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Speaker:
Mohamed Talamali

Join the talk on Zoom

Abstract: Precise sound pressure distribution is crucial for advanced acoustic applications like haptic feedback, object manipulation, and noise control. This talk introduces spatial sound modulators (SSMs) – devices that dynamically shape sound fields by controlling an array of elementary units. I first explain the underlying physics of SSMs and the innovative technologies used to fabricate their elementary units, showcasing how these advancements enable applications like touch sensation delivery, object levitation, and 3D acoustic displays. I then show how we could reduce SSMs' actuation costs and complexity while limiting loss in pressure distribution quality. I will give an end-to-end presentation of the technology from concept to SMM fabrication, using off-the-shelf 3D printers and custom control electronics. SSM can potentially enable new modalities to study animal behaviour, including the invisible touching of animals and floating food/small prey, which can, for example, enrich the existing VR technologies. I will conclude the talk with an interactive discussion with experts in collective animal behaviours, exploring potential applications of SSMs in their research.
 

Bio: Dr Salah Talamali is a Research Associate in energy-aware swarm programming at the University of Sheffield, working within the OpenSwarm European project to advance long-term autonomy in robot swarms. His research focuses on decentralized swarm intelligence, enhancing energy efficiency and adaptability in robotic systems for dynamic environments. Previously, Dr Talamali served as a Lecturer in Automation, Control, and Robotics, where he made a lasting impact on students, winning the Inspirational Teaching Award for two consecutive years. As a Research Fellow at UCL, he explored innovative human-computer interfaces through swarm robotics and multi-agent theory.

Email address: m.s.talamali@sheffield.ac.uk

Twitter: @SalahTalamali