Dr Timothy Wiley

I am the Manager of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab and a Lecturer in the School of Computing Technologies, in the STEM College at RMIT University.

I have a passion for Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Robotics, and the intersection of AI with real-world systems. I believe in researching and developing robotic systems to collaborate with and support humans across a wide range of applications. My research interests include: Data Efficient Online Learning (learning on-board autonomous systems in real-time as they operate) through techniques including online deep reinforcement learning; Human-Robot Interaction (methods for improving the relationship and trust between humans and robots intended to work with humans); Explainable AI in Autonomous Robotics leveraging Augmented Reality; Data Efficient optimisation and modelling of real-world systems including metal fatigue and short-term forecasting of wind dynamics; Cognitive Robotics (combining symbolic and numeric methods to improve robot decision making); and Qualitative Modelling and Reasoning (symbolic representations and reasoning of numeric dynamics). Applications of my research include food waste prevention in macadamia nut harvesting, online learning of UAV control, real-time short-term prediction and forecasting of wind dynamics, real-time modelling of wind gust and turbulence in aviation domains, augmented reality for explaining autonomous robot decisions, metal fatigue crack growth modelling in aircraft, and practical solutions for climate-related challenges. I have participated in the annual RoboCup competition for autonomous robotics for over 15 years, and currently lead RMIT's team in the Soccer Standard Platform League.

At RMIT I am member of:

• The Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab
• CIAIRI - The Centre for Industrial Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation
• RUASRT - RMIT Uncrewed Ariel Systems Research Team
• Digitalisation Network Enabling Impact Platform

I am currently:

• A member of the Executive Committee for the RoboCup Soccer Standard Platform League
• A program committee member for IJCAI
• A program committee member for the RoboCup Symposium

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News

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Research Interests

I have two primary research interests. Firstly, in using autonomous robots as a platform for efficient machine learning. Secondly in investigating explainable artificial intelligence with applications in human-robot interaction.

Keywords

• Autonomous Robotics
• Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Data Efficient Machine Learning
• Online Learning
• Reinforcement Learning
• Qualitative Modelling and Qualitative Reasoning
• Cognitive Robotics
• Uncrewed Ariel Systems/Vehicles (UAS/UAVs)
• Climate-related challenges

Research Projects

My current research projects include:

• Driving Climate Positive Futures (DREAM+PLAN) is an interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral PhD program encouraging doctoral researchers to think big to challenge pressing climate-related problems. DREAM+PLAN is co-funded by the European Union.
• Easigrow | Defence structures and materials experimentation collaborative program - Easigrow is a program developed by the DST (Australian Defence Science and Technology) to model fatigue crack growth, specialises in calculating model coefficients that best fit crack growth data. This project extends and improves the capabilities of Easigrow with Machine Learning techniques for more accurate predictions.

Past research project include:

• iMOVE CRC - Fixed-wing drones and small package delivery (2022 - 2024) is a project that developed a tethered fixed-wing remote package delivery UAV leveraging reinforcement learning to stabilise UAV control for reliable package delivery.
• DimSim (Deep Intelligence Machine Simulator) (2019-2023) - DimSim research is focused on developing a physically accurate, virtual simulation environment, able to simulate the function and performance of autonomous vehicles and related systems. Our partner is Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA).

Prospective Students

I am currently considering supervision of PhD, Master's research students to commence 2026. I am also considering supervision of Honours students to commence March 2025. Please contact me if you are interested in working on any of the above research projects or have a project idea that aligns with my research interests.

I am also currently recruiting one passionate and strong PhD candidate to join the DREAM+PLAN program for the project DC15: Human and Communication-centered AI If you're passionate about innovation, sustainability, and collaborating with global leaders, this is the perfect chance to be part of a transformative experience. We are looking for dynamic individuals to start their impactful PhD journey, contributing to projects that drive positive change. To apply, visit the DREAM+PLAN website. DREAM+PLAN is co-funded by the European Union.

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Teaching

My currently teaching roles are:

• Course Co-ordinator
  • COSC2781/COSC2814 - Programming Autonomous Robots
  • COSC2803 - Programming Studio 1
• Cohort Lead
  • COSC2803 - Programming Studio 1
  • COSC2804 - Programming Studio 2

I am the designer of RMIT's course Programming Autonomous Robots, which is a core course in our Master's of Artificial Intelligence program. The course launched in 2021, originally in partnership with AWS RoboMaker, focuses on practical applications of technologies and algorithms in AI to real-world robotics systems, with a key drive for hands on programming with real robot platforms. The course currently features a fleet of Husarion ROSBot robots as part of the main application platform. The course also features a wide range of application platforms including the Husarion Panther, the Cobot UR5e, the Boston Dynamics Spot, and various UAVs.

I am the lead architect for the School of Computing Technologies (SCT) first year Programming Studios, as part of SCT's innovative Bootcamp2Studio first year education experience. I additionally designed Programming Studio 1 course as part of the Bootcamp2Studio teaching model, which launched in 2021. Programming Studio 1 showcases to students the end-to-end of software development, where they develop a data-driven fully functional website by the end of their first semester. It features concepts across user experience design, database concepts, and web programming.

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RoboCup

RoboCup is the premiere annual international competition for autonomous robotics, featuring teams competing from over 40 countries across a wide variety of challenges. I have been involved in RoboCup for over 15 years. More information can be found on my RoboCup page.

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Education

PhD (Computer Science)
School of Computer Science and Engineering,
The University of New South Wales
Keywords: Cognitive Robotics, Qualitative Reasoning and Planning, Reinforcement Learning, Hierarchical Learning

Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), Honours First Class.
School of Computer Science and Engineering,
The University of New South Wales
Majors: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics

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Former Roles and Activities

Research Associate
Creative Robotics Lab | Art & Design | UNSW Sydney
School of Computer Science and Engineering | Faculty of Engineering | UNSW Sydney
National Facility for Human Robot Interaction Research | UNSW Sydney
In partnership with Fuji-Xerox Japan

Assistant Lecturer | Tutor
School of Computer Science and Engineering | Faculty of Engineering | UNSW Sydney

Junior Developer Co-Op Scholarship Internships
News Digital Media
NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (now NSW Road and Maritime Services)

Student
School of Computer Science and Engineering | Faculty of Engineering | UNSW Sydney
As a student I was a member of:

• CSERevue - An annual sketch comedy show run by the students of CSE. I directed the show in 2012.
• CSESoc - A society who runs activities relevant to students at CSE.

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During my travels I have been fortunate enough to visit many countries and places.