In this presentation, Chitrita introduces automation and latest trends in that domain. Chitrita's interest areas lie in the use of neural networks to automate disaster mitigation.

2.  Automation, as I understand, is the process of making non living entities operate
themselves, automatically, or with minimum human intervention.
 Now the question arises why, where and how should we let non living entities operate
themselves automatically?
 The answer to why: Because, though man is the most intelligent creature in the universe, he
is bound by physical limitations. Thus, to overcome situations when human resources alone
do not suffice, or is scarce, automated systems should be used. Thus, automated systems
can be used to increase productivity, quality, consistency, to reduce risk and damage to
living entities whenever and however possible.
 The answer to where: Wherever man cannot reach, or has difficulty operating, he should
use machines. Automated systems can thus prove to be invaluable in multiple sectors .
For example: Where diligent labour, accuracy, precision, speed, etc., are of prime
importance. Manufacturing units, transport sectors, defence, security, high risk zones and
many such other sectors are using automated systems.
 The answer to how: By imparting some level of artificial intelligence(AI) to the system.
Various types of automation control methods and tools are used to make a machine be
able to operate itself ‘automatically’.
Control methods such as open and closed loop, system state control, computer control
determine how the system will be regulated.
Various types of automation tools such as ANN, DCS, HMI,SCADA, PLC, robotics, etc.,
determine how the system will learn by using its AI , and adapt to changing environmental
variables.

3. Trends in automation that catch my eye are :
 In transport sector : Unmanned vehicles. Google’s self driving car is
creating a lot of buzz.
 In industries: Automated systems are dedicatedly being used in
production units, waste management, etc.
 In security: Use of automated system in video surveillances, in home
security, in defence systems.
 In disaster management : In calamity stricken areas where providing
human aid would be risky, automated systems can be used for disaster
control and mitigation.
Trends which are expected to see a big surge in the next five years
would be :
Use of automation in unmanned transport systems, in security, in disaster
management.
Automation should be put to more use in disaster management, as
human life and property is most severely affected during a calamity,
and thus we should take more measures to help reduce the effects.

4. I am very much interested in the use of automation in disaster management and
mitigation.
Natural calamities have a profound impact upon our biosphere and society in general.
It is often difficult to send aid because of environmental factors, and even those that
carry aid are at a high risk.
How I would innovate:
Automated systems can be used to periodically monitor geo satellites to look for clues
of any impending disaster, by use of machine learning and pattern recognition.
For example, neural network architecture can be used to predict wildfires,
earthquakes, etc. Unmanned vehicles can be used to carry aid in rough weather. Such
unmanned vehicles can be remotely controlled using HMI.
Automated systems that can process the natural languages of the people of the
calamity stricken area can be used to interact with them, and carry forward their
problems and requirements to their human controllers, and receive solutions from them
and act upon it.
Given a chance, I intend to work on the use of automated systems in disaster
management and mitigation, which will primarily use HMI and ANN as the automation
tools. ANN will be used so that the automated system can also monitor environmental
factors, and thus help in controlling epidemics which often occur as aftermath of
natural disaster.

5. Thank You!