You are interested in working with modern robots or want to understand how such machines ‘learn’?

If so, this bachelor seminar will enable you to dig into the fascinating world of robot learning. You will implement and apply modern machine learning algorithms in Python, Matlab or C++/ROS. 

Your learning or control algorithm will be evaluated in cyber-physical-systems. Find out which theses are currently supervised and offered. 

Links and Resources

• Winter Semester: 140.186 MUOnline and 560.150 MUOnline .
• Sommer Semester: 140.186 MUOnline and 560.150 MUOnline .
• Latex Template for the thesis document.
• Instructions on how to write a thesis with us.

Location & Time

• Location: Laboratories at the Chair of Cyber-Physical-Systems.
• Dates: Regular, typ. weekly meetings, with your supervisor(s). 

Learning objectives / qualifications

• Students will work on controlling, modeling and simulating Cyber-Physical-Systems and autonomously learning systems.
• Students understand and can apply advanced model learning and reinforcement  techniques to real world problems.
• Students learn how to write scientific reports.

Literature

• The Probabilistic Machine Learning book by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elmar Rueckert. 
• Bishop 2006. Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning, Springer. 
• Barber 2007. Bayesian Reasoning and Machine Learning, Cambridge University Press. 
• Murray, Li and Sastry 1994. A mathematical introduction to robotic manipulation, CRC Press. 
• B. Siciliano, L. Sciavicco 2009. Robotics: Modelling,Planning and Control, Springer.
• Kevin M. Lynch and Frank C. Park 2017. MODERN ROBOTICS, MECHANICS, PLANNING, AND CONTROL, Cambridge University Press.

You are interested in working with modern robots or want to understand how such machines ‘learn’?

If so, this bachelor seminar will enable you to dig into the fascinating world of robot learning. You will implement and apply modern machine learning algorithms in Python, Matlab or C++/ROS. 

Your learning or control algorithm will be evaluated in cyber-physical-systems. Find out which theses are currently supervised and offered. 

Links and Resources

• Winter Semester: 140.185 MUOnline  and 560.100 MUOnline .
• Sommer Semester: 140.185 MUOnline  and 560.100 MUOnline .
• Latex Templates for the thesis document.
• Instructions on how to write a thesis with us.

Location & Time

• Location: Laboratories at the Chair of Cyber-Physical-Systems.
• Dates: Regular, typ. weekly meetings, with your supervisor(s). 

Learning objectives / qualifications

• Students will work on controlling, modeling and simulating Cyber-Physical-Systems and autonomously learning systems.
• Students understand and can apply advanced model learning and reinforcement  techniques to real world problems.
• Students learn how to write scientific reports.

Literature

• The Probabilistic Machine Learning book by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elmar Rueckert. 
• Bishop 2006. Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning, Springer. 
• Barber 2007. Bayesian Reasoning and Machine Learning, Cambridge University Press. 
• Murray, Li and Sastry 1994. A mathematical introduction to robotic manipulation, CRC Press. 
• B. Siciliano, L. Sciavicco 2009. Robotics: Modelling,Planning and Control, Springer.
• Kevin M. Lynch and Frank C. Park 2017. MODERN ROBOTICS, MECHANICS, PLANNING, AND CONTROL, Cambridge University Press.

Install a Virtual Machine that supports Mac M1 Architectures

Well, the options are limited.

• I went for UTM.

Install ubuntu server 20.04

• Download the ubuntu server iso and install it.
• Install Ubuntu Budgie as Desktop or
• Install your favorite desktop following instructions like here.

Coding Environment

• sudo apt-get install openjdk-17-jre-headless (or something like that)
• PyCharm from JetBrains.
• CoppeliaSim.
• GitHubDesktop.
• Terminator.
• HTop.

Ablauf

• Spätestens alle 3 Monate sollen Mittel von der DFG abgerufen werden.
• Das erfolgt durch den Lehrstuhl.
• Mittelabruf mit dem Formular DFG-Vordruck 41.039 (41_039_deMUL_Template.doc).
• Offene Kostenpositionen können in SAP abgerufen werden, siehe Bilder unterhalb.

Kreditkartenabrechnungen

Kreditkartenabrechnungen oder Banküberweisungen in Vorleistung werden per Email an Frau Anja Schweinzger geschickt.Das ausgefüllte Refundierungsformular und die Belege müssen beigefügt werden.

Beschaffungen von Sachmittel

• Anlagen werden wie gewohnt per Formular angelegt. SAP Bestellungen per Kostentyp Anlage. Als Abrechnugnskonte das AP26019001 angeben.
• GWG ???

Get Lotus Notes for Linux or IOS

• Download the relevant files from the ZID.
• Or contact the ZID, Christoph Frimmel, christoph.frimmel@unileoben.ac.at and ask for the latest installation files.
• Install Lotus Notes.
• Get a connection file or ask the ZID to setup the connection.

Details to the MAC OS Installation (M1)

• Run the installer called, Notes1101FP4_DE_IT_Notarized_Mac.dmg.
• Start the package: HCL Notes Installer-nl1d.pkg
• Note that the installer ‘Notes_1101_Mac_German_Italian.dmg‘ is not working on an M1.
• Enter your Name.
• Enter the Server: nmail1.unileoben.ac.at

• Enter Lotus Notes Password that you got from the ZID.
• Otherwise, you need to get a notes account.

Setup the Notes Client

• Option 1: Call ZID and let them do it for you.
• Option 2: Copy your old ‘desktop8.ndk‘ file from /Library/Application Support/HCL Notes Data/ into the same folder on your new MAC OS system.

Transponder

Contact Helga Winklmayr, see our post on responsibilities.

Arbeitssicherheit

• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elmar Rückert is responsiple for complying with the regulations.
• All new employees get a safety briefing.

XMAS Vouchers for CPS Members

• Every year, the chair can buy vouchers for the CPS members.
• Note that the university also makes gifts to all non-academic in form of vouchers.

General Process

• Wait till the university distributes the vouchers to all non-academic staff members.
• The financial department usually informs about the max. possible amount and how much the university distributes (2021: 186,-max. 30,- uni).
• Fill out the Table in our cloud folder ‘Beschaffung/Weihnachtsfeier’ Q5.1_100_2_CPS_2021.xlsx (last column, vouchers).
• Call the Leoben City Center.
• Send an Email to the Leoben City Center (office@citymanagement-leoben.at) with the order details.
• Get the vouchers at the LCS 2nd floor.
• Send the invoice and the spreadsheet to the financial department.

Email Template

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

 bitte bereiten sie uns Gutscheine in folgender Stückelung vor: 3×180€

1×150€

 Die Rechnungsanschrift lautet: Montanuniversität LeobenLehrstuhl für Cyber-Physical-Systems
Franz-Josef-Straße 18, 
8700 Leoben, Austria 
UID-Nummer: ATU57480504 Vielen Dank und Schöne Grüße, 

Elmar Rückert 

1a SAP GUI for new M1 Macs

Just run the Installer M1_MAC_GUI770Installation_4-70004682.DMG. It will install all dependencies including the Java JDK.

Continue with Step 2.

1b For Old Macs with the Intel CPUs

• Download the openjdk-17.0.1_macos-x64_bin.tar.gz
• Or any other Version from https://jdk.java.net/17/
• Below are instructions for the installation on bigSur
• Execute the following Code in a terminal:

 sudo mv openjdk-17.0.1_macos-x64_bin.tar.gz /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/cd /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/sudo tar -xzf openjdk-17.0.1_macos-x64_bin.tar.gzsudo rm openjdk-17.0.1_macos-x64_bin.tar.gz

Next, check where your JDK is located via:

$ /usr/libexec/java_home -v17This should result in:/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-17.0.1.jdk/Contents/Home

Add the Java path to the globals:

echo -n “export JAVA_HOME=/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-17.0.1.jdk/Contents/Home” >> ~/.bash_profile

Reload the globals with

source ~/.bash_profile

Test your java installation with
java -version

which schould give something like

openjdk version “17.0.1” 2021-10-19OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 17.0.1+12-39)OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 17.0.1+12-39, mixed mode, sharing)

Install the SAPGui

• Download the SAPGui including the MUL connection profile.
• Modify the file extension of ‘PlatinGUI750_12-80002494.JAR’ to be lower-case, i.e., ‘PlatinGUI750_12-80002494.jar‘
• Right Click on the PlatinGUI750_12-80002494.jar file and select Open-With Jar Launcher, see the screenshot below.

Follow the instructions to install the gui.

2 Setup the SAP Server Connection

• Press the Create a New Connection Buttion in SAP GUI
• Open the ‘advanced’ tab and select the ‘expert mode’.
• Enter the connection string: conn=/M/unipu1.ccc.brz.gv.at/S/3620/G/UNI01
• Add a description on top and save the connection!
• Connect once using this connection!
• Afterwards you can use the following connection string to avoid entering the user and client manually: conn=/R/MS/G/UNI01&clnt=110&user=G_CPS&lang=DE&systemName=MS.

3 Install CISCOs ANYCONNECT Client

The SAP software works only within the university network.

Install the VPN Client provided by the university.

1 position for a fully employed University Assistant at the Chair of Cyber-Physical-Systems at the earliest possible date or beginning on 1^st of January 2022 in a full-time (100%) 4-year term of employment. Salary Group B1 to Uni-KV, monthly minimum charge excl. SZ.: € 2.971,50 for 40 hours per week (14 times a year), actual classification takes place according to accountable activity-specific previous experience.

We are looking for a motivated student interested in a PhD thesis on “Robot Learning”. The goal of the doctoral thesis is to develop deep neural networks for interactive learning of autonomous systems and industrial processes. This will involve processing complex sensor data such as from thermal/RGB-D cameras and tactile data for decision making in “greybox” approaches. These hybrid approaches combine the effectiveness of deep neural networks for processing complex data with predictions from analytic dynamic models. The developed models will be tested using realistic industrial applications for process modeling and with robotic systems.

What we offer

The opportunity to work on research ideas of exciting modern topics in artificial intelligence and robotics, to develop your own ideas, to be part of a young and newly formed team, to go on international research trips, and to receive targeted career guidance for a successful scientific career.

Job requirements

Completed master’s degree in computer science, physics, telematics, statistics, mathematics, electrical engineering, mechanics, robotics or an equivalent education in the sense of the desired qualification; Programming experience in one of the languages C, C++, C#, JAVA, Matlab, Python or similar; Willingness and ability for scientific work in research including publications with the possibility to write a dissertation.

Desired additional qualifications

Experience with neural networks, machine learning methods or reinforcement learning. Basic knowledge of Linux or ROS is advantageous. Good English skills and willingness to travel for research and to give technical presentations.

Application

Application deadline: December 15th, 2021

Online Application via: Montanuniversität Leoben Webpage (2111WPH)

The Montanuniversitaet Leoben intends to increase the number of women on its faculty and therefore specifically invites applications by women. Among equally qualified applicants women will receive preferential consideration.

Supervisors: Univ.-Prof. Dr Elmar Rückert,
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Susanne Michelic & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Christian Bernhard (Chair of Ferrous Metallurgy),
Markus Brummayer (voestalpine Stahl GmbH)
Start date: ASAP from December 2021

Theoretical difficulty: mid
Practical difficulty: mid

Abstract

In this thesis, the student has the unique opportunity to investigate meniscus level fluctuations in the mold using deep learning approaches at the voestalpine Stahl GmbH in Linz. 

The mold, illustrated in the image above, is equipped with electromagnetic mold level sensors and with temperature image cameras that measure the surface temperature of the casting powder. 

The goal of this thesis is to understand and model the underlying dynamic processes of the meniscus level fluctuations in the mold.

In the thesis black box models as well as gray box models that combine analytic dynamic models with learned  models will be investigated. 

Tentative Work Plan

To achieve our aim, the following concrete tasks will be focused on:

• Literature research on meniscus level fluctuations in the mold.
• Data analysis, filtering, preprocessing, visualization of meniscus level fluctuations data. 
• Implementation of  deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) as low-dimensional feature extractors. Visualization and analysis of the dynamic processes.
• (Optional) Implementation of neural time-series models like LSTMs trained with the computed CNN features.
• Analysis and evaluation of the provided data.