Search results

21 – 30 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 18 September 2021

Sara V. Fernandez, David Sadat, Farita Tasnim, Daniel Acosta, Laura Schwendeman, Shirin Shahsavari and Canan Dagdeviren

Although conformable devices are commonly designed to couple with the human body for personalized and localized medicine, their applications are expanding rapidly. This paper aims…

Abstract

Purpose

Although conformable devices are commonly designed to couple with the human body for personalized and localized medicine, their applications are expanding rapidly. This paper aims to delineate this expansion and predict greater implications in diverse fields.

Design/methodology/approach

Today’s device technologies continue to face fundamental obstacles preventing their seamless integration with target objects to effectively access, evaluate and alter self-specific physical patterns, while still providing physical comfort and enabling continuous data collection. Due to their extreme mechanical compliance, conformable devices permit the query of signals occurring at interfaces so as to decode and encode biological, chemical and mechanical patterns with high resolution, precision and accuracy. These unique and versatile capabilities allow for a marked change in the approach to tackling scientific questions, with the ability to address societal challenges at large.

Findings

Here, this study highlights the current state of these devices in a wide range of fields, such as interactive teaching, textiles, robotics, buildings and infrastructure, agriculture, climate and space, and further forecasts essential features of these devices in the near future.

Originality/value

This study justifies conformable devices’ growing utility through a novel quantitative analysis methodology that indexes peer-reviewed journal articles based on specific keywords, whereby this study tracks keyword frequency over time across specific fields in conjunction with conformability-like topics. The resulting trends’ trajectories provide the foundation for this study’s future projections. This study concludes with a perspective on the possible challenges concomitant with a ubiquitous presence of these technologies, including manufacturing, wireless communication, storage, compression, privacy and sharing of data, environmental sustainability, avoidance of inequality and bias and collaboration between stakeholders at all levels of impact.

Details

foresight, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2023

Rafal Perz, Kacper Wronowski, Roman Domanski and Igor Dąbrowski

Observation of the animal world is an important component of nature surveys. It provides a number of different information concerning aspects such as population sizes, migration…

Abstract

Purpose

Observation of the animal world is an important component of nature surveys. It provides a number of different information concerning aspects such as population sizes, migration directions, feeding sites and many other data. The paper below presents the results from the flights of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aimed at detecting animals in their natural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The drone used in the research was equipped with RGB and thermal infrared (TIR) cameras. Both cameras, which were mounted on the UAV, were used to take pictures showing the concentration of animals (deer). The overview flights were carried out in the villages of Podlaskie Voivodeship: Szerokie Laki, Bialousy and Sloja. Research flights were made in Bialousy and Sloja. A concentration of deer was photographed during research flights in Sloja. A Durango unmanned platform, equipped with a thermal imaging camera and a Canon RGB camera, was used for research flights. The pictures taken during the flights were used to create orthomaps. A multicopter, equipped with a GoPro camera, was used for overview flights to film the flight locations. A flight control station was also used, consisting of a laptop with MissionPlanner software.

Findings

Analysis of the collected images has indicated that environmental, organisational and technical factors influence the quality of the information. Sophisticated observation precision is ensured by the use of high-resolution RGB and TIR cameras. A proper platform for the cameras is an UAV provided with advanced positioning systems, which makes it possible to create high-quality orthomaps of the area. When observing animals, the time of day (temperature contrast), year season (leaf ascent) or flight parameters is important.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the conclusions of the research flights, pointing out useful information for animal observation using UAVs.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1997

E.T. Powner and F. Yalcinkaya

Discusses intelligent materials, intelligent material‐based sensors, their transducing methods, and different kinds of transducers used with smart material‐based sensors. Assumes…

2078

Abstract

Discusses intelligent materials, intelligent material‐based sensors, their transducing methods, and different kinds of transducers used with smart material‐based sensors. Assumes that the future of intelligent sensors will almost totally depend on intelligent chemistry and intelligent instrumentation. Molecular recognition will widen the horizons of smart systems with the help of VLSI‐based design and fabrication. Discusses different sensor mechanisms, such as ENFETs, immunoFETs, ISFETs and chemFETs and takes a detailed look at potentiometric, amperometric and optical biosensors.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2008

Torben Lenau, Hyunmin Cheong and Li Shu

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how biomimetics can be applied in sensor design. Biomimetics is an engineering discipline that uses nature as an inspiration source for…

3241

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how biomimetics can be applied in sensor design. Biomimetics is an engineering discipline that uses nature as an inspiration source for generating ideas for how to solve engineering problems. The paper reviews a number of biomimetic studies of sense organs in animals and illustrates how a formal search method developed at University of Toronto can be applied to sensor design.

Design/methodology/approach

Using biomimetics involves a search for relevant cases, a proper analysis of the biological solutions, identification of design principles and design of the desired artefact. The present search method is based on formulation of relevant keywords and search for occurrences in a standard university biology textbook. Most often a simple formulation of keywords and a following search is not enough to generate a sufficient amount of useful ideas or the search gives too many results. This is handled by a more advanced search strategy where the search is either widened or it is focused further mainly using biological synonyms.

Findings

A major problem in biomimetic design is finding the relevant analogies to actual design tasks in nature.

Research limitations/implications

Biomimetics can be a challenge to engineers due to the terminology from another scientific discipline.

Practical implications

Using a formalised search method is a way of solving the problem of finding the relevant biological analogies.

Originality/value

The paper is of value as most present biomimetic research is focused on the understanding of biological phenomena and does not have as much focus on the engineering design challenges.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 March 2022

Mehul Parmar and Ranjan Kumar

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly popular in agribusiness to help increase food production capacity for the ever-expanding global population. This chapter…

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly popular in agribusiness to help increase food production capacity for the ever-expanding global population. This chapter provides a holistic overview of the latest trends around the applications of IoT in agriculture. We begin by giving an overview of IoT and its capabilities, followed by a deep dive into the practical and realistic aspects of leveraging IoT into the agroecosystem. IoT is already being used for many intelligent agriculture applications, such as open-field agriculture, controlled environment agriculture (greenhouse), livestock breeding, agricultural machinery, and more. This chapter examines those applications and ventures beyond the farm into several other aspects of the ecosystem, including storage, warehouse ambiance control, agri-data analytics and decision control, logistics, environmental safety, etc. The contents of the chapter would be based on extensive studies and empirical analysis of the latest research papers on this subject from around the globe, accurately interpreted and transformed by the authors in light of their academic background and professional experience in the digital transformation arena.

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Christine Connolly

This paper concerns the use of image processing techniques and biometric sensors to measure the growth rate of animals without disrupting their natural behaviour.

Abstract

This paper concerns the use of image processing techniques and biometric sensors to measure the growth rate of animals without disrupting their natural behaviour.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

Helmut Nechansky

The purpose of this paper is to investigate different cybernetic structures of simple adaptive systems and their cognitive and behavioral options.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate different cybernetic structures of simple adaptive systems and their cognitive and behavioral options.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a functional approach, two basic forms of adaptive systems are constructed, which process data on one level respectively two hierarchical levels. Based on that complex combinations of such one‐level and hierarchical structures are investigated.

Findings

It is shown how different cybernetic structures enable simple forms of adaptive behavior. A basic blueprint for the controller structure of animal species is derived from them, with a simple “brain” and a unit for “motion control” as subsystems. Four paths of evolutionary growth are identified that allow a widely independent development of these subsystems.

Practical implications

The paper provides a typology of simple adaptive systems and discusses the forms of behavior they can develop with preprogrammed – i.e. evolutionary given or technically programmed – decision‐rules. It discusses the requirements that these decision‐rules can form models enabling adaptive behavior. It is suggested that these requirements hold for the models of more complex adaptive systems, too.

Originality/value

This paper is the first in a series of three on a cybernetic theory distinguishing systems able of preprogrammed adaptation, system‐specific adaptation, and learning.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2019

Elham Ali Shammar and Ammar Thabit Zahary

Internet has changed radically in the way people interact in the virtual world, in their careers or social relationships. IoT technology has added a new vision to this process by…

6400

Abstract

Purpose

Internet has changed radically in the way people interact in the virtual world, in their careers or social relationships. IoT technology has added a new vision to this process by enabling connections between smart objects and humans, and also between smart objects themselves, which leads to anything, anytime, anywhere, and any media communications. IoT allows objects to physically see, hear, think, and perform tasks by making them talk to each other, share information and coordinate decisions. To enable the vision of IoT, it utilizes technologies such as ubiquitous computing, context awareness, RFID, WSN, embedded devices, CPS, communication technologies, and internet protocols. IoT is considered to be the future internet, which is significantly different from the Internet we use today. The purpose of this paper is to provide up-to-date literature on trends of IoT research which is driven by the need for convergence of several interdisciplinary technologies and new applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive IoT literature review has been performed in this paper as a survey. The survey starts by providing an overview of IoT concepts, visions and evolutions. IoT architectures are also explored. Then, the most important components of IoT are discussed including a thorough discussion of IoT operating systems such as Tiny OS, Contiki OS, FreeRTOS, and RIOT. A review of IoT applications is also presented in this paper and finally, IoT challenges that can be recently encountered by researchers are introduced.

Findings

Studies of IoT literature and projects show the disproportionate importance of technology in IoT projects, which are often driven by technological interventions rather than innovation in the business model. There are a number of serious concerns about the dangers of IoT growth, particularly in the areas of privacy and security; hence, industry and government began addressing these concerns. At the end, what makes IoT exciting is that we do not yet know the exact use cases which would have the ability to significantly influence our lives.

Originality/value

This survey provides a comprehensive literature review on IoT techniques, operating systems and trends.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Sajad Pirsa and Fahime Purghorbani

In this study, an attempt has been made to collect the research that has been done on the construction and design of the H2O2 sensor. So far, many efforts have been made to…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, an attempt has been made to collect the research that has been done on the construction and design of the H2O2 sensor. So far, many efforts have been made to quickly and sensitively determine H2O2 concentration based on different analytical principles. In this study, the importance of H2O2, its applications in various industries, especially the food industry, and the importance of measuring it with different techniques, especially portable sensors and on-site analysis, have been investigated and studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a very simple molecule in nature, but due to its strong oxidizing and reducing properties, it has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, medical, environmental, mining, textile, paper, food production and chemical industries. Sensitive, rapid and continuous detection of H2O2 is of great importance in many systems for product quality control, health care, medical diagnostics, food safety and environmental protection.

Findings

Various methods have been developed and applied for the analysis of H2O2, such as fluorescence, colorimetry and electrochemistry, among them, the electrochemical technique due to its advantages in simple instrumentation, easy miniaturization, sensitivity and selectivity.

Originality/value

Monitoring the H2O2 concentration level is of practical importance for academic and industrial purposes. Edible oils are prone to oxidation during processing and storage, which may adversely affect oil quality and human health. Determination of peroxide value (PV) of edible oils is essential because PV is one of the most common quality parameters for monitoring lipid oxidation and oil quality control. The development of cheap, simple, fast, sensitive and selective H2O2 sensors is essential.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Chunlei Wang, Ting Zhang, Xiaohui Wei, Yongjun Long and Shigang Wang

This study aims to establish a bio-inspired controller for realizing the bounding gait of a quadruped robot system presented in this paper.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to establish a bio-inspired controller for realizing the bounding gait of a quadruped robot system presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The bio-inspired controller is divided into three levels to mimic the biological patterns of animals. First, the high-level sub-controller is equivalent to the cerebellum, which could plan and control the motion of animals. Second, the effect of the middle-level sub-controller corresponds to the central nervous system. The central pattern generators in the spine generate the stable and cyclic signals as the fundamental rhythm for periodic motion of the leg and spine joints. Third, the low-level sub-controller is equal to the end effector, which adopts the simple proportional-derivative (PD) control to realize the specific motion trajectory of the legs and spine.

Findings

Combined with the stability criterion presented previously and the delayed feedback control method, the bounding gait of the cheetah virtual prototype could be actuated and stabilized by the bio-inspired controller. Moreover, the bio-inspired controller is applied to realize the bounding gait of an SQBot, which is a quadruped robot with a spine joint. Meanwhile, the validity and practicability of the bio-inspired controller for the control of quadruped robot have been verified against different forward velocities.

Originality/value

The bio-inspired controller and bionic quadruped robot system are instructive for the designing and actuating of the real quadruped robot.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 1000