Summer School on Embedded Optimal Control

The FrontSeat Summer School on Embedded Optimal Control was an outstanding educational event organized on September 11-15, 2023, at the Slovak University of Technology (STU) in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. The summer school was designed to bring together experts, researchers, and students who are interested in the field of embedded optimal control. About twenty Ph.D. students and young researchers from various European regions enjoyed this event organized as part of the goals of the project FrontSeat.

The FrontSeat Summer School included cutting-edge lectures delivered the renowned experts in the field of optimal control. These lectures covered a wide range of topics, from fundamental principles to the model predictive control, its application in the framework of the embedded control hardware, and its extension towards machine-learning-based control strategies. Furthermore, students had the opportunity to enhance their soft skills through a dedicated lecture focused on improving presentation skills.

More pictures and related materials are available at the dedicated homepage of the FrontSeat SummerSchool.

The event was launched with an opening speech delivered by the FrontSeat project coordinator Prof. Miroslav Fikar (STUBA). The organization of the summer school was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Martin Gulan and Dr. Juraj Holaza (STUBA).

First, Prof. Michal Kvasnica (STUBA), a recognized expert in the field of predictive control, delivered the lecture on “Introduction to Optimal Control / Introduction to MPT3”. He also supervised the “MPT3 Workshop”.

Assistant Professor Marco Vaccari (UNIPI), a recognized expert in the field of process modeling, simulation, and optimization delivered a lecture on “Introduction to MPC Code”. He also supervised the “MPC Code Workshop”.

Associated Professor Martin Klaučo (STUBA), a recognized expert in the field of AI delivered the lecture on “Introduction to Machine Learning”, and he also supervised the “Machine Learning Workshop”.

Professor Gergely Takács, the senior research engineer at Garret Motion delivered the lecture on “Introduction to Embedded Control Hardware / Introduction to AutomationShield”, and he also supervised “AutomationShield Workshop”.

Martin Ždímal, the experienced trainer of soft/hard skills delivered an interesting lecture on “Soft Skills Presentation”.

Participants had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings through hands-on workshops. These workshops provided invaluable experience in implementing embedded control solutions on microcontroller-based pocket laboratories using state-of-the-art software tools.

Finally, the students were encouraged to showcase their research projects focused on the embedded optimal control. This session allowed constructive discussions, feedback, and the exchange of innovative ideas.

All attendees received a certificate of participation upon completion of the summer school, recognizing their dedication to advancing the field of embedded optimal control. Moreover, the FrontSeat Summer School fostered an environment for networking and teamwork.

In addition to the academic program, students enjoyed the rich culture and history of the Bratislava region through an engaging social program.

Visiting the Devin Castle.

Participants of the social program at the Blue Church.

Enjoying the sightseeing from the Bratislava Castle.

The visual identity of the project FrontSeat was supported by the distribution of some useful presents to the students.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon under grant no. 101079342 (Fostering Opportunities Towards Slovak Excellence in Advanced Control for Smart Industries).