Time: 9:00am-10:30am
Date: Friday, August 26, 2016
Location: Department of Classics and Archaeology
Archaeology Centre (Car Park 6)
University of Malta
Msida MSD 2080
Malta
Talk 1: Underwater Robot Systems for Scientific Sampling
Abstract 1: Over the past 10 years, researchers in the Lab for Autonomous and Intelligent Robotics have been developing novel multi-robot coordination systems based on control theoretic tools and algorithmic foundations. The motivation behind many of these developments is to develop tools that facilitate scientific field studies taking place in Malta, Costa Rica, Norway, Hawaii, Denmark, California, and the Arctic. A goal of these studies is to not only validate our robotic systems, but generate useful data for scientists including marine biologists and archeologists.
This talk will highlight two projects requiring a substantial number field deployments. The first will be our "Malta Cistern Mapping" project. Using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), we have explored and mapped over 60 different archeological sites across Malta and Sicily. The second project to be described will be "Intelligent Shipwreck Search and Mapping". This project only recently began, but our preliminary findings indicate that our AUV systems can detect, localize, and map discovered wrecks.
Bio 1: Dr. Christopher Clark is a Professor in the Engineering Department at Harvey Mudd College where he directs the Lab for Autonomous and Intelligent Robotics (LAIR). He obtained his B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics from Queen's University in 1995, his M.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1995, and his Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics with a minor in Computer Science from Stanford University in 2004. Before Joining Harvey Mudd, he taught and conducted research at the University of Waterloo, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, and was the William R. Kenan, Jr. Visiting Professor for Distinguished Teaching at Princeton University. His industry experience includes working as a Control Systems Designer for Sterner Automation, and working as a software architect for Kiva Systems. His research areas include multi-robot systems, autonomous navigation, motion planning, applied SLAM, field robotics, and underwater robot systems.
Talk 2: Technology and the management of Marine Archaeology
Abstract 2: In the recent past, Malta has developed and implemented a systematic methodology to search for and record the islandsŐ underwater cultural heritage. Through the use of state of the art technologies a number of key strategic partnerships, the University of Malta has led this national survey project. This talk will cover the initial thought given to which technologies are be used - based on a number of aspects related to topography and accessibility. Examples from recent surveys will be used to illustrate the talk.
Bio 2: Dr Timmy Gambin has been Senior Lecturer in Maritime Archaeology in the Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta, since 2012. He graduated in History from this University and went on to attain his Masters in Maritime Archaeology and History from the University of Bristol where he also got his doctorate in Maritime Archaeology. Dr Gambin has been involved in numerous collaborative research projects. These include the PaleoMed Project with the CNRS (Aix en Provence) which is aimed at the reconstruction of ancient coastal landscapes and environments of the Maltese Islands. The Ancient Cisterns Project with CalPoly and Harvey Mudd Colleges (USA) explores underground water management systems through the use of small remote operated vehicles armed with a variety of sensors. He has also co-directed numerous offshore underwater surveys in various parts of the Mediterranean including Spain, Italy and Croatia. Currently, he is working on the exploration and study of the Phoenician Shipwreck discovered off Gozo.
