Research Topics

Large Scale Systems Project (LSS) - Leader Rob Evans

A key research challenge is to develop theoretical tools for the design and analysis of decentralized estimation and control schemes suitable for very large scale distributed hybrid dynamical systems with network connected sensors and actuators.  Such systems arise in urban transport systems, so-called smart-grid power systems, urban and rural water distribution systems, defence C4I systems, surveillance systems consisting of large swarms of possibly mobile sensors, industrial SCADA systems, and many other applications. 

Modern control and estimation techniques developed over the past 50 years provide efficient and practical solutions to a great range of small and medium scale multi-variable problems where centralized information structures prevail. Over the past 10 years important advances have been made in the understanding of information flows for decentralized control of dynamical systems and systems with non-classical information patterns.  There have also been significant advances in the application of optimization techniques for moving horizon control of large distributed systems with decentralized sensing and actuation. A major aim of the LSS project is to develop theoretical frameworks and robust design tools that address the challenges of estimator and controller design for very large distributed systems with networked sensors and actuators.  Three initial projects attacking various aspects of this problem are outlined below.

Life Sciences Project (LS)  - Leader Terry Caelli

The life sciences researchers connected with the CSP research group will work on a range of research projects living on the interface between biology and control and signal processing. These projects are not restricted to applications of CSP ideas in life sciences but importantly seek to build a new science that aims to understand life sciences and biology from an interdisciplinary viewpoint combining biological science and signals and systems science. LS projects will also use signals and systems ideas to enhance research in life sciences by developing new data and information extraction algorithms, develop new computationally based models for biological processes, etc.   These project are described fully in the Health business area plan. Find out more about the Bioinformatics project.