Join us for a keynote from Prof Mutambara, where he took us through the design of AI-based control methods, as well as a discussion around the practical implementation of AI-based control methods, presenting some multi-disciplinary case studies. This event was a powerful discussion that provided insight and expertise on how control models are designed and deployed in high-quality products and processes.
Download Presentation
With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), new methods exist for designing and analysing control systems. Most of these techniques are data-driven and, more specifically, AI-based. A new and transformative approach to control systems has emerged - A game-changer in the development, teaching, research and application. This has necessitated the development of a new book.
In this seminar, these control system methods are presented. First, concepts such as Data-Driven Modelling, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Fuzzy Logic, and Artificial Neural Networks are briefly introduced. The principles of AI-based control systems are then presented. Examples of AI-based control for an Intelligent Fleet Management System, a Drone and a Driverless Car are then explored. Advanced AI and Control Systems applications are also explored: Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, Honda’s ASIMO, Hanson Robotics’ Sophia, Tesla’s Optimus (Tesla Bot), Artistic Humanoid – Ai-Da, and Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket.
Join us as we step through the typical challenges encountered in practically deploying modern control theory into different industries and domains. We'll walk through local case studies ranging from Mining, Manufacturing, Automotive and Medical applications. Take this opportunity to learn from the insights and experiences we've gained through our most recent journeys with our clients.
Prof. Arthur G.O. Mutambara Director and Full Professor, Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK), University of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Former Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara is the Director and Full Professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa. He is a world-renowned roboticist, academic, author, Pan-Africanist and technology strategist. Professor Mutambara is also the Director of IFK’s Decentralised Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems (DAICS) Research Group and drives the African Agency in Public Health (AAPH) initiative within the Future of Health (FoH) Research Group. He teaches Control Systems in UJ’s Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering Departments. He taught Controls Systems at MIT Aeronautics Astronautics Department (Course 16) and FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in the United States. He is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), a Professional Engineer, a Fellow of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE), a Fellow of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences (ZAS), and a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He is a prolific author of six books. In addition to the three widely acclaimed volumes on Thought Leadership, Mutambara has written three Electrical Engineering books widely used in Engineering Graduate Schools in the United States, Europe, China, Japan and Africa: Decentralized Estimation and Control for Multisensor Systems (1998), Design and Analysis of Control Systems (1999), and Driving the 4IR: Design and Analysis of Control Systems (March 2024). Prof. Mutambara holds a PhD in Robotics and Mechatronics and an MSc in Computer Engineering from the University of Oxford. He was there as a Rhodes Scholar from September 1991 to March 1995. He graduated with a BSc (Honours) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe in 1990. In 2007, Mutambara was accorded the World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leader status and subsequently attended WEF events from 2007 to 2013 in Davos (Switzerland), China, India and Africa. Professor Mutambara is the Former Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. He was one of the three Principals who created and led the Government of National Unity (GNU) from 2009 to 2013. The other two were the late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and the late former President Robert Mugabe.
.JPG)
At Opti-Num, Kirsten blends strategy and creative exploration to discover future business opportunities. Kirsten’s role includes the communication of technology to make it accessible and impactful. She likes to unpack the connections and motivations between what businesses need, what research is capable of, as well as how to build people up so that they’re capable of making great things happen. She aspires to bridge the gap between innovation, technology, and learning. Kirsten works hard to bring different disciplines together to improve the world we live in.
.jpg)
Jason Miskin is a seasoned chemical engineer and currently serves as a senior lead consultant at Opti-Num Solutions. With a robust background in engineering, Jason focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to drive innovation and efficiency within the mining and manufacturing industries. His expertise lies in optimising operations and creating substantial value for clients. Jason's work is characterised by a strategic approach to problem-solving and a commitment to enhancing industrial processes through advanced AI applications.
Ronaldo is a Senior Lead Consultant in Digital Engineering at Opti-Num Solutions with a background in Electrical Engineering. After completing his master’s on the topic of generating electricity from ocean-wave energy, Ronaldo spent several years in the control and automation industry before joining Opti-Num. With a keen interest in System Engineering, Ronaldo now spends his time helping clients improve quality and efficiency through Model-Based Design.