Computational intelligence and multimedia in education: NASA/RMS arm, control in diabetes, intelligent workstation, and management decision aide

The use of computational intelligence and multimedia in the formal classroom and in continuing education is a powerful, many faceted tool. We summarize the system development principles important in educating engineers and scientists in the practical application of these tools. Intelligent systems, human interfaces, neural networks, genetic algorithms, evolutionary systems and virtual reality form a toolbox of opportunities. Examples are discussed in the light of turning fuzzy computing concepts into applications. Simulation skills needed for success in industry are emphasized. A prime example of such an educational tool is the system developed at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for full scale simulation in actual hardware of the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm used on the Shuttle. Other examples include the new Teledoc software expert system at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI). The computer “talks” to callers to elicit information about glucose levels, stress, exercise, diet and various symptoms before adjusting insulin dosages, alerting patients to potential problems add their solutions-including calling the doctor. An intelligent workstation designed to filter information for busy executives, and a decision aide for managers are also discussed