Special Sessions

Trailblazing Women in Control

Abstract: Diversity is important, it widens viewpoints and takes different ideas and perspectives into account. This translates into creating richer solutions and obtaining better results. Engineering does not currently have a diverse workforce, and hence such initiatives are welcome. Despite the limited number of women in the field, there were those who contributed extensively to the development of control engineering and dedicated their career to research and teaching in this field. Their stories and experiences serve as powerful examples to motivate and guide the next generation of female/young engineers and technologists.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs: Fundamental Research for Society's Future

Abstract: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) is a leading research organization that conducts fundamental research to support the future society. MERL is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a global manufacturer of a wide range of products including robots, automotive, HVAC, factory automation, electrical systems, and space vehicles. MERL researchers collaborate with corporate laboratories and academic partners from around the world to develop novel solutions to challenging problems. In this talk we present an overview of control-related research activities at MERL. We discuss fundamental research in areas such as predictive and constrained control, decision making and planning for autonomous systems, integration of data-driven and model-based control. We will also hint at how the fundamental research have impacted real world products today, and will continue supporting the future society through applications such as automated vehicles, drones, spacecraft, and mobile robots.

D&I Session: Overcoming Barriers and Inspiring Futures

Abstract: This diversity and inclusion special session will feature motivational talks by four distinguished researchers from our control community: Christos Cassandras (Boston University), Dennice Gayme (Johns Hopkins University), João Hespanha (University of California, Santa Barbara), and Patrícia Pena (Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil). Each speaker will share their career journey, the challenges they have faced, and the key qualities they believe are essential for professional success. These talks aim to inspire reflection and motivation across our community. The session will conclude with a panel discussion, providing the audience with the opportunity to engage with the speakers and enrich the conversation.

Transforming Controls Curriculum with Generative AI and Hands-On Hardware using MATLAB and Simulink (MathWorks)

Abstract: Educators often face the challenge of limited time for creating comprehensive curricula while striving to help students grasp complex control concepts and bridge the gap between theory and practice. In this session, we will share ready-to-use teaching resources and introduce generative AI tools, like MATLAB Copilot, that educators can utilize to save time and enhance controls instruction by providing a more engaging and interactive learning experience for students. Educators will learn how to use these tools in their own curriculum development, as well as how to equip students with tools to aid their coding and project-based learning. Additionally, we will showcase how to prepare students with industry-relevant skills through hands-on experiments using the low-cost balancing bi-copter hardware. We’ll demonstrate a workflow including system identification, control design, and deployment to hardware. We’ll discuss how educators can use such hardware to introduce fundamental control topics such as PID control, as well as more advanced topics like model predictive control.

From Proposal to Publication: Winning Grants with Quanser’s Free Assistance Program (Quanser)

Abstract: Learn how to identify funding opportunities, craft strong proposals, and avoid common pitfalls with support from Quanser’s grant experts. This session covers best practices for agencies like DoD and NSF, showcases funded case studies, and highlights national research priorities in control systems, autonomous vehicles, AI, and more. See the impact of Quanser’s support through a recent DoD-funded project on autonomous vehicle security, co-developed with the University of Washington Tacoma.