Julian de Hoog

• Multi-agent systems, autonomous agents
• Multi-robot exploration, robotic search-and-rescue
• Machine learning, neural networks, reinforcement learning

My research involves communication-limited exploration algorithms for teams of mobile agents.  The long term goal is application to teams of search-and-rescue robots.

I am currently in charge of the Robotic Search and Rescue project and I am co-developing the Amsterdam Oxford Joint Rescue Forces, a joint team with the University of Amsterdam that competes in RoboCup's Virtual Robots competition.  The competition involves multiple simulated robots cooperating in a search and rescue scenario.

I am also currently organizer of the ROSS Seminar Series (internal link only) - a series of joint seminars between related groups in the Department of Engineering and the Computing Laboratory. 

• Long version (last updated 29.09.09)

• D.Phil. Computer Science, University of Oxford. Started in October 2007. Supervisor: Dr. Stephen Cameron.
• M.Sc. Computer Science, University of Oxford, 2007. Title of thesis: Machine Learning Techniques Applied to Multi-Agent Cooperation. Supervisor: Dr. Stephen Cameron.
• B.Sc. Computer Science and Mathematics, McGill University, 2004. Minor Concentration in Philosophy.

• Three lectures for Computer Animation - Michaelmas Term 2009
• Practicals for Intelligent Systems I - Michaelmas Term 2009
• Practicals for Intelligent Systems I - Michaelmas Term 2008
• One lecture for Intelligent Systems I - 07.11.08

• "The USARSim Simulation Environment", Oxford University Computing Laboratory ROSS Seminar Series, Oxford, 3 February 2009.
• "Robots in Japan: State of the Art", Oxford University Computing Laboratory Cakes Talk, Oxford, 13 November 2008.
• "Robotic Search-and-Rescue: An Integrated Approach", Oxford University Computing Laboratory Student Conference, Oxford, 17 October 2008.  (Won best presentation).
• "Role-assigned multi-robot exploration", various universities in Japan (University of Electro-Communications, University of Tsukuba, University of Tohoku, Tokyo Technology Institute, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka University).  July - August 2008.
• "Amsterdam Oxford Joint Rescue Force: Oxford's team at RoboCup Rescue", Computing Laboratory Open Day.  June 2008.
• "Machine learning applied to Search and Rescue tasks", Spatial Reasoning Group, University of Oxford. February 2008.
• "Machine learning techniques applied to multi-agent cooperation", Essex-Oxford Joint Robotics Workshop, University of Essex. October 2007.

Outside of the ComLab, much of my time and effort goes into playing for the University's ice hockey team, the Oxford Blues. I also play football (the UK kind), ultimate frisbee and squash, and occasionally enjoy a bit of rowing.