Annual Report 2002 - Örebro universitet

4 AASS – Center for Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems
Preface
The Center for Applied Autonomous Systems was formally established in 1996 at the
Department of Technology with a grant from the KK-Foundation aimed at establishing the
basis for a concentrated effort on interdisciplinary research in the area of Autonomous
Systems with contributions to education. In the period 1996--2002, AASS has developed from
a research group of 2 researchers and 2 PhD students to a full-fledged research center with 4
professors, 2 Associated Prof. (Docent), 5 Phd, 22 Phd students, and 4 technical and
administrative personnel. Now AASS plays an important educational role within the
Department of Technology as well as has a leading position in the 4th strategic research
profile of Örebro University - Human senses, autonomous sensor systems, and industrial
processes. It also has achieved national and international recognition for its research results,
and established well-functioning industrial cooperation. In the context of these achievements,
AASS has, during year 2002, also had a measurable societal impact in a number of ways such
as
1. Industrial relevance: continued cooperation with national/regional industrial companies
such as ABB Automation AB, Bofors Defence AB, Aerotech Telub AB and SMEs like
Amphitech AB.
2. European dimension: co-operation within three EC research networks and a coordinator
for a EU Marie Curie Training Site
3. National dimension: Start-up of a VINNVÄXT VINNOVA initiative “Robotdalen”
together with MdH Mälardalen, KTH/CAS Stockholm and a large number of industrial
and societal partners.
4. Public acceptance: Participation in CEBIT 2002, Hannover, Germany and the Stockholm
Technical Fair.
However, our most important contribution with long-term societal impact is our educational
activity. Improving the content, quality, and degree-level of the undergraduate education in
The Department of Technology in general and in Computer engineering in particular is of
highest priority. Thus undergraduate students with BSc, MSc, and Engineering degrees will
remain our most important “output” - these students are to play important role in the
development of regional and national industrial and business enterprises. At the same time
research and graduate education will be key factors in keeping with up-to-date technological
developments, maintaining and further developing the scientific relevance and quality of
undergraduate education, and last but not least, increasing the attractivity of Örebro
University as an educational center in a regional, national, and international perspective. On
the other hand, our research and graduate education is of great value in itself -by doing
research in the area of Autonomous Systems we contribute to the advancement of
technologies at one of the frontiers of modern interdisciplinary science. A particular
“practical” benefit is the reunification of Measurement, Control, and Computer Sciences into
a disciplinary and technological continuum - a reunification that sadly is lacking today, to the
growing discontent of industry. Thus, industrial cooperation will ensure that these
technological advancements are adopted and their business potential is exploited.