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1 – 10 of 278
Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Krystian Borodacz and Cezary Szczepański

Before designing a navigation system, it is necessary to analyse possible approaches in terms of expected accuracy, existing limitations and economic justification to select the…

Abstract

Purpose

Before designing a navigation system, it is necessary to analyse possible approaches in terms of expected accuracy, existing limitations and economic justification to select the most advantageous solution. This paper aims to collect possible navigation methods that can provide correction for inertial navigation and to evaluate their suitability for use on a manoeuvring tactical missile.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of existing munitions was based on data collected from the literature and online databases. The data collected included dimensions, performance, applied navigation and guidance methods and their achievable accuracy. The requirements and limitations identified were confronted with the range of sensor parameters available on the market. Based on recent literature, navigation methods were reviewed and evaluated for applicability to inertial navigation system (INS) correction in global navigation satellite system-denied space.

Findings

The performance analysis of existing munition shows that small and relatively inexpensive micro-electro-mechanical system-type inertial sensors are required. A review of the parameters of existing devices of this type has shown that they are subject to measurement errors that do not allow them to achieve the delivery accuracy expected of precision missiles. The most promising navigation correction methods for manoeuvring flying objects have been identified.

Originality/value

The information presented in this paper is the result of the first phase of a project and presents the results of the requirements selection, initial sizing and preliminary design of the navigation system. This paper combines a review of the current state of the art in missile systems and an analysis of INS accuracy including the selection of sensor parameters.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2023

Ang Yang, Yu Cao, Yang Liu, Qingcheng Zeng and Fangqiang Xiu

Magnet spot is the primary method to develop the automated guided vehicle (AGV) guidance system for many automated container terminals (ACT). Aiming to improve the high…

Abstract

Purpose

Magnet spot is the primary method to develop the automated guided vehicle (AGV) guidance system for many automated container terminals (ACT). Aiming to improve the high flexibility of AGV operation in ACT, this paper aims to address the problem of technical stability leading to ACT production paralysis and propose a mini-terminal AGV robot for testing laser simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM)-based methods in ACT operation scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a physical simulation robot for terminal AGV operations, providing a platform to test technical solutions for applying laser navigation-related technologies in ACTs. Then, the terminal-AGV navigation system framework is designed to apply the laser-SLAM-based method in the physical simulation robot. Finally, the experiment is conducted in the terminal operation scenario to verify the feasibility of the proposed framework for lased-SLAM-based method testing and analyze the performance of the different mini-terminal AGV robots.

Findings

A series of experiments are conducted to analyze the performance of the proposed mini-terminal AGV robot for laser-SLAM-based method testing. The experimental results show the validity and effectiveness of the AGV robot and AGV navigation system framework with better local map matching, loopback and absolute positional error.

Originality/value

The proposed mini-terminal AGV robot and AGV navigation system framework can provide a platform for innovative laser-SLAM-based method testing in ACTs applications. Therefore, this study can effectively meet the high requirements of ACT for maturity and stability of the laser navigation technical.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Xiangdi Yue, Yihuan Zhang, Jiawei Chen, Junxin Chen, Xuanyi Zhou and Miaolei He

In recent decades, the field of robotic mapping has witnessed widespread research and development in light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based simultaneous localization and…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent decades, the field of robotic mapping has witnessed widespread research and development in light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) techniques. This paper aims to provide a significant reference for researchers and engineers in robotic mapping.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focused on the research state of LiDAR-based SLAM for robotic mapping as well as a literature survey from the perspective of various LiDAR types and configurations.

Findings

This paper conducted a comprehensive literature review of the LiDAR-based SLAM system based on three distinct LiDAR forms and configurations. The authors concluded that multi-robot collaborative mapping and multi-source fusion SLAM systems based on 3D LiDAR with deep learning will be new trends in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first thorough survey of robotic mapping from the perspective of various LiDAR types and configurations. It can serve as a theoretical and practical guide for the advancement of academic and industrial robot mapping.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2024

Minghao Wang, Ming Cong, Yu Du, Huageng Zhong and Dong Liu

To make the robot that have real autonomous ability is always the goal of mobile robot research. For mobile robots, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) research is no…

Abstract

Purpose

To make the robot that have real autonomous ability is always the goal of mobile robot research. For mobile robots, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) research is no longer satisfied with enabling robots to build maps by remote control, more needs will focus on the autonomous exploration of unknown areas, which refer to the low light, complex spatial features and a series of unstructured environment, lick underground special space (dark and multiintersection). This study aims to propose a novel robot structure with mapping and autonomous exploration algorithms. The experiment proves the detection ability of the robot.

Design/methodology/approach

A small bio-inspired mobile robot suitable for underground special space (dark and multiintersection) is designed, and the control system is set up based on STM32 and Jetson Nano. The robot is equipped with double laser sensor and Ackerman chassis structure, which can adapt to the practical requirements of exploration in underground special space. Based on the graph optimization SLAM method, an optimization method for map construction is proposed. The Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm is used to match two frames of laser to recalculate the relative pose of the robot, which improves the sensor utilization rate of the robot in underground space and also increase the synchronous positioning accuracy. Moreover, based on boundary cells and rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm, a new Bio-RRT method for robot autonomous exploration is proposed in addition.

Findings

According to the experimental results, it can be seen that the upgraded SLAM method proposed in this paper achieves better results in map construction. At the same time, the algorithm presents good real-time performance as well as high accuracy and strong maintainability, particularly it can update the map continuously with the passing of time and ensure the positioning accuracy in the process of map updating. The Bio-RRT method fused with the firing excitation mechanism of boundary cells has a more purposeful random tree growth. The number of random tree expansion nodes is less, and the amount of information to be processed is reduced, which leads to the path planning time shorter and the efficiency higher. In addition, the target bias makes the random tree grow directly toward the target point with a certain probability, and the obtained path nodes are basically distributed on or on both sides of the line between the initial point and the target point, which makes the path length shorter and reduces the moving cost of the mobile robot. The final experimental results demonstrate that the proposed upgraded SLAM and Bio-RRT methods can better complete the underground special space exploration task.

Originality/value

Based on the background of robot autonomous exploration in underground special space, a new bio-inspired mobile robot structure with mapping and autonomous exploration algorithm is proposed in this paper. The robot structure is constructed, and the perceptual unit, control unit, driving unit and communication unit are described in detail. The robot can satisfy the practical requirements of exploring the underground dark and multiintersection space. Then, the upgraded graph optimization laser SLAM algorithm and interframe matching optimization method are proposed in this paper. The Bio-RRT independent exploration method is finally proposed, which takes shorter time in equally open space and the search strategy for multiintersection space is more efficient. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed upgrade SLAM and Bio-RRT methods can better complete the underground space exploration task.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2024

Ravinder Singh

This paper aims to focus on solving the path optimization problem by modifying the probabilistic roadmap (PRM) technique as it suffers from the selection of the optimal number of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on solving the path optimization problem by modifying the probabilistic roadmap (PRM) technique as it suffers from the selection of the optimal number of nodes and deploy in free space for reliable trajectory planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional PRM is modified by developing a decision-making strategy for the selection of optimal nodes w.r.t. the complexity of the environment and deploying the optimal number of nodes outside the closed segment. Subsequently, the generated trajectory is made smoother by implementing the modified Bezier curve technique, which selects an optimal number of control points near the sharp turns for the reliable convergence of the trajectory that reduces the sum of the robot’s turning angles.

Findings

The proposed technique is compared with state-of-the-art techniques that show the reduction of computational load by 12.46%, the number of sharp turns by 100%, the number of collisions by 100% and increase the velocity parameter by 19.91%.

Originality/value

The proposed adaptive technique provides a better solution for autonomous navigation of unmanned ground vehicles, transportation, warehouse applications, etc.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Sheuli Paul

This paper presents a survey of research into interactive robotic systems for the purpose of identifying the state of the art capabilities as well as the extant gaps in this…

1101

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents a survey of research into interactive robotic systems for the purpose of identifying the state of the art capabilities as well as the extant gaps in this emerging field. Communication is multimodal. Multimodality is a representation of many modes chosen from rhetorical aspects for its communication potentials. The author seeks to define the available automation capabilities in communication using multimodalities that will support a proposed Interactive Robot System (IRS) as an AI mounted robotic platform to advance the speed and quality of military operational and tactical decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

This review will begin by presenting key developments in the robotic interaction field with the objective of identifying essential technological developments that set conditions for robotic platforms to function autonomously. After surveying the key aspects in Human Robot Interaction (HRI), Unmanned Autonomous System (UAS), visualization, Virtual Environment (VE) and prediction, the paper then proceeds to describe the gaps in the application areas that will require extension and integration to enable the prototyping of the IRS. A brief examination of other work in HRI-related fields concludes with a recapitulation of the IRS challenge that will set conditions for future success.

Findings

Using insights from a balanced cross section of sources from the government, academic, and commercial entities that contribute to HRI a multimodal IRS in military communication is introduced. Multimodal IRS (MIRS) in military communication has yet to be deployed.

Research limitations/implications

Multimodal robotic interface for the MIRS is an interdisciplinary endeavour. This is not realistic that one can comprehend all expert and related knowledge and skills to design and develop such multimodal interactive robotic interface. In this brief preliminary survey, the author has discussed extant AI, robotics, NLP, CV, VDM, and VE applications that is directly related to multimodal interaction. Each mode of this multimodal communication is an active research area. Multimodal human/military robot communication is the ultimate goal of this research.

Practical implications

A multimodal autonomous robot in military communication using speech, images, gestures, VST and VE has yet to be deployed. Autonomous multimodal communication is expected to open wider possibilities for all armed forces. Given the density of the land domain, the army is in a position to exploit the opportunities for human–machine teaming (HMT) exposure. Naval and air forces will adopt platform specific suites for specially selected operators to integrate with and leverage this emerging technology. The possession of a flexible communications means that readily adapts to virtual training will enhance planning and mission rehearsals tremendously.

Social implications

Interaction, perception, cognition and visualization based multimodal communication system is yet missing. Options to communicate, express and convey information in HMT setting with multiple options, suggestions and recommendations will certainly enhance military communication, strength, engagement, security, cognition, perception as well as the ability to act confidently for a successful mission.

Originality/value

The objective is to develop a multimodal autonomous interactive robot for military communications. This survey reports the state of the art, what exists and what is missing, what can be done and possibilities of extension that support the military in maintaining effective communication using multimodalities. There are some separate ongoing progresses, such as in machine-enabled speech, image recognition, tracking, visualizations for situational awareness, and virtual environments. At this time, there is no integrated approach for multimodal human robot interaction that proposes a flexible and agile communication. The report briefly introduces the research proposal about multimodal interactive robot in military communication.

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2023

Hang Guo, Xin Chen, Min Yu, Marcin Uradziński and Liang Cheng

In this study, an indoor sensor information fusion positioning system of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was investigated to solve the problem of unstable indoor…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, an indoor sensor information fusion positioning system of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was investigated to solve the problem of unstable indoor flight positioning.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented system was built on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and LiDAR-Lite devices. Based on this, one can obtain the aircraft's current attitude and the position vector relative to the target and control the attitudes and positions of the UAV to reach the specified target positions. While building a UAV positioning model relative to the target for indoor positioning scenarios under limited Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the system detects the environment through the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 (Transmit Data) peripheral sensor, obtains the current attitude and the position vector of the UAV, packs the data in the format and delivers it to the flight controller. Then the flight controller controls the UAV by calculating the posture to reach the specified target position.

Findings

The authors used two systems in the experiment. The first is the proposed UAV, and the other is the Vicon system, our reference system for comparison purposes. Vicon positioning error can be considered lower than 2 mm from low to high-speed experiments. After comparison, experimental results demonstrated that the system could fully meet the requirements (less than 50 mm) in real-time positioning of the indoor quadrotor UAV flight. It verifies the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method compared with that of Vicon and achieves the aim of a stable indoor flight preliminarily.

Originality/value

Vicon positioning error can be considered lower than 2 mm from low to high-speed experiments. After comparison, experimental results demonstrated that the system could fully meet the requirements (less than 50 mm) in real-time positioning of the indoor quadrotor UAV flight. It verifies the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method compared with that of Vicon and achieves the aim of a stable indoor flight preliminarily.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2023

Yong Qin and Haidong Yu

This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), laying the foundation for its…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), laying the foundation for its applications in autonomous navigation, intelligent driving and other related domains.

Design/methodology/approach

In analyzing the latest research, the review presents representative achievements, including methods to enhance efficiency, robustness and accuracy. Additionally, the review provides insights into the future development direction of Visual SLAM, emphasizing the importance of improving system robustness when dealing with dynamic environments. The research methodology of this review involves a literature review and data set analysis, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the current status and prospects in the field of Visual SLAM.

Findings

This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the latest advances and challenges in the field of Visual SLAM. By collecting and analyzing relevant research papers and classic data sets, it reveals the current issues faced by Visual SLAM in complex environments and proposes potential solutions. The review begins by introducing the fundamental principles and application areas of Visual SLAM, followed by an in-depth discussion of the challenges encountered when dealing with dynamic objects and complex environments. To enhance the performance of SLAM algorithms, researchers have made progress by integrating different sensor modalities, improving feature extraction and incorporating deep learning techniques, driving advancements in the field.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the originality of this review lies in its in-depth analysis of current research hotspots and predictions for future development, providing valuable references for researchers in this field.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2022

Milan Zorman, Bojan Žlahtič, Saša Stradovnik and Aleš Hace

Collaborative robotics and autonomous driving are fairly new disciplines, still with a long way to go to achieve goals, set by the research community, manufacturers and users. For…

Abstract

Purpose

Collaborative robotics and autonomous driving are fairly new disciplines, still with a long way to go to achieve goals, set by the research community, manufacturers and users. For technologies like collaborative robotics and autonomous driving, which focus on closing the gap between humans and machines, the physical, psychological and emotional needs of human individuals becoming increasingly important in order to ensure effective and safe human–machine interaction. The authors' goal was to conceptualize ways to combine experience from both fields and transfer artificial intelligence knowledge from one to another. By identifying transferable meta-knowledge, the authors will increase quality of artificial intelligence applications and raise safety and contextual awareness for users and environment in both fields.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors presented autonomous driving and collaborative robotics and autonomous driving and collaborative robotics' connection to artificial intelligence. The authors continued with advantages and challenges of both fields and identified potential topics for transferrable practices. Topics were divided into three time slots according to expected research timeline.

Findings

The identified research opportunities seem manageable in the presented timeline. The authors' expectation was that autonomous driving and collaborative robotics will start moving closer in the following years and even merging in some areas like driverless and humanless transport and logistics.

Originality/value

The authors' findings confirm the latest trends in autonomous driving and collaborative robotics and expand them into new research and collaboration opportunities for the next few years. The authors' research proposal focuses on those that should have the most positive impact to safety, complement, optimize and evolve human capabilities and increase productivity in line with social expectations. Transferring meta-knowledge between fields will increase progress and, in some cases, cut some shortcuts in achieving the aforementioned goals.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Kaushal Jani

This article takes into account object identification, enhanced visual feature optimization, cost effectiveness and speed selection in response to terrain conditions. Neither…

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Abstract

Purpose

This article takes into account object identification, enhanced visual feature optimization, cost effectiveness and speed selection in response to terrain conditions. Neither supervised machine learning nor manual engineering are used in this work. Instead, the OTV educates itself without instruction from humans or labeling. Beyond its link to stopping distance and lateral mobility, choosing the right speed is crucial. One of the biggest problems with autonomous operations is accurate perception. Obstacle avoidance is typically the focus of perceptive technology. The vehicle's shock is nonetheless controlled by the terrain's roughness at high speeds. The precision needed to recognize difficult terrain is far higher than the accuracy needed to avoid obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

Robots that can drive unattended in an unfamiliar environment should be used for the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) for the clearance of space debris. In recent years, OTV research has attracted more attention and revealed several insights for robot systems in various applications. Improvements to advanced assistance systems like lane departure warning and intelligent speed adaptation systems are eagerly sought after by the industry, particularly space enterprises. OTV serves as a research basis for advancements in machine learning, computer vision, sensor data fusion, path planning, decision making and intelligent autonomous behavior from a computer science perspective. In the framework of autonomous OTV, this study offers a few perceptual technologies for autonomous driving in this study.

Findings

One of the most important steps in the functioning of autonomous OTVs and aid systems is the recognition of barriers, such as other satellites. Using sensors to perceive its surroundings, an autonomous car decides how to operate on its own. Driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go must be able to distinguish between stationary and moving objects surrounding the OTV.

Originality/value

One of the most important steps in the functioning of autonomous OTVs and aid systems is the recognition of barriers, such as other satellites. Using sensors to perceive its surroundings, an autonomous car decides how to operate on its own. Driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go must be able to distinguish between stationary and moving objects surrounding the OTV.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

1 – 10 of 278