Smart Sensors

**Can R tame the MCP chaos? Let's find out. 🤖** Two talks. Two live demos. One evening that might change how you think about MCP in R. Refreshments and networking from 18h00. **Agenda** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \* 16h30 – 16h45 \| Welcome and News \- Handre Williams & Luis de Sousa \* 16h45 – 17h20 \| Handre Williams: **R as a control layer for MCP workflows** MCP gives LLMs the ability to act. R gives you the ability to **control, validate, and orchestrate** those actions. This talk explores how R can sit in the loop as a **control layer** — managing tool calls, enforcing structure, and adding statistical sanity checks to MCP-driven workflows. Includes a **live demo**. \* 17h20 – 17h55 \| Luis de Sousa: **Turning R into an MCP server: exposing R as a tool for AI** What if your R code wasn’t just something you run... but something AI could call? This talk explores how to expose R as an **MCP server**, turning your scripts, models, and data pipelines into tools that LLMs can query and execute. You’ll see: \- How to **expose R functions safely as MCP tools** \- How AI can **call R to compute, query, and analyse** \- Where this breaks \- and where it’s genuinely useful Includes a **live demo**. \* 17h55 – 18h00 \| Wrap up\, questions & close \* 18h00 \| Refreshments & networking — continue the conversation in person **Details** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ When: 12 May 2026 @ 16h30 to 18h00 (GMT+2) Where: Microsoft Campus in Bryanston, South Africa Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4ffcC3N6T7S2 Keen to speak at a future event? Submit your session abstracts at https://sessionize.com/johannesburg-r-user-group/ **Stay connected** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \* Website: https://www.rusergroup.co.za \* Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/joburg-r-users-group \* Twitter: https://twitter.com/JHBRUserGroup \* GitHub: https://github.com/rusergroupcoza \* WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/3CeDifS

**Agenda :** * 4.45 to 5.00 PM ET: Food and Networking * 5.00 to 5.50 PM ET: "Build Intelligent Agents with Work IQ, Foundry IQ, Fabric IQ, and Copilot Studio" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our May 12th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided. You will need a government-issued ID to enter the facility.** **Title:** Build Intelligent Agents with Work IQ, Foundry IQ, Fabric IQ, and Copilot Studio **Description:** What if your AI agents truly understood how your business works, had instant access to trusted enterprise data, and could take meaningful action from end to end? In this session, we’ll cover how to build enterprise-ready AI agents that understand business context, use trusted data, and take real action. In this fast-paced session, we’ll bring Work IQ, Foundry IQ, and Fabric IQ together with Copilot Studio through best practices and live demos. Key Takeaways: \*Work IQ: Ground agents in real work, roles, and business processes \*Foundry IQ: Design and orchestrate intelligent agent behavior \*Fabric IQ: Power agents with secure, enterprise-grade data \*Copilot Studio: Bring it all together into an end-to-end intelligent agent **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Rockville with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Rockville, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Rockville.

**ProductTank NoVA is back!** After a brief hiatus, we are relaunching the chapter with a format that cuts out the fluff and gets straight to the reality of building. Every product feed is flooded with AI hype right now, but what does it actually look like on the ground? Instead of a polished keynote, we are hosting **0 to 1 with AI: Real Product Talks**—a "Show & Tell" featuring 3–4 lightning talks focused on the intersection of AI and product. The framing for the talks is simple: *"Here is what I'm building, and here is what I'm stuck on."* We want to look at the messy, 0-to-1 reality of integrating AI into your workflows and products. *(Want to share what you are working on? Reach out! The bar is low-pressure, just 10–12 minutes to talk about a real AI problem you are trying to solve.)* **Agenda:** * **5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:** Doors open, networking, & name tags * **6:00 PM - 6:10 PM:** Welcome + Chapter Relaunch Intro * **6:10 PM - 7:30 PM:** Lightning Talks (Three 12-min talks + 5 mins Q&A each, with a 5-min stretch break) * **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:** Open networking * **8:00 PM:** Soft close **Location & Logistics:** Herndon Fortnightly Library (Extended Hours Meeting Room) 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 * **Parking:** We'll meet at the library, located just behind the Herndon Municipal Center. There is plenty of free public parking available around the municipal center. * **Metro & Bus:** Take the Silver Line to Herndon Metro Station, then connect via Fairfax Connector Route 921 or 950 to Historic Downtown Herndon. * **Driving (via VA-267/Dulles Toll Rd):** Take Exit 10 North (Centreville Rd, which becomes Elden St). Turn left onto Station St or Lynn St. * **Driving (via VA-286/Fairfax Co Pkwy):** Take the Elden St West exit. Turn right onto Lynn St. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting back to building!

Learn practical self-defense skills in Herndon, VA using [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ), with beginner-friendly instruction focused on real-world positions and submissions. The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**, or **[sign up for a week of training for free](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/).** This class is designed for **adults** who want a clear, **structured introduction to self-defense** with a focus on basic takedowns and [ground fighting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_fighting). Training emphasizes **foundational BJJ concepts**, including **positional control**, **escapes**, and **high-percentage submissions**. *No prior experience is required.* Instruction is paced for **beginners**, with an emphasis on **safety**, **understanding**, and building **confidence** on the mat. Classes run **Tuesdays** and **Thursdays** from **6:00–7:30 PM** at the [Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/) (PSA) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) serving students from nearby [Reston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reston,_Virginia) and surrounding [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) areas. Come ready to **learn**, **move**, and **train** in a supportive environment. This [self-defense event in Herndon](https://nvma.group/2026/03/26/intro-to-self-defense-class-at-osma-in-herndon-va/) has been cross-posted on the NVMA website as well as on [Patch](https://patch.com/virginia/reston/calendar/event/20260402/85b3425c-6dfe-4840-b46d-87d129333c4e/introduction-to-self-defense-course-on-april-02nd-2026-at-osma-in-herndon-va).

If **CMMC** is on your radar (or keeping you up at night), this is the conversation you don’t want to miss! Join us on **Tuesday, May 12, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1YxovFyF9RzKCcq9EjAN8-wdwxz1 Join us for an “**Ask the CMMC Experts**” session with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg of Koniag Cyber.** These two seasoned leaders have been deep in the trenches of cybersecurity, compliance, and national security! **Brian** brings 20+ years of experience leading cybersecurity services across **highly regulated industries** and a unique perspective as a former **U.S. Secret Service Technical Security Division** professional who has helped secure some of the nation’s most sensitive environments. **Carter** pairs 30+ years spanning cyber investigations, threat intelligence, and cyber law with hands-on CMMC leadership as a **Lead Certified Asessor**. He’s conducted 35+ independent CMMC assessments, supported 30+ Authorizations to Operate for **DHS and DoD**, and helped shape national conversations through work with **NIST, MITRE, and federal agencies.** Bring your questions, your challenges, and your curiosity on **May 12**, for this candid, practical conversation with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg**, designed to help you move forward with confidence! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:15 Ask the CMMC Expert - **Brian Gallagher & Carter Schoenberg** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn

Let's go to Glenstone! At Glenstone, the architecture and grounds are also part of the art. This beautiful art museum in Potomac, MD just reopened its full collection for public viewing. After we see the art, we'll gather in their cafe for lunch at 11:45 a.m. The grounds of the museum include a walking trail and outdoor sculptures. If you haven't been to Glenstone, this is a chance you don't want to miss. MEET AT: 9:45 a.m. just outside the Arrival Hall, which is near the parking lots ([map of the grounds is here](https://map.glenstone.org/?_gl=1%2A16qx4na%2A_ga%2AMTU2Mjk2NTQxNS4xNzc1NTI1NDUw%2A_ga_ZBWX9X6JP8%2AczE3NzU1MjU0NDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU1Mjg0MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw%2A_ga_C0CCS7S928%2AczE3NzU1MjU0NDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU1Mjg0MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw&floor=0&lang=en-GB#15/39.05915/-77.24977)). Look for Molly with the rainbow LAL sign. COST: FREE LUNCH: In the cafe at 11:45 a.m. (no picnicking on the grounds is allowed) ATTENDANCE CAP: 25 spots available (RSVP required) ACCESSIBILITY: Expect to walk! The museum does offer a cart service that runs throughout the day and takes people to the gallery and pavilions and the Woodland Trail. PARKING: Parking is available at the museum and FREE! ADDRESS: [12100 Glen Road, Potomac, MD 20854](https://www.google.com/maps/place/12100+Glen+Rd,+Potomac,+MD+20854/@39.0627176,-77.2533145,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b633a50bac863f:0xd10d42c51ce7b73e!8m2!3d39.0627135!4d-77.2507396!16s%2Fg%2F11gfh7k7lk?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) GETTING HERE: The best way to get to Glenstone is to drive. Please use the comment section of this event to ask for rides and arrange carpools. THE ART: The museum has two main exhibitions going on now: "Ties of our common kindred" includes the museum's collection of American art masterpieces from artists like Mark Rothko, Jasper Johns, Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, and Andy Warhol. There are also 40 works from the artist Andrea Bowers, whose work often focuses on issues of environmentalism and protecting bodily autonomy. And there's more: For the full list of what's available to see, visit: https://www.glenstone.org/exhibitions.

**Title**: Amplifying Engineering Skills with Claude Code In this session we will dive into how Claude Code can augment modern engineering practices, from rapid prototyping and refactoring to test generation and documentation. We’ll cover real-world use cases, integration patterns, and tips for getting the most out of AI in your development lifecycle. 6-6:30p.m. - food & drinks 6:30-7:30p.m. - Presentation 7:30-8:00p.m. - Q&A and Possible concept presentation for feedback