Configuration Controllability of Simple Mechanical Control Systems

In this paper we present a definition of "configuration controllability" for mechanical systems whose Lagrangian is kinetic energy with respect to a Riemannian metric minus potential energy. A computable test for this new version of controllability is derived. This condition involves an object which we call the symmetric product. Of particular interest is a definition of "equilibrium controllability" for which we are able to derive computable sufficient conditions. Examples illustrate the theory

Configuration Controllability of Simple Mechanical Control Systems

In this paper we present a definition of 'configuration controllability' for mechanical systems whose Lagrangian is kinetic energy with respect to a Riemannian metric minus potential energy. A computable test for this new version of controllability is derived. This condition involves an object that we call the symmetric product. Of particular interest is a definition of 'equilibrium controllability' for which we are able to derive computable sufficient conditions. Examples illustrate the theory

THE CHANGING NATURE OF UK FISH RETAILING

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

The LSE Law Department Contributes to the Surveillance Debate

The draft Investigatory Powers Bill received considerable attention when it was published in late 2015. In this blog, Professor Andrew Murray from LSE’s Law Department, introduces a series of new LSE policy briefs, which aim to shed light on four key aspects of the draft Bill

When it comes to teaching and tenure it is time to walk the walk.

Institutions should value teaching and service, and not just research, when considering faculty for promotion and tenure

Time for the media shadow boxing to end, and for the democratic deficit in the expansion of the UK’s surveillance powers to be tackled

Since the Snowden revelations, the extent of the UK’s surveillance powers has come into sharp focus. This has been justified by the government and the security agencies themselves as being the necessary cost of freedom in an age of grave uncertainty and risk. Andrew Murray argues that the media ‘shadow boxing’ that has gone on about the latest proposed increase in security powers must come to an end, and that we now have an opportunity to tackle the yawning democratic deficit

Trapping and detection of single atoms using a spherical mirror

We fabricate a miniature spherical mirror for tightly focusing an optical dipole trap for neutral atoms. The mirror formation process is modelled to predict the dimensions for particular fabrication parameters. We integrate the spherical mirror with a neutral atom experiment to trap and detect a single atom with high efficiency. The mirror serves the dual purpose of focusing the dipole trap as well as collection of the atomic fluorescence into an optical fibre.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure

Regulating AI and machine learning: setting the regulatory agenda

Disruptive technologies arrive with regularity. Whether it is the first industrial revolution with steam powered factories and transportation, or subsequent revolutions which brought about chemical engineering, communications revolutions, aviation and eventually biotechnology and digitisation. We stand at the edge of the next revolution the AI revolution where methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning offer possibilities hitherto unimagined. How this revolution develops and how our society absorbs the potential of this new technology will be largely determined by the models of regulation and governance applied to the nascent technology. In this paper the authors examine lessons from history and propose a framework for identifying and analysing the key elements of regulatory regimes and their interactions which can form the basis for developing a new model for for AI regulatory systems. Furthermore, it argues that the goals of such systems should be to manage the risks different models and uses of AI pose, not just the ethical issues they create