Cyber-physical/human systems (CPS/CHS) are set to play an increasingly visible role in our lives, advancing research and technology across diverse disciplines. I am exploring novel synergies between three emerging CPS/CHS technologies of prospectively broad societal impact, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomous micro-aerial robots (UAVs). My long-term research objective is UAV-IoT-deployed ubiquitous VR/AR immersive communication that can enable virtual human teleportation to any corner of the world. Thereby, we can achieve a broad range of technological and societal advances that will enhance energy conservation, quality of life, and the global economy.
I am investigating fundamental problems at the intersection of signal acquisition and representation, communications and networking, (embedded) sensors and systems, and rigorous machine learning for stochastic control that arise in this context. I envision a future where UAV-IoT-deployed immersive communication systems will break existing barriers in remote sensing, monitoring, localization and mapping, navigation, and scene understanding. The presentation will outline some of my present and envisioned investigations. Interdisciplinary applications will be highlighted.