Hosted By:
Association of Old Crows
Minnesota Chapter
Please join AOC Minnesota Chapter, along with Rohde & Schwarz, as we present an evening lecture & chapter business:
Lecture Description: Cognitive RF Systems: Real-time Learning in Dynamic RF Environments
Radio frequency (RF) environments are growing more congested, contested, and complex, impacting everything from national defense to medical devices. This presentation explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming RF systems to adapt in real time to dynamic conditions, novel emitters, and unpredictable interference. By embedding techniques like situation assessment, decision-making, and machine learning directly into RF workflows, we create smarter, faster, and more resilient systems.
In this talk, I will describe how Cognitive Radio, Cognitive Radar, and Cognitive Electronic Warfare share a common AI foundation, and why this matters across domains. From tactical missions to civilian infrastructure, including RF interference in critical medical systems, the stakes are high and the need for intelligent adaptation is urgent. The talk will highlight: 1. Where and how AI functions within RF systems 2. Strategies for real-time, in-mission learning and adaptation 3. Evaluation methods for systems that learn on the fly 4. Cross-sector relevance, from military systems to civilian settings This presentation draws from the book Cognitive Electronic Warfare: An Artificial Intelligence Approach and aims to inspire engineers, researchers, and decision-makers across defense, healthcare, and communications to rethink what’s possible when RF meets AI.
Agenda
6:00 PM — 6:15 PM
► Welcome, Registration & seating
6:15 PM — 6:30 PM
► Chapter Introductions
6:30 PM — 7:30 PM
► Guest Lecture: Dr Karen Haigh: Cognitive RF Systems: Real-time Learning in Dynamic RF Environments
7:30 PM — 8:00 PM
► Chapter Business & Conclusions
Speaker: Dr. Karen Haigh
Dr. Karen Haigh is an expert and consultant in Cognitive EW and embedded AI. Her focus is on physical systems with limited communications and limited computation resources that must perform under fast hard-real-time requirements. She recently published the book "Cognitive EW: An AI Approach" with Julia Andrusenko. She was a pioneer in three fields now common across the globe: (1) closed-loop planning and machine learning for autonomous robots, (2) smart homes for elder care, and (3) cognitive RF systems.
Dr. Haigh is a regular presenter to both academic and military communities around the world and has created a variety of online content discussing embedded AI for mission-critical systems, supporting rapid real-time in-mission learning, and assuring AI in the field. Her course on Cognitive EW is available through the Association of Old Crows. Dr. Haigh has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, working for Honeywell, BBN Technologies, L3, and Mercury Systems.
Please arrive before the session to allow for registration & seating.