Dr Timothy Wiley

I am a Lecturer in the Artificial Intelligence Discipline in the School of Computing Technologies, in the STEM College at RMIT University.

I have a passion for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Robotics. My research interests include online learning (learning on-board autonomous robot in real-time as they operates) 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, and Qualitative Modelling and Reasoning (symbolic representations of robot numeric dynamics, and application of these models for determining robot dynamics). Applications of my research include food waste prevention in macadamia nut harvesting, augmented reality for explaining autonomous robot decision in RoboCup soccer, online learning of UAV control, real-time prediction of CFD in aviation, and fatigue crack growth modelling in aircraft.

At RMIT I am:

• The Lab manager for the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab
• A member of CIAIRI - The Centre for Industrial Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation
• A member of RUASRT - RMIT Uncrewed Ariel Systems Research Team

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:

• Artificial Intelligence for Robotics
• Machine Learning
• Online Learning
• Reinforcement Learning
• Qualitative Reasoning
• Cognitive Robotics
• Uncrewed Ariel System/Vehicles

Research Projects:

My research projects include:

• 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.
• DimSim (Deep Intelligence Machine Simulator) - 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).

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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 cousrse Programming Auotnomous Robots, which is a core course in our Master's of Artificial Intgelligence program. The course launched in 2021, originally in partnership with AWS RoboMaker, focuses on practical applications of technologies and algoirithms 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 Comptuing Technologies (SCT) first year Programming Studios, as part of SCT's innovative Bootcamp2Studio first year education experience. I additionally desgined Programming Studio 1 couse 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.