Machine Learning & Knowledge Acquisition

Research Staff

Academics: Prof Claude Sammut (PhD, UNSW, Sydney 1982), Prof Paul Compton (MSc, UNSW, Sydney 1976), Prof Arun Sharma, A/Prof Achim Hoffman (PhD, Technische Universitaet Berlin 1992), Prof Ross Quinlan (adjunct), Prof Donald Michie (adjunct), Dr. Alan Blair (from 2001)

Researchers: Dr. Michael Bain, Dr. Eric Martin, Dr. Rex Kwok, + 2 others (TBA)

PG Research Students: 19

Capability

The group conducts research on a wide range of machine learning and knowledge acquisition techniques.

Some areas of research are:

• data mining
• inductive logic programming
• learning sub-cognitive skills
• robot learning
• philosophical and mathematical possibilities and limits in learning
• incremental development of knowledge bases by users
• learning in knowledge and document management
• natural language and image understanding learning
• learning search techniques

Track Record (1997-2001)

Research Grants: National Competitive Grants over $2 million

Collaboration: University of Osaka, University of Calgary, Daimler-Benz Research Laboratories, T.J. Watson Laboratory (IBM), University of Delaware, University of Heidelberg, University of Ljubljana, Keio University, University of Colorado, University of Murcia, National University of Singapore, BHP Port Kembla Research Laboratories, Pacific Knowledge Systems (Sydney), Motorola Research Laboratories (Sydney), Medical Imaging Australia, Aeronautical and Maritime Research Laboratories (Melbourne), Laboratoire de Robotique de Paris, Convagent Ltd (UK)

PhD Completions: 8

Miscellaneous:

• over 2000 literature citations of staff (including Quinlan who is the most cited Australian in Computer Science)
• most commonly used machine-learning algorithms in data mining
• first large scale sub-cognitive learning (auto-pilot)
• first inductive logic programming system
• first large expert systems built by users
• expert systems in routine use in medicine and elsewhere
• RoboCup 2nd place (1999), 1st place (2000), 1st place (2001)
• 4 start-up companies
• various company Advisory Boards
• various journal Editorial Boards (e.g. Machine Learning, Human-Computer Studies)

Facilities

Most research in the group requires standard work stations and a wide range of machine learning, artificial intelligence and software development tools are available. Special facilities include:

• Beowolf cluster
• 3 Pioneer II robots
• 10 Sony AIBO robots
• 11 Rug Warrior robots
• 1 Scorbot ER3 robot arm
• Various cameras and image acquisition technology
• PCB construction facility (shared)