The precision of synchronization algorithms based on the theory of pulse-coupled oscillators is evaluated on FPGA-based radios for the first time. Measurements show that such algorithms can reach precision in the low microsecond range when being implemented in the physical layer.
We analyze a wireless communication system with multiple relays operating in an interference-limited setting. Analytical results derived for different interferer placement show that the temporal and spatial characteristics of the interference have significant impact on the system performance.
Scientists and engineers working on multi-UAV systems came together in Klagenfurt to discuss the trends and open issues in this emerging domain. Speakers included the robotics professors Siegwart, Lacroix, and Schöllig. An exciting panel with participation from industry debated about business opportunities.
A protocol for the selection of relay devices operating in the data link layer of wireless networks was proposed, specified, and evaluated. It is now being tested in a vehicular environment.
Different communication protocols for relay selection in wireless networks have been modeled using Markov chains in order to analyze and compare their performance.
My doctoral supervisor and mentor, Jörg Eberspächer, retired. I had the honor to give a talk on my research in the field of multi-drone systems at his farewell event.
We mathematically analyze how time synchronization can be guaranteed in arbitrary network topologies and show that the stochastic nature of interactions between network entities can lead to advantageous properties.
Information and communication technology is one of the most significant forces driving technical and economic progress throughout the world. ICT systems are part of our daily lives both at work and at home: We communicate via mobile phones, enjoy multimedia entertainment via the Internet, and share digital photos and videos with our families and friends. The world has become increasingly networked. A latest trend is that ICT systems are more and more hidden in objects in daily use — they are literally “embedded” and make these gadgets smart. Tiny sensors, for instance, are embedded into clothes to monitor vital signs. It takes highly trained and creative engineers to generate such innovations. They develop new ideas, products, and services to make life simpler and more comfortable.
The NES professors Huemer, Bettstetter, Rinner
The Institute of Networked and Embedded Systems (NES) at the University of Klagenfurt contributes toward this trend by performing cutting-edge research and teaching in this domain. Research and teaching areas include wireless communications and networking, sensor and camera networks, signal processing, and autonomous aerial robot systems. A special focus is set to self-organizing systems, where Lakeside Labs clusters the expertise on this emerging topic in Klagenfurt.
Since its foundation in 2007, the NES institute has grown to almost 50 staff members — now being the largest research and teaching unit in Klagenfurt. With more than 40 % of researchers from abroad, it offers a truly international and multicultural environment. The research portfolio includes both basic science and applied research, where the annual third-party volume reaches two million Euros, and the number of publications exceeds 40 journal and conference articles per year. Staff members received best paper awards and were short listed and offered positions by international top universities.
Teaching takes into account the fast and continuous changes typical for the world of ICT, where knowledge is quickly outdated. Students enjoy wide and well founded education and are trained to think analytically and grasp complex interrelationships. NES offers core courses of the bachelor program Informationstechnik and the follow-up master and PhD programs in English. It also participates in the international program “Interactive and Cognitive Environments,” Austria’s first Erasmus Mundus doctorate program.
The new brochure (low res) gives an overview of the NES institute. It includes reports on a patented technique saving energy in high-rate communications, flying robots supporting disaster response forces, and nature-inspired algorithms solving self-organizing network synchronization, to name a few topics. It also highlights the teaching portfolio as well as technical infrastructure situated at the Lakeside Science and Technology Park.
The first summer school of our Erasmus-Mundus European doctoral program was held in Klagenfurt and covered selected topics in the domain of networked embedded systems.
Aspects of self-organizing systems were discussed in a multidisciplinary workshop where I had the honour of acting as program co-chair. Two great keynotes were given by Hermann Haken and Hod Lipson.