IEEE Distinguished Lecture Improved reinforcement learning with applications in robotics, games, and quantum engineering Daoyi Dong, Ph.D. ARC Future Fellow and Professor, IEEE Fellow School of Engineering, Australian National University Place: Room ECE 202, NJIT, Newark, NJ ZOOM (for online attendees): https://montclair.zoom.us/j/2423669227 Time: 10:30 am -12:00 pm, Monday, April 22, 2024 (Eastern Time) Host: MengChu Zhou, Ph.D. & Dist. Professor, NJIT and Weitian Wang, Ph.D. & Associate Professor, Montclair State University ABSTRACT Reinforcement learning (RL) addresses the problem of how an autonomous active agent can learn to approximate an optimal behavioral strategy while interacting with its environment. It has been widely applied in various areas including artificial intelligence, control engineering, operations research, and robotics. In this lecture, I will introduce several improved reinforcement learning algorithms including incremental reinforcement learning, quantum reinforcement learning, and quantum-inspired deep reinforcement learning. I will also demonstrate several applications of these improved reinforcement learning algorithms in robotics, games, and quantum engineering. Dr. Daoyi Dong (S’05-M’06-SM’11-F’23) is currently a Professor at the Australian National University. Before moving to the Australian National University, he had worked at the University of New South Wales, Australia for 15 years. He was with the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Zhejiang University. He had/has visiting positions at Princeton University, USA, RIKEN, Japan, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, the University of Sydney, and the University of Melbourne, Australia. He received a B.E. degree in automatic control and a Ph.D. degree in engineering from the University of Science and Technology of China, in 2001 and 2006, respectively. His research interests include machine learning, quantum control, system identification, and renewable energy. He has published over 120 journal papers in leading journals including IEEE Transactions (40+), Nature Human Behaviour, Physical Review Letters, and Automatica, and more than 60 conference papers. He was awarded an ACA Temasek Young Educator Award by the Asian Control Association and is a recipient of a Future Fellowship, an International Collaboration Award, a Discovery International Award and an Australian Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Australian Research Council, a Humboldt Research Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany, and a Scientia Fellowship from the University of New South Wales. Prof Dong was elevated as an IEEE Fellow for contributions to quantum systems control and reinforcement learning. He currently serves as an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics and IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica. He was an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, a Technical Editor of IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics and a Guest Editor of Annual Reviews in Control. He is a Member-at-Large of Board of Governors, and was the Associate Vice President for Conferences & Meetings, IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society. He was the founding chair of IEEE Control Systems Society ACT/NSW Joint Chapter, the founding chair of IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society ACT Chapter, the founding chair of Technical Committee on Quantum Computing, Systems and Control, IEEE Control Systems Society, and the founding chair of Technical Committee on Quantum Cybernetics, IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society. He has also served as General Chair or Program Chair for several international conferences, and as a member of Fellow Evaluating Committee of IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society. Room ECE 202, NJIT, Newark, New Jersey, United States, 07102, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/413238

Complex manipulation tasks combine low-level sensorimotor primitives, such as grasping, pushing, and simple arm movements, with high-level reasoning skills, such as deciding which object to grasp next and where to place it. While low-level sensorimotor primitives have been extensively studied in robotics, learning how to perform high-level task planning is relatively less explored. In this talk, I will present a unified framework for learning both low and high-level skills in an end-to-end manner from visual demonstrations of tasks performed by humans. The focus is on tasks that require manipulating several objects in sequence. The presented new techniques not only enhance current robotic capabilities but also set the stage for future advancements where robots can autonomously perform complex tasks in dynamic environments, further closing the gap between human and robotic task execution. Speaker(s): Abdeslam Boularias Room: 202, Bldg: ECE, ECE Building @NJIT, Newark, New Jersey, United States, 07102

Overview: Multiscale Manufacturing-Inspection and Failure Analysis Methods for Electronics This meeting will cover laboratory techniques and test methods for a variety of samples from components to PCBA’s and whole commercial devices. A number of familiar analytical techniques will be discussed and demonstrated related to reliability and process inspection, including visual inspection and standard techniques like Ball Shear, X-ray Imaging, CSAM and other standard composite methods. Additionally, more specialized approaches to Failure Analysis, research, and process development will be demonstrated including use of multiple types of electron microscopes, spectroscopy, and Focused Ion Beam analysis for 3D examination of devices on a nano-scale. Advanced MicroAnalytical is part of the EMSL Analytical network. Coming up on 10 years this May, Advanced MicroAnalytical has been delivering in-depth scientific support for a wide range of industries and sample types. Our staff and analytical capabilities are primed to provide leading edge support for industries including, including manufacturing, micro-electronics, nano-fabrication, aerospace and defense, medical devices and more. This meeting will demonstrate the type of work flow associated with finding and understanding problems that challenge attending members – from initial product development choices, through reliability, product support, and customer facing FA efforts. Advanced MicroAnalytical is located in the hub of technology on the East Coast just north of Boston, MA, in Salem NH. Cost: Members: $25 Non-members: $30 Students/Retired: $10 IEEE and iMAPs Members please contact Mike Jansen [email protected] to receive promo code for discounted rate If you are not an SMTA member, you may click "Continue as Guest" on the registration page. Co-sponsored by: Boston SMTA and iMAPs Speaker(s): Jared Kelly, Chuck Lemieux Agenda: 5:30 PM - Registration 6:00 PM - Dinner 6:30 PM - Presentation 7:30 PM - Tour 9:00 PM - Adjourn Bldg: Unit #4, Advanced MicroAnalytical, 50A Northwestern Drive, Salem, New Hampshire, United States, 03079

Recent interest in joint radar-communications (JRC) has led to the design of novel signal processing techniques to recover information from an overlaid radar-communications signal as well as transmit a common signal for both systems. In this talk, we focus on two important tools for the design and signal processing of JRC systems: learning and sparsity. The interest in learning-based JRC is driven largely by the need to solve difficult nonconvex optimization problems inherent in a JRC design as well as to address the highly dynamic channel environments. Toward fully realizing the coexistence/co-design of both radar and communications, the optimization of resources for both sensing and wireless communications modalities is crucial. But the optimization-based approaches suffer from high computational complexity and their performance strongly relies on factors such as perfect channel conditions, specific constraints, and mobility. In this context, learning techniques provide robust performance at an upfront training cost. We discuss applying learning to various JRC aspects including channel estimation, antenna selection, resource allocation, and wideband beamforming. The second half of the talk focuses on exploiting sparsity in a general spectral coexistence scenario, wherein the channels and transmit signals of both radar and communications systems are unknown at the receiver. In this dual-blind deconvolution (DBD) problem, a common receiver admits a multi-carrier wireless communications signal that is overlaid with the radar signal reflected off multiple targets. The communications and radar channels are represented by continuous-valued range-time and Doppler velocities of multiple transmission paths and multiple targets. We exploit the sparsity of both channels to solve the highly ill-posed DBD problem by casting it into a sum of multivariate atomic norms (SoMAN) minimization. Toward the end of the talk, we focus on highlighting emerging JRC scenarios, particularly at mm-Wave and THz frequencies, vehicular applications, distributed radar-communications networks, intelligent surfaces, and aerial channels. Co-sponsored by: IEEE-USA MOVE Program Speaker(s): Kumar Vijay Mishra Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/406564

Bill Ochs will talk about how he went from being an undergraduate student at Fairleigh Dickinson University to managing the design, construction, launch, and the on-orbit operations of the largest observatory to ever be launched into space, the James Webb Space Telescope. Bill will also discuss some of the challenges which had to be overcome on the road to mission success and show some of the latest space images. Failure was simply not an option for the James Webb Telescope! Co-sponsored by: Fairleigh Dickinson University Speaker(s): Mr. Bill Ochs, Agenda: Bill Ochs will talk about how he went from being an undergraduate student at Fairleigh Dickinson University to managing the design, construction, launch, and the on-orbit operations of the largest observatory to ever be launched into space, the James Webb Space Telescope. Bill will also discuss some of the challenges which had to be overcome on the road to mission success and show some of the latest space images. Failure was simply not an option for the James Webb Telescope! Room: BEC208, Bldg: Becton Hall, 1000 River Rd., Teaneck, New Jersey, United States, 07666, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/415921

In this engaging and informative session, Dr. Raj Vayyavur will delve into the exciting realm of utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance consulting performance. With a special focus on cutting-edge technologies like ChatGPT, MS CoPilot, and other innovative AI solutions, attendees will gain valuable insights into how AI is transforming the consulting landscape. Dr. Vayyavur will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this session, providing practical examples and case studies to illustrate the transformative power of AI in consulting. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the world of consulting by harnessing the potential of AI. Audience: This session is ideal for consultants, professionals in the consulting field, AI enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and consulting. Join us for a captivating exploration of how AI can elevate consulting performance and lead to more effective and impactful consulting engagements. Speaker(s): Dr. Raj Vayyavur, Agenda: - Welcome and Introduction - Overview of AI in Consulting - ChatGPT and MS CoPilot: Technologies and Applications - AI-Powered Consulting Tools and Platforms - Case Studies and Real-World Examples - Interactive Q&A Session - Closing Remarks and Networking Opportunity Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/400812

Refreshments (pizza and beverages) with socialization will start at 5:30 PM. The technical talk will be from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Speaker(s): , Anthony Grbic Room: Cafeteria , MIT Lincoln Laboratory , 3 Forbes Rd , Lexington, Massachusetts, United States, 02421

Join IEEE at SBU to make a boat out of cardboard and duct tape at Roth Regatta! Room: 175, Light Engineering, Stony Brook, New York, United States, 11790

- Means of converting AC to DC - Brief history of switch-mode power - Basic switch-mode power circuit - SCR vs. SMR - Advantages to using SMR technology for battery charging - - Size and Weight - Modularity - Redundancy - Efficiency - Hot-swappable components Speaker(s): Mark Agenda: The seminar fee includes lunch, refreshments and handouts. Non-members joining IEEE within 30 days of the seminar will be rebated 50% of the IEEE registration charge. Four hours of instruction will be provided. If desired, IEEE Continuing Education Units (0.4 CEUs) will be offered for this course - a small fee of $55 will be required for processing. Please pay attention to the “Registration Fee” and choose the appropriate choice either with or without CEUs. CEU Evaluation Form can be found at: (https://innovationatwork.ieee.org/ieee-pes-northjersey-certificates/) At this time, our attendance is being limited to fifty (50). Please only register if you know you are going to attend, and you must be registered to participate. Room: Greenbrook Conference Room, Bldg: PSE&G - Cragwood Road Facility, 40 Cragwood Road, South Plainfield, New Jersey, United States, 07080

Recent advances in AI have convinced a growing number of experts that these technologies will have a profound impact on the nature of work. But questions of the depth and breadth of this impact remain unanswered: Will AI support or replace workers? Which sectors will be most affected? Are there policies that can improve outcomes for workers in the age of AI? On Thursday, April 25, the Brookings (https://www.brookings.edu/centers/center-on-regulation-and-markets/) will host an event on the transformative impact of AI on labor markets. Panelists Daron Acemoglu (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Daniel Susskind (Oxford University and King’s College London), and Russell Wald (Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence) will begin with a conversation moderated by Anton Korinek (University of Virginia) on the most recent advances in AI and their potential implications for the workforce. We will then explore strategies for steering the labor market effects of AI in a desirable direction in the near term, focusing on policies and practices that can help workers adapt to changing job requirements and ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed broadly. Finally, we will analyze the medium- to long-term threat of AI reaching human-level capabilities, and we will examine how to maintain shared prosperity in a world in which labor markets may experience more fundamental disruption. This event is a part of the Center on Regulation and Markets Series “(https://www.brookings.edu/tags/the-economics-and-regulation-of-artificial-intelligence-and-emerging-technologies/).” Viewers can join the conversation and ask questions of the speakers by emailing [email protected] or on X/Twitter using the hashtag #AIandLabor. Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/418079

The research area of metamaterials has captured the imagination of scientists and engineers over the past two decades by allowing unprecedented control of electromagnetic fields. The extreme manipulation of fields has been made possible by the fine spatial control and wide range of material properties that can be attained through subwavelength structuring. Research in this area has resulted in devices which overcome the diffraction limit, render objects invisible, and even break time reversal symmetry. It has also led to flattened and conformal optical systems and ultra-thin antennas. This lecture will identify recent advances in the growing area of metamaterials, with a focus on metasurfaces: two dimensional metamaterials. It will explain what they are, the promise they hold, and how these field-transforming surfaces are forcing the rethinking of electromagnetic/optical design. Electromagnetic metasurfaces are finely patterned surfaces whose intricate patterns/textures dictate their electromagnetic properties. Conventional field-shaping devices, such as lenses in prescription eye glasses or a magnifying glass, require thickness (propagation length) to manipulate electromagnetic waves through interference. In contrast, metasurfaces manipulate electromagnetic waves across negligible thicknesses through surface interactions, by impressing abrupt phase and amplitude discontinuities onto a wavefront. It will be shown how metasurfaces allow the complete transformation of fields across a boundary, and how this unique property is driving a new generation of low-profile electromagnetic and optical devices with unparalleled field control. Please join us at 5:30PM for networking and light refreshments! Co-sponsored by: Syracuse University EECS Department Speaker(s): IEEE MTT-S Distinguished Microwave Lecturer and IEEE Fellow Prof. Anthony Grbic Agenda: 5:30pm: Networking and light refreshments; 6:00pm: Presentation; 7:00pm: Q&A and discussion; Room: CST 4-201, Bldg: FREE PARKING is available! Information to be forwarded to registered attendees on the evening prior to the event., Center for Science and Technology at Syracuse University, 111 College Pl, Syracuse, New York, United States, 13210

[]Srinivasa Ramanujan FRS 22 December 1887 – 26 April 1920) was an Indian mathematician. Though he had almost no formal training in pure mathematics, he made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, including solutions to mathematical problems then considered unsolvable. Ramanujan initially developed his own mathematical research in isolation: according to Hans Eysenck: "He tried to interest the leading professional mathematicians in his work, but failed for the most part. What he had to show them was too novel, too unfamiliar, and additionally presented in unusual ways; they could not be bothered". Seeking mathematicians who could better understand his work, in 1913 he began a postal correspondence with the English mathematician G. H. Hardy at the University of Cambridge, England. Recognising Ramanujan's work as extraordinary, Hardy arranged for him to travel to Cambridge. In his notes, Hardy commented that Ramanujan had produced groundbreaking new theorems, including some that "defeated me completely; I had never seen anything in the least like them before", and some recently proven. During his short life, Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3,900 results (mostly identities and equations). Many were completely novel; his original and highly unconventional results, such as the Ramanujan prime, the Ramanujan theta function, partition formulae and mock theta functions, have opened entire new areas of work and inspired a vast amount of further research. Of his thousands of results, all but a dozen or two have now been proven correct. The Ramanujan Journal, a scientific journal, was established to publish work in all areas of mathematics influenced by Ramanujan, and his notebooks—containing summaries of his published and unpublished results—have been analysed and studied for decades since his death as a source of new mathematical ideas. As late as 2012, researchers continued to discover that mere comments in his writings about "simple properties" and "similar outputs" for certain findings were themselves profound and subtle number theory results that remained unsuspected until nearly a century after his death. He became one of the youngest Fellows of the Royal Society and only the second Indian member, and the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Of his original letters, Hardy stated that a single look was enough to show they could have been written only by a mathematician of the highest calibre, comparing Ramanujan to mathematical geniuses such as Euler and Jacobi. In 1919, ill health compelled Ramanujan's return to India, where he died in 1920 at the age of 32. His last letters to Hardy, written in January 1920, show that he was still continuing to produce new mathematical ideas and theorems. His "lost notebook", containing discoveries from the last year of his life, caused great excitement among mathematicians when it was rediscovered in 1976. A deeply religious Hindu,Ramanujan credited his substantial mathematical capacities to divinity, and said his family goddess, Namagiri Thayar, revealed his mathematical knowledge to him. He once said, "An equation for me has no meaning unless it expresses a thought of God." Speaker(s): , Discussion Moderator: Sharan Kalwani Agenda: 6:00 PM - Welcome and Introductions, Chapter business update; break 6:05 PM - Movie Start/Presentation 7:20 PM - Q & A; group Discussion 7:30 PM - Wrap Up Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/416631

COURSE DESCRIPTION Course Kick-off / Orientation Thursday, April 18, 6:00PM – 6:30PM. Live Workshops: 6:00PM – 7:30PM, Thursdays, April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23 Registration is open through the last live workshop date. Live workshops are recorded for later use. Attendees will have access to the recorded session and exercises for two months (until July 23, 2024) after the live session ends! Registration Fees: IEEE Member Fee (by April 11th): $190.00 IEEE Member Fee (after April 11th): $285.00 IEEE Non-Member Fee (by April 11th): $210.00 IEEE Non-Member Fee (after April 11th) $315.00 Decision to run/cancel course: Friday, April 12, 2024 COURSE DESCRIPTION New Format Combining Live Workshops with Pre-recorded Video This is a hands-on course providing pre-recorded lectures that students can watch on their own schedule and an unlimited number of times prior to live Q&A/Workshop sessions with the instructor. Ten 1.5 hour videos released 2 per week while the course is in session will be available for up to two months after the conclusion of the course. Course Summary This course is a fresh view of the fundamental and practical concepts of digital signal processing applicable to the design of mixed signal design with A/D conversion, digital filters, operations with the FFT, and multi-rate signal processing. This course will build an intuitive understanding of the underlying mathematics through the use of graphics, visual demonstrations, and applications in GPS and mixed signal (analog/digital) modern transceivers. This course is applicable to DSP algorithm development with a focus on meeting practical hardware development challenges in both the analog and digital domains, and not a tutorial on working with specific DSP processor hardware. Now with Jupyter Notebooks! Speaker(s): Dan Boschen, Agenda: Topics / Schedule: Pre-recorded lectures: (3 hours each) will be distributed Friday prior to each week’s workshop dates. Workshop/Q&A Sessions are 6 – 7:30PM on the dates listed below. Kick-off / Orientation: Thursday, April 18, 2024 Class 1: April 25, 2024: Correlation, Fourier Transform, Laplace Transform Class 2: May 2, 2024: Sampling and A/D Conversion, Z –transform, D/A Conversion Class 3: May 9, 2024: IIR and FIR Digital filters, Direct Fourier Transform Class 4: May 16, 2024: May Windowing, Digital Filter Design, Fixed Point vs Floating Point Class 5: May23, 2024: Fast Fourier Transform, Multi-rate Signal Processing, Multi-rate Filters Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/400076

4/25 ExCom Bldg: CCSU Applied Innovation Hub, 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, Connecticut, United States, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/417789

GALLOIS AUTONOMOUS ROBOT COMPETITION, scheduled to take place on Friday April 26, 2024 at Stevens Institute of Technology. This event is taking place as part of the (https://www.stevens.edu/stevens-innovation-expo) This event promises to be an enriching experience, offering students the chance to witness cutting-edge advancements in robotics, engage with University students, and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies. It aligns perfectly with academic goals and will provide valuable exposure to real-world applications of robotics. Registration: Is below. We ask that the teacher that is bringing the students register and include the number of students that will be attending. This event is for High School (9-12 grade) students. A teach must accompany the students Here are a few key points regarding the activity: Educational Value: The event can include a talk from one of IEEE speakers at Hoboken High School focused on providing students a deeper understanding of robotics technology. Inspiration for Future Careers & Education: Experiencing the event firsthand can inspire our students and ignite their passion for robotics or a STEM field, encouraging them to consider related fields for further studies and careers. Logistics: - IEEE speaker present at Morton 203 on Friday, April 26 10:00-noon - Opportunity to see University STEM students apply their education and skills in multiple areas including: a robotics competition, a music concert, and senior design projects - Flexible schedule. Since the Expo activities take place from 11am-3pm, we can tailor the day's schedule to what works best for your school and students. See (https://www.stevens.edu/stevens-innovation-expo) for schedule. Date: Friday, April 26th Time: 10:00am-3:00pm Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, USA More information about: (https://futurenetworks.ieee.org/) (https://stevens.edu/) Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New York, United States

Executive board meeting to plan for Spring 2024 Room: 175, Bldg: Light Engineering, Light Engineering, Stony Brook, New York, United States, 11790

It will be about everything about AI: Expectations, predictions, standards, social cases. Anything you would like to talk. Best regards Agenda: Free style: any topic about AI is welcome. There will be free coffee with IEEE Financial Support again. Best regards Bldg: Pressed Cafe, 216 S River Rd, Bedford, New Hampshire, United States, 03110, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/406227