The Sheffield Artificial Intelligence Society - by Lucas Wai Lau

The creation of 'smart' machines is the epitome of modern technological developments.  Though a century ago the concept of devices capable of possessing self-governing intelligence existed only in the realm of science-fiction, it is indubitable that the widespread application of such 'intelligent' machines in our times have now dominated the operation of modern human civilization.

It was only in the 1950s when a proposal of testing the possibility of artificial intelligence was conceived, the Turing test or the ‘Imitation game’ laid the foundation of an exciting field of research that many tech pioneers, including Google and Facebook are currently pursuing.

Though seeming like an unrealistic pursuit for undergraduates, students from the University of Sheffield will now have the opportunity to delve into that innovative field, a recent interview with the president of the ‘Sheffield Artificial Intelligence Society’ Teddy Edmond Benkohen revealed. The society, founded in early 2016 is now ready to open its doors to AI enthusiasts clawing to delve into this innovative field.

“Many people, when they hear the word ‘artificial intelligence’, will instinctively relate it to robotics. That’s simply not true! Our society strives to broaden the scope of artificial intelligence beyond mere robotics. We do this by offering as wide of a range of activities as possible and allow our members to explore their passion through the projects,” Teddy pointed out.

Many activities are in store for all members of the AI society, including eye-opening talks hosted by the society and industrial speakers about the various aspects of artificial intelligence.

Craving for some hands on experience? Teddy reveals that a course has been prepared for its members on the operation of cutting-edge NAO robots, and at the end will see members being capable of programming them for a fully autonomous NAO robot football match.

‘Of course, we’re also looking forward to having more social events for our members.’, he said after sharing his experience on the society’s recent Star Wars: Rogue One screening social.

When asked about the vision of his artificial intelligence society, he explained

“Being student-led is what makes our society special, and being so we’re more keen on nurturing our members and allowing them to explore their creativity through our projects. In the future, we hope to expand and allow students to handle their own projects and secure opportunities to provide research experience to all our members.”

The doors will be wide open for new members beginning on the 6th of February. As AI enthusiasts take the step into this innovative new realm of technology, we shall keep our eyes on their contribution in making the ‘singularity’ a possible reality.

For more details, contact Teddy Edmond Benkohen for more details on the Sheffield Artificial Intelligence Society at tebenkohen1@sheffield.ac.uk.

Meet our International Engineering Ambassador – Aznie Othman

1. Background 

Hi!

​My name is Aznie Othman ​and I am ​from Malaysia which is in Southeast Asia. Currently, I am studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering and am ​in my second year. ​I am in the middle of ​a ​circuits and machines module.  I ​have also joined ​the university’s football and futsal societies. Besides that, I love singing and cultural dancing and was able to perform at an International Cultural Evening organized by 

the International Students’ Committie. I have been ​a member of the International Engineering Ambassador (IEA) scheme since my ​first year which has provided me with many wonderful experiences across the university.

2. Why engineering?

I have really enjoyed​ studying Physics since high school, playing around with electrical machinery​ really excites me and I am eager to discover how the​se incredible things work. ​I was inspired by my brother who​

​ ​is an electrical and electronic engineer and I always ​found his work fascinating. I am planning to work with him and expand his small company ​so it becomes more successful. Moreover, electrical and electronic has been a demand in this highly ​technological ​world where the ​internet is everything.

3. Why UoS?

Apart from being voted the best Student Union in ​the ​UK, ​the ​UoS is most highly ranked for my course. In addition to this, the style of teaching really suits my needs. The Diamond building was established in 2015 and the facilities and equipment are first class . When I started in my first year, I was one of the first students to be able to operate the amazing machinery and use all the facilities. I was attracted to the UoS after reading many excellent reviews by more senior students.

4. Teaching and study methods

​Throughout the course students are helped by module tutors and lab demonstrators and there are also many very approachable lecturers. In addition to this, if you require more help with your course there are ​teaching aid centres where you can just walk in and ask for assistance. ​Every first and second year student is supervised by a personal tutor who will help with any problems. Currently, in my second year, ​I am working on an ​industrial project with ARUP ​where I am able to apply the theory I have learnt on my course.

5.  The City of Sheffield

Sheffield has one of the most beautiful green cities which is and surrounded by spectacular countryside. ​The City Centre is perfect for students and has everything you might need within easy reach. Sheffield is also rated as one of the safest city in UK so ​going out at night has never been a problem. Living costs​ are pretty reasonable  compared to big cities like London and Manchester. Nevertheless, the best thing about 

Sheffield is the friendliness of the people, ​which includes the locals and internationals.

6. ​The ​Benefits of UoS

​

The ​UoS offers a wide range of courses​ especially in engineering​, with all students having access to the latest cutting edge facilities. In addition to studying here​​ students can enhance their experience by choosing to join 

a ​huge range of societies and sports​ to choose from​. The UoS promotes a healthy international spirit among

​the students, therefore as an international student, I have always felt welcomed to engage in all activities across the University.

7. After ​my ​degree

I am planning to work with my brother ​but also maintain an interest in research and development  particularly within the ​electronics sector. I hope to work on business proposals and projects with other large companies to broaden my network. I may also do some part time lecturing or tutoring in ​Universities or colleges as I have a strong passion for educating others.

8. Advice

Make sure you research the course that you are interested in and select the one that you believe you will enjoy 

​the most. Find the most suitable accommodation, mentors and ​societies so you can make the most of your student life in University of Sheffield.       

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SUMMER INTERSHIP by Min Q Lee

I am a final year student studying bioengineering at the University of Sheffield. Last summer, I went back to my home country, Malaysia, where I did a two months internship in the Sunway Medical Centre, a hospital in Selangor.

The Sunway Medical Centre is considered to be one of the best private hospitals in Malaysia. Personally, it was such a great experience to work hands on at a hospital. The engineers in the hospital have to maintain over 5,000 medical devices that range from suction regulators, defibrillators, dialysis machines to CT scanners. There are so many benefits to doing an internship within a hospital - during the internship, I also got to see how the doctors and nurses use the machines when treating patients. I gained a lot of work experience and knowledge as a biomedical engineer.

The aim of every biomedical engineer is to ensure that all the medical devices in the hospital are in perfect working order. This is incredibly important as a failure in any of the devices could cause complications and may even be fatal to patients. My tasks during my two months internship was to perform PPM (Planned and preventive maintenance) services and also to solve/repair breakdown machines in the hospital.

Every medical device has its PPM check, some take place every 6 months and for some it is annually. Under the supervision of my manager, I performed several checks on various devices to ensure they were in good working order.  For machines requiring electricity, an EST (Electric Safety Test) was performed as well. Some of the machines were not in perfect condition and I would observe and repeat the actions of senior members of staff. They would initially assess the conditions of the machines and then make an appropriate decision. The pictures show me in action, repairing various devices.

    

The two months internship was excellent and provided me with a great  insight into what it’s like to work in the medical field.  In addition to this it was also a great opportunity to put my engineering knowledge into use.  For those of you that have not had an opportunity to get an internship, don’t worry,  it is never too late to start so go ahead and apply now!