2CDC Initiative, founded by the IEEE CSS Outreach program to to stimulate students’ interest in controls. The students will present a five minute summary of their MSc thesis. The session will be chaired by the IEEE CSS Vice President for members activities, and it will end with an award ceremony. All the winners will be presented an award certificate, and the best among the presented works will be awarded with a plaque. The session is held immediately before the newcomers and YP reception.

For more information please follow the link.

Schedule: Tuesday (December 17) 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Brown 3 (Floor 2)

Panelists: Prof. Victor Solo - Prof. Pramod Khargonekar - Prof. Bob Bitmead - Prof. Magnus Egerstedt

Précis: The strong promotion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a panacea/menace/smokescreen across so many areas of human endeavor has captured the attention of scientists, policymakers, granting agencies and large fractions of the public. And yet, there is very serious concern both from inside and outside the AI community that the basis for optimism is misplaced, needs rigorous examination, sophisticated regulation, and public oversight. Primarily, there are unmet requirements of quantified performance, interpretation, generalization, etc, etc. Control theory and practice intersects many of the target domains pronounced for AI, and yet has both a more formal methodology and metrics of behavior, bringing the closed-loop firmly into the picture. The rally is aimed at exploring how to achieve this in order to meet these collective challenges and realize the potential opportunities in the control space.

Schedule: Tuesday (December 17) 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Amber 1 (Floor 2)

Organizers: Philip E. Paré (Purdue University), Anastasia Bizyaeva (Cornell University), Brooks A. Butler (University of California, Irvine), Jonas Hall (Boston University)

Graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career researchers are warmly invited to a special lunch session. This lunch will be a perfect opportunity to meet new peers and to make a game plan for the rest of your conference agenda. It is also a chance to meet members of the newly formed NextCom committee within the IEEE Control Systems Society (CSS) and learn about upcoming resources, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at supporting early career members of our community. All are welcome!
Please join us to learn about all the exciting things happening in CSS and explore getting more involved! Please sign up by using the following link. 

Schedule: Wednesday (December 18) 12:00 – 13:30
Location: Amber 1 (Floor 2)

Organizer: Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs

Speakers: S. Di Cairano, K. Berntorp, A. Vinod, A. Weiss

Abstract: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) is a leading research organization that conducts fundamental research for industrially motivated problems. MERL is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a global manufacturer of a wide range of products including robots, automotive, HVAC, factory automation, electrical systems, and space systems. MERL researchers collaborate with corporate laboratories and academic partners from around the world to develop novel solutions to challenging problems.

Schedule: Wednesday (December 18) 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Amber 2 (Floor 2)

Organizer: Marcello Farina (Dipartimento di Elettronica e Informazione, Politecnico di Milano)

Speakers: Marcello Farina and Matteo Corno (Dipartimento di Elettronica e Informazione, Politecnico di Milano); Emanuele Lettieri (Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano); Franco Lisi and Francesco Cusati  (Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano)

Abstract: The session will discuss the experience gained in the development of the BUDD-e project. The project, initially funded by Politecnico di Milano through the Polisocial 2021 programme, aims to develop a guide robot for blind and visually impaired users to be displayed, e.g., in structured spaces (such as hospitals and shopping centres). The project has involved as partners, among others, the Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano ONLUS, Unione Italiana dei Ciechi e degli Ipovedenti ONLUS-APS, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, and Servizio Sport of Politecnico di Milano.
During the session, project members and partners will describe the challenges and the main results obtained in the project. Besides the technical issues, a particular focus will be given on the experience gained through the close collaboration with the associations and institutions involved, in defining the characteristics of the guide robot and the needs, in terms of accessibility, within the considered spaces.

Schedule: Thursday (December 19) 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Amber 1 (Floor 2)

Organizer: Craig Buhr, MathWorks

Speaker: Dr. Claudia Yasar, Yildiz Technical University

Abstract: Intelligent control systems, integrating both classical and contemporary methodologies, are pivotal in managing complex systems that exceed the capabilities of traditional control mechanisms. Utilizing adaptive and learning capabilities —often by employing artificial intelligence algorithms—these systems address intricate challenges effectively. This session will highlight an innovative engineering course designed to embed intelligent control principles within the curriculum, utilizing state-of-the-art MATLAB and Simulink tools.
The course aims to enrich the educational experience by providing students with a robust understanding of intelligent control systems, proficiency in modern technological trends for control system design and modeling, and advanced analytical tools for practical applications. By emphasizing project-based learning and hands-on activities, the course aims to enhance essential engineering skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning, thus preparing students for both academic and industrial careers.
The course employs MATLAB Live Scripts for interactive learning, Simulink for dynamic modeling and simulation, MATLAB Onramps for self-paced online training, and MATLAB Grader for auto-grading student work. Additionally, it utilizes interoperability between MATLAB and Python and includes low-cost hardware experiments enabling students apply theoretical knowledge to real-life projects. The positive outcomes and student feedback underscore the effectiveness of this educational approach in equipping future engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge.