A Different Kind of Science Full robotics course in the works at UNBC by Corey Scofield >> Staff Writer Wielding red hot soldering guns of steel, deep within the bowels of UNBC’s artificial intelligence labo- ratories (or within a subsection-of the UNBC Annex, whichever you prefer) students of the intrepid and ingenious Dr. Charles Brown are now hard at work constructing their autonomous vehicles which constitute the core of CPSC 495 Special Topics in Robotics. Integrating their combined knowledge of computer sciences, mechanics and electronics, these students are designing, building as well as programming these vehi- cles to operate completely self- directed, performing seemingly rudimentary tasks such as navigat- ing through maps or following along walls. With a total of 3 vehicles now in the works, students of CPSC 495 are getting real hands-on experi- ence in the field of artificial intelli- >> photo by Dana Schwehr Graduate student Travis Alexander (left) and Dr. Charles Brown (right) adjust one of the sensors on an autonomous robot. gence at the present time. The idea. behind the vehicles is to allow the students to get an idea of the complexity of artificial intel- ligence systems. I got the impres- sion while visiting one of their late night lab sessions that for these technically savvy engineers, studying robotics also sounded like an excellence way to get-credit for what they would normally do for the sheer the pleasure of it. Brimming with obvious passion for the field that this reporter couldn’t help but find inspiring, these robotics students are inte- grating microcomputers with vari- ous sensory devices such as infrared and sonar to allow the vehicles to get feel of their sur- rounding environments and navi- gate through these environments with out any direct control, emu- lating intelligent behaviour (the essence of AI, as it is commonly known). Historically only offered about every 2nd academic year when funding and willing professors were available, UNBC’s robotics and AI program may soon be offered as an officially registered course. Travis Alexander, CPSC 495’s TA and robotic guru extraordinaire, has been busy drafting the official course proposal with Dr. Brown, and barring senate approval next year, UNBC’s robotics program could soon become a permanent reality. Highly applicable as an industri- al field, robotics and AI systems are the future of construction and manufacturing. With robotic sys- tems replacing human labour more and more each year, it will be those individuals behind these robots, with the knowledge and technical skills to operate and maintain them (not to mention design and build them) that will reconstitute the heart of our indus- trial workforce - a fact I am sure many students studying robotics have perched away somewhere in the back of their minds. fe, OCTOBER 27, 2004 Dr. Heather Myers helps to educate about Inuit >> Continued from “Professor Fights Ignorance” on page 1 acknowledge these vital differ- ences. The parliamentarians held fast to a party position that did not approve the seal hunt. “Other groups involved in the discussion held other negative views. For instance the International Federation for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is opposed to the hunt and is get- ting a great deal of support from their members and other misin- formed citizens. Conversely, the World Wildlife Fund (WWE) realizes that this is not a conservation issue and so is not participating in the boycott. However, they risk losing membership fees because their under-informed members may decide to change organizations because they’ believe that seal hunt is inappro- priate. A sustainable amount of seals, one million over three years, has been decided on but the interna- tional attitude is still extremely negative. “Europe is a beautiful place,” says’ Myers, “but every place is groomed and there are very few wild animals.” She says she came away from the conference extremely depressed by the colonialist attitude that everyone should live like they do. New VP Academic by Carolynne Burkholder >3 Editor in Chiet As our university grows we could not have a better ally than Dr. Howard Brunt, the new Vice President Academic. Brunt came to UNBC from the University of Victoria, where he worked in acad- emic administration for seventeen years as the Associate Dean of Research. When approached by the hiring committee at UNBC, Dr. Brunt was very interested in this position. As he had been at UVIC for many years, he was looking for new a professional and personal chal- lenge. Brunt had visited UNBC several times before he was approached to apply for this position, and was very impressed by the institution. Brunt was particularly impacted by the integration and connection that UNBC has with the communi- ty and the region. He also felt that the First Nations and aboriginal contributions to the university environment make UNBC very unique. Brunt feels that he can serve the university very effectively in an administrative capacity. He has a strong vision for the north and wants to support the university in achieving its challenges. He is proud to be.a part of UNBC, where people have “great pride in their institution.” He believes that the administration must think strategi- cally about the future, while build- ing on the past. UNBC has a very “present history” which must be preserved. Dr. Brunt has been working at UNBC for nine weeks. Although he is enjoying his new position, he states: “I have never been busier in my life.” Understandably, in upper administration the learning curve for new recruits, such as Brunt, is very steep. Brings Fresh Ideas to UNBC Brunt asserts that this position was what he expected: challeng- ing, and yet very rewarding. He has felt very welcomed by the staff, faculty, administration, and students throughout his first few weeks in-Prince George. As the newest member of upper administration on campus, Dr. Brunt is currently acquainting himself with the campus and its policies and procedures. He has spent much of his time looking at challenges, issues, and aspirations affecting UNBC at this time. It is common knowledge here on campus that UNBC is currently facing transitional challenges that come with the changes in size, age, and complexity of the programs offered. UNBC has now reached a size as an institution that the way we govern ourselves, the pro- grams, and the administration needs adjustments. Brunt believes that the major challenge with regards to these changes is the unknown way to cope with the university’s continu- ing growth. - The regional focuis of UNBC is something that Brunt takes very seriously. He looks at the North as emerging from bleak economic times. Although the future is very uncertain, he believes that because of UNBC, the projections are much more positive. He looks. at the development within the northern region optimistically. Brunt feels it is important that the north remains a major resource centre for the province, but also believes changes will take place _ within the region. He believes that with the development of the uni- versity, the economic situation in many northern communities will charige. As well, he states that the quality of life of northern citizens will change for the better. Like many of the students here on campus, Brunt believes that access to post-secondary in the north is a “prime challenge that UNBC is facing.” He pointed out that “the effects of rising tuition costs, and living expenses make it necessary that the university administration look at ways to maintain affordability and accessi- bility.” If Brunt could change one thing . about his experience at UNBC it _ would be “more opportunities to meet students.” He has thoroughly enjoyed all his experiences getting to know students on both a formal and informal level. He is currently looking for ways to be more acces- sible for students. He believes that it is very important that university -administration remember they are here for students, and stay in touch. Overall, Brunt was looking for a challenge when he took a job at UNBC, and he found it.