Indo-Norwegian collaboration in Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems

This successfully completed project Indo-Norwegian collaboration in Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems (INCAPS) considered broad areas of autonomous and cyber-physical systems research, including smart sensing for autonomous systems, mmWave sensor-based system design, decentralized wireless communications, in-network processing and intelligence for heterogeneous wireless sensor and communication networks, machine learning and deep learning for autonomous systems, data analytics, energy harvesting-based smart electronic systems, smart water networks with inference methods for timely detection and prediction, and cognitive control and adaptive learning in autonomous cyber-physical systems. The main focus of this collaborative project was to integrate these diverse research areas with research-based education, enhance the quality of innovation for ongoing projects, involve students, and integrate public and private enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, and multi-national companies. The collaboration successfully facilitated mutual benefits for researchers from Norway and India in the education and research domains related to cyber-physical systems. By joint supervision and adapting teaching methods from Indian partners to Norway and vice versa, the project significantly contributed to BSc/MSc/Ph.D. students and opened opportunities for continuing education for all partners in the project and others outside the consortium.

Through the INCAPS project, long-term collaboration agreements were established with highly reputed Indian universities which include the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH), International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH), and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-Pilani), Hyderabad. Through the implementation of innovative exchange programs and initiatives, this project successfully facilitated education and knowledge sharing among students and researchers within academic institutions. Students at all levels including bachelor, master, PhDs, and professors were exchanged. By addressing barriers to collaboration and promoting cross-cultural understanding, the project contributed to creating a more inclusive, collaborative, and globally engaged academic community. Moving forward, continued efforts in enhancing exchange opportunities will be essential in preparing students and researchers to address the complex challenges of the 21st century and contribute to positive social change on a global scale. Study Abroad Programs: Established partnerships between universities and academic institutions in India to enable students to study abroad, fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic enrichment. Research Exchanges: Supported initiatives that allow researchers to visit other institutions, attend conferences, and collaborate with peers internationally, thereby promoting the exchange of ideas and advancements in various fields. Cultural Exchange Programs: Supported initiatives that promote cultural exchange alongside academic pursuits, fostering mutual understanding and respect among students and researchers from diverse backgrounds. The INCAPS, which concluded with over 100+ publications, has made significant contributions to the field of Autonomous and Cyber-Physical Systems (ACPS). The research areas covered by the project are diverse and promising, including I). RADARs, RADAR signal processing, and Machine Learning. II). LiDARs, LiDAR signal processing, and Machine Learning. III). Computer Vision and Machine Learning for on-road and aerial vehicle traffic management. IV). Thermal Imaging and Machine Learning for on-road and aerial vehicle traffic management. V). Autonomous Systems (including Robots and UAVs), Autonomous Sensor Systems, AI-Powered Sensor Systems. VI). Internet of Things, Cyber-Physical Systems, Embedded Systems, Autonomous Embedded Electronics. VII). Wireless Sensor Networks, Signal Processing. VIII) Testbed design for Wireless Communications Systems, Protocol Implementation for Wireless Sensor Networks, Big Analog Data. IX) FPGA/ASIC design for Wireless Communications Systems, Energy Harvesting for Wireless Embedded Systems & IoT Devices. X) Analog, Digital & Mixed Signal Circuit Design. Some of these published results are already being utilized in the present courses at the University of Agder (UiA).

This project proposal, Indo-Norwegian collaboration in Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems (INCAPS) establishes the long-term collaboration between highly reputed Indian universities which include Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH), International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Hyderabad and Norwegian universities, University of Agder (UiA), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) in world-class research and education. This proposal considers broad areas of research which include smart sensing for autonomous systems, mmWave sensor based system design, de-centralized wireless communications, in-network processing and intelligence for heterogeneous wireless sensor and communication networks, machine learning and deep learning for autonomous systems, data analytics, energy harvesting based smart electronic systems, smart water networks and inference methods for timely detection and prediction, cognitive control and adaptive learning in autonomous cyber-physical systems. The key objectives of the INCAPS project is to: I). Strengthen collaborative network between industry (both public and private enterprises, small and medium sized enterprises and multi-national companies) and academia. II). Increased value creation and enhanced innovation by using smart sensing, machine and deep learning techniques in autonomous cyber-physical systems. III). Facilitate education and knowledge sharing through better mobility for students and researchers. IV). Create an arena for generation of research and innovation projects. V). Increased utilization of research and educational infrastructure both in Norway and India. VI). Integrate professionals from industries and academics through workshops, seminars, webinars and summer/winter schools.