An IAESTE trainee has helped a team from Queen's University Belfast win the British Computer Society's Annual Prize for Progress towards Machine Intelligence.

Marcel Ono, a computer science student from Brazil, joined the team led by Professor David Bell in July 2005 and contributed to the development of IFOMIND, a mobile robot system that demonstrates intelligence as it meets a new object in the world.

Initially reacting instinctively in a 'fearful' manner when encountering a new object, IFOMIND has also been equipped with the human-like capability of inquisitiveness. This means the robot recognises it can react in different ways and does not have to be scared of something which may not be harmful to it.

‘Marcel’s work here was of the highest quality,’ commented Professor Bell.

‘He worked very hard to get the first IFOMIND prototype working before he left, and I was impressed by the manner in which he picked up new concepts and techniques. Marcel certainly demonstrated to me that the IAESTE scheme is very worthwhile.’

Marcel agreed that his IAESTE experience couldn't have been better.

‘From intense experiences such as the excitement of living abroad all by myself, meeting people from all over the world and working on an interesting project with committed people, to simple things like cooking Brazilian food for my friends and going to my first ever ice hockey match, every single moment will be with me forever.’

For more information about this or any IAESTE activity in Northern Ireland, please email Karen Moses or call 02890 248 220 extn 230