Keynotes
Introductory Address (video):
Prof. Raja Chatila, Directeur de recherche CNRS, LAAS-CNRS, France
Keynote 1: The Cyborg Experiments
Professor Kevin Warwick, University of Reading, England, UK
Abstract: In this presentation a practical look is taken at how the use of implant and electrode technology can be
employed to create biological brains for robots, to enable human enhancement and to diminish the effects of certain neural
illnesses. In all cases the end result is to increase the range of abilities of the recipients. An indication is given of a number
of areas in which such technology has already had a profound effect, a key element being the need for a clear interface
linking a biological brain directly with computer technology. The emphasis is clearly placed on experimental scientific
studies that have been and are being undertaken and reported on. The area of focus is notably the need for a
biological/technological connection, where a link is made directly with the cerebral cortex and/or nervous system. The
presentation will consider the future in which robots have biological, or part-biological, brains and in which neural implants
link the human nervous system bi-directionally with technology and the internet.
Bio: Kevin Warwick is Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading, England, where he carries out research in
artificial intelligence, control, robotics and cyborgs. Kevin obtained his PhD from Imperial College, London. As well as
publishing over 500 research papers, Kevin’s experiments into implant technology led to him being featured as the cover
story on the US magazine, ‘Wired’. He was presented with The Future of Health Technology Award in MIT, was made an
Honorary Member of the Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, in 2004 received The IEE Senior Achievement Medal and
in 2008 the Mountbatten Medal. In 2000 Kevin presented the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, entitled “The Rise of
the Robots”. Kevin’s most recent research involves the invention of an intelligent deep brain stimulator to counteract the
effects of Parkinson Disease tremors. The tremors are predicted and a current signal is applied to stop the tremors before
they start – this is shortly to be trialled in human subjects. Another project involves the use of cultured/biological neural
networks to drive robots around – the brain of each robot is made of neural tissue. Perhaps Kevin is though best known for
his pioneering experiments involving a neuro-surgical implantation into the median nerves of his left arm to link his nervous
system directly to a computer to assess the latest technology for use with the disabled.
Keynote 2:
Professor Sukhan Lee, Director of the Intelligent Systems Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan
University, Korea
Abstract:
Bio: Sukhan Lee is Dean of the Graduate School of Sungkyunkwan University. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical
Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette in 1982. From 1983 to 1997, he was with the Departments of
Electrical Engineering and of Computer Science at the University of Southern California and, from 1990 to 1997, with the
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, as a Senior Member of Technical Staff. From 1998 to 2003,
he was an Executive Vice President and a Chief Research Officer at the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. Since
2003, he has been a Professor of Information and Communication Engineering and WCU professor of Interaction Science
at the Sungkyunkwan University, while serving as the Director of the Intelligent Systems Research Institute. Prof. Sukhan
Lee has his research interest in the areas of Cognitive Robotics, Intelligent Systems, and Micro/Nano Electro-Mechanical
systems. He is currently a Fellow of IEEE and a Fellow of Korean National Academy of Science and Technology.
Keynote 3: Interaction as basic skill for social robots
Professor Karsten Berns, University of Kaiserslautern
Abstract: During the two last decades more and more humanoid robots have been developed all over the world. Main
aspect of the research is the realization for systems able to perform similar task as humans. Beside sophisticated
mechatronics systems, methods for the perception and modeling of the environment, motion and manipulation algorithms
as well as task planning strategies and have been invented. An important feature of social robots is certainly interaction
skills with humans. Starting with the state of the art of social interaction of humanoid robots the talk will focus on the
research results achieved by the humanoid robot ROMAN, which was developed at the University of Kaiserslautern. Two
aspects will be presented in more detail - the perception of the interaction partner and the emotion-based reaction of the
humanoid robot. Based on typical situations during a tangram game the performance of the system will be presented
Bio: Professor Berns has over 20 years of research in the area of intelligent systems, using techniques from neural
networks (PhD Thesis titled "Neural Networks for the Control of a six-legged Walking Machine") to behavior-based
architectures, for perception and control of humanoid robots and autonomous mobile robots. He is currently the head of
the Robotics Research Lab at Kaiserslautern University of Technology.
International Conference on
Human-Machine Systems,
Cyborgs and Enhancing Devices
HUMASCEND
Part of the
Advanced Technologies for
Enhanced Quality of Life
AT-EQUAL
Conference Series
Sukhan Lee
Raja Chatila
Kevin Warwick
Karsten Berns
Introductory address and Keynotes