Event Information

LM Robotics Seminar: Optimization-based Formal Synthesis of Control Strategies for Dynamical Systems Friday, October 1, 2021 1:30 p.m. Online seminar via Zoom For More Information: Optimization-based Formal Synthesis of Control Strategies for Dynamical Systems Calin Belta Professor (ME, SE, ECE) Director of BU Robotics Lab Boston University Zoom link https://umd.zoom.us/j/99769180447 Or One tap mobile :     US: +13017158592,,99769180447#  or +19294362866,,99769180447# Or Telephone:     Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):         US: +1 301 715 8592  or +1 929 436 2866  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 997 6918 0447      Abstract In control theory, complicated dynamics such as systems of (nonlinear) differential equations are mostly controlled to achieve stability. This fundamental property is often linked with optimality, which requires minimization of a certain cost along the trajectories of a stable system. In formal synthesis, simple systems such as finite state transition graphs modeling computer programs or digital circuits are controlled from specifications such as safety, liveness, or richer requirements expressed as formulas of temporal logics. With the development and integration of cyber physical and safety critical systems, there is an increasing need for computational tools for controlling complex systems from rich, temporal logic specifications. In this talk, I will introduce some recents results on the connection between optimal control and formal synthesis. Specifically, I will focus on the following problem: given a dynamical control system with state and control constraints, a cost, and correctness temporal logic specifications, generate an optimal control strategy that satisfies the specifications and the constraints. Biography Calin Belta is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Systems Engineering at Boston University, where he holds the Tegan family Distinguished Faculty Fellowship. He is the Director of the BU Robotics Lab. His research focuses on dynamics and control theory, with particular emphasis on cyber-physical systems, formal methods, and applications to robotics and systems biology. Notable awards include the 2008 AFOSR Young Investigator Award, the 2005 National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and the 2017 IEEE TCNS Outstanding Paper Award. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE CSS. Host Yancy Diaz-Mercado