Stochastic information processing

Our recent work has focused on biomimetic approaches. One such study of coding in neural populations has revealed a previously unknown effect, termed suprathreshold stochastic resonance, which results in improved information flow in the presence of noise.

This effect has now been exploited in the context of cochlear implants and is being further developed to meet the needs of other nanotechnological applications where noise is a limiting factor.

Identification of complex engineering systems

Mathematical models of physical processes invariably include unknown parameters, which need to be estimated from real data.

Theoretical techniques exist for ascertaining whether such unknown parameters can be identified from perfect (noise-free) system observations, and there is longstanding research interest in this field of identifiability analysis.

System of systems in applications to automotive vehicles

A major field of research concerns the application of systems engineering approaches in the design, development and validation of systems within automotive vehicles. Current work is focused on addressing the functional interactions between advanced powertrain and chassis systems. A major new development involves extending this work to embrace advanced electrical and electronic system architectures. One area is addressing the challenges that arise from the integration of complex, networked, in-vehicle control systems. A second involves the selection and integration of advanced powertrain architectures for hybrid/electric vehicles. This research is supported by extensive experimental facilities that include a reconfigurable hybrid/electric powertrain test facility, a LabCar and real-time hardware-in-the-loop test equipment and is carried out in close collaboration with industry.