http://www-robotics.usc.edu/~agents/

The Interaction Lab at the University of Southern California is part of the Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems (CRES) and the USC Robotics Labs. Its work involves "using a behavior-based approach to control, favoring solutions that are distributed, scalable, and robust" and when possible, validating algorithms in embodied domains. Areas of study include: Multi-Robot Coordination and Learning, Humanoid Robot Control and Learning, Learning by Imitation, Assistive Human-Robot Interaction, and Activity Modeling. The website provides short descriptions and research goals for each of these areas and related projects. Several publications and videos resulting from these projects are also posted online. The "fun" section offers a glimpse of the good times shared by the lab researchers. [VF]

http://www.rle.mit.edu/sia/

Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Signals, Information and Algorithms Laboratory focuses on "developing efficient algorithmic structures to address emerging problems of fundamental interest involving the manipulation of signals and information in diverse settings." Its work examines fundamental limits and architectural principles, implementation issues and experimental investigations. Wireless, sensor, multimedia, and broadband network contexts are a major emphasis in recent work. The website provides an overview of some recent projects and lists journal articles, conference papers, doctoral theses, technical reports, patents, and course notes, many of which are available online. Technology developed as a result of the lab's research may be used for industrial applications. The Technology section will periodically feature a product and make it available to download free online for noncommercial purposes. [VF]

http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/NECC2004/

The 2004 National Educational Computing Conference, sponsored by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) with the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators (LACUE), has posted here the research papers presented at the conference. Topics include distance learning, K-12 education and technology use, teacher education, assessment, and analysis of computer culture and online discussion boards. The archived webcasts of some sessions will be available for video-on-demand viewing until January 7, 2005.

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http://grove.ufl.edu/~wgsawyer/

The Tribology Laboratory in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Florida is dedicated to the study of tribology, "the branch of science and technology concerned with interacting surfaces in relative motion, friction, wear, and lubrication." Its work draws on areas of study such as materials science, fluid dynamics, contact mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, chemistry, physics, controls, and surface characterization. However, the primary area of investigation is the friction and wear of materials in order to "engineer and design materials that have improved wear resistance." The website provides background on the tribology and describes the lab's research projects. The publication section includes journal papers and other articles, conference proceedings, and masters and doctoral theses. Online presentations given by the tribology laboratory and online software, primarily Hertzian contact calculators, are also made available to download. [VF]

http://www.cds.caltech.edu/

The Caltech Control and Dynamical Systems (CDS) program provides training in mathematics, dynamics, and control, applied in the areas of science and engineering. The website describes the program's theoretical and applied research. It provides links to websites of selected multi-investigator projects such as Software Enabled Control (DARPA), Institute for Quantum Information (NSF), Quantum Communication Networks (MURI), Center for Multiscale Modeling and Simulation (CIT, NSF), and Adaptive Ocean Sampling Network (ONR). Information on seminars and meetings as well as some older technical reports are also archived online. [VF]

http://www.me.psu.edu/

The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Pennsylvania State University conducts research to generate new knowledge and strengthen and support undergraduate and graduate education at PSU. Its research is multidisciplinary and involves collaborations with many of the academic colleges and research centers within Penn State. Research areas include Acoustics and Vibrations, Bioengineering, Combustion and Propulsion, Energy and Environment, Fluid Mechanics, Information Technology, Mechanical Systems and Design, Transportation and more. Information on these areas can be found on the site's research projects, research centers and faculty web pages. [VF]

http://www.mindpixel.com/

Digital Mind Modeling Project by MindPixel invites Web users to contribute to the creation of the first statistical model of human thought. The Canadian scientist, Chris McKinstry, who founded the project "hopes to be able to teach a computer what it means to be human" by using an approach similar to seti@home "to extract the entire content of an average person's mind bit by literal bit from millions of different internet users." After about 10 years running, the final collection will be available for other artificial intelligence researchers. For now, visitors can register using an online form to access the Mindpixel News System, which offers the latest news pertaining to the mind and mind-related science. Internet users can also register and make their contribution to science by talking to the online system, which the author calls GAC, pronounced "Jack." Contributors earn voting rights "that will give them a say in every aspect of how the project is run, from data collection and use to the distribution of data and research funds." [VF]

http://www.ubishops.ca/algebra/webE/index.html

The Research Group in Representation Theory of Algebras of Bishop's University and l'Université de Sherbrooke in Canada hosts visiting scholars, sponsors conferences, and offers graduate and undergraduate training. The main page provides an overview of the representation theory of algebras for the non-specialist. Experts in the field are invited to browse the selected research publications posted online.
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