Trusted autonomous systems
Our Melbourne Information, Decision and Autonomous Systems (MIDAS) Laboratory is at the forefront of autonomous systems research for defence and civilian uses. We produce technological advances in automation, control systems, analytics, machine learning and system optimisation for robotics and swarms of networked distributed autonomous systems.
Our capabilities include:
- Networked dynamical systems
- Human-centric autonomous systems
- Sensor and information processing
- Sensor scheduling, spectrum management and dynamic network control
- Control system design and implementation
- Advanced sensor design for nano and micro sensors
- Robust communications and sensor networks.
The results of our research are:
- Optimal platform and controller designs for defence industry
- World-first web-mapping system
- Mine-planning algorithm for world’s largest iron ore mine
- Radar on chip technology.
Case study: Printable and miniaturised sensors and electronic systems
A team at the University of Melbourne led by Professor Stan Skafidas has developed a process to produce lightweight, conformal (printable) electronics.
Printed technology that disappears
In a process similar to 3D printing, they can print complex electronic circuits at the 100-nanometre scale. This allows circuits, sensors and antennas to be printed on demand. Our researchers have also created bio-resolvable circuits – sensors and transceivers that dissolve after completing their operational task.
Working with plasmonics (metal nanocrystals) and nanophysics, Professor Skafidas and his team have developed functionalised graphene nanoparticle and quantum dot suspensions for higher conductivity and performance printed electronics.
A history of excellence
In 2015, Professor Skafidas and his team won the CES Innovation Award for the world’s first completely integrated 60GHz transceiver on CMOS. Professor Skafidas with Professor Rob Evans has also developed ‘radar-on-a-chip’ technology.