There are active research teams working in each of the following areas. More information can be found by following the highlighted links in each area.
Reconfigurable Computing: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA's).
Reconfigurable computing is a new style of computer architecture enabled by the availability of high density programmable logic chips, or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). FPGAs are integrated circuits consisting of large arrays of uncommitted logic gates and interconnection wires. The chips are programmed for a specific function by downloading a stream of programming bits to select gate functions and wire connections. A new hardware program can be downloaded to these chips in a few milliseconds. When these chips are added to a conventional computer, we have a machine where we can not only program the software for the computer, but where we can also change the hardware that executes the software.
Our research contribution in this area is through a focussed research program which aims to identify those application domains where reconfigurable computing is likely to yield performance benefits, when reconfigurable computing is most profitably applied, and how to best design reconfigurable computing structures.
Sensor Networks
Sensors are the eyes and ears of the global information environment, and are most useful when connected into the Internet. In may cases, the final connection may be via a wireless link. Researchers in this theme investigate issues in wireless mesh networking, self-configuring sensor nodes and software development techniques. The theme also investigates applications such as wireless and mobile guidebooks, environmental sensing, healthcare and Smart Homes.
Context-Aware Computing
This theme investigates how systems can adapt to their environment, for example by switching communications seamlessly between different available wireless networks. A major issue is the design of software frameworks which allow software developers to incorporate context-aware features into their code.
Interaction Design
The focus of this research is investigate and design people's interactive experience with technology in ways that promote theoretical development, stimulate new industry practice, and enhance users' experience. The areas of focus are multi-modal interfaces and ubiquitous computing; information design and information visualisation; collaborative learning environments; human-centred design; studies of the design process; participatory design; affective computing; and interactive environments and immersion.
Other research activities and links to be added.