Engineering When the Answer Isn’t Known
Engineering education often focuses on solving well-defined problems with known constraints and measurable answers. Real-world engineering is frequently less orderly: information is incomplete, environments change, models are imperfect, and decisions must be made before every uncertainty can be resolved. This talk explores how engineers can approach complex, adaptive problems by combining technical depth with systems thinking, experimentation, and the ability to reason under uncertainty. Using an autonomous robot as an accessible example, we will examine how seemingly straightforward engineering problems become challenging when sensing, resources, objectives, and the environment interact—and what skills engineers can develop to succeed in these environments.
This lecture series features exciting and dynamic visiting and virtual speakers from across the range of ECE disciplines. Take some time every Friday morning to be inspired by these great scientists and engineers before heading into the weekend!