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1 – 10 of 656Javier Ibañez‐Guzmán and Andrew A. Malcolm
This paper explores the technologies necessary for the development of autonomous ground vehicles to be used in the construction process. Consideration is given to the…
Abstract
This paper explores the technologies necessary for the development of autonomous ground vehicles to be used in the construction process. Consideration is given to the technological challenges to be resolved for the machines to evolve in an almost unstructured environment. The paper includes sample cases of current applications and examines future perspectives on the use of these devices. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative aspects that need to be developed between man and machine in order to make effective use of these resources on site.
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Rameez Khan, Fahad Mumtaz Malik, Abid Raza and Naveed Mazhar
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and unified presentation of recent developments in skid-steer wheeled mobile robots (SSWMR) with regard to its control…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and unified presentation of recent developments in skid-steer wheeled mobile robots (SSWMR) with regard to its control, guidance and navigation for the researchers who wish to study in this field.
Design/methodology/approach
Most of the contemporary unmanned ground robot’s locomotion is based upon the wheels. For wheeled mobile robots (WMRs), one of the prominent and widely used driving schemes is skid steering. Because of mechanical simplicity and high maneuverability particularly in outdoor applications, SSWMR has an advantage over its counterparts. Different prospects of SSWMR have been discussed including its design, application, locomotion, control, navigation and guidance. The challenges pertaining to SSWMR have been pointed out in detail, which will seek the attention of the readers, who are interested to explore this area.
Findings
Relying on the recent literature on SSWMR, research gaps are identified that should be analyzed for the development of autonomous skid-steer wheeled robots.
Originality/value
An attempt to present a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the field of WMRs and providing references to the most intriguing studies.
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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…
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.
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Abstract
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Haoyao Chen, Hailin Huang, Ye Qin, Yanjie Li and Yunhui Liu
Multi-robot laser-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in large-scale environments is an essential but challenging issue in mobile robotics, especially in situations…
Abstract
Purpose
Multi-robot laser-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in large-scale environments is an essential but challenging issue in mobile robotics, especially in situations wherein no prior knowledge is available between robots. Moreover, the cumulative errors of every individual robot exert a serious negative effect on loop detection and map fusion. To address these problems, this paper aims to propose an efficient approach that combines laser and vision measurements.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-robot visual laser-SLAM is developed to realize robust and efficient SLAM in large-scale environments; both vision and laser loop detections are integrated to detect robust loops. A method based on oriented brief (ORB) feature detection and bag of words (BoW) is developed, to ensure the robustness and computational effectiveness of the multi-robot SLAM system. A robust and efficient graph fusion algorithm is proposed to merge pose graphs from different robots.
Findings
The proposed method can detect loops more quickly and accurately than the laser-only SLAM, and it can fuse the submaps of each single robot to promote the efficiency, accuracy and robustness of the system.
Originality/value
Compared with the state of art of multi-robot SLAM approaches, the paper proposed a novel and more sophisticated approach. The vision-based and laser-based loops are integrated to realize a robust loop detection. The ORB features and BoW technologies are further utilized to gain real-time performance. Finally, random sample consensus and least-square methodologies are used to remove the outlier loops among robots.
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This paper seeks to report on the US venture capital (VC) industry's data findings on robotics.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to report on the US venture capital (VC) industry's data findings on robotics.
Design/methodology/approach
An analysis of unique reports by the National Venture Capital Association and three interviews with US VC firms are presented.
Findings
Since robotics spreads across many different types of automation and industries, companies looking for venture capitalists may fare better by grouping within the industry category that they serve rather than by classifying themselves under the sole “robotic” industrial product classification.
Originality/value
This paper researches the terminology in‐depth and data surrounding US published reports on robotics and VC. A unique report by the National Venture Capital Association was compiled for the purpose of this paper. The original responses of three interviews with representatives from US VC firms are also published here.
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The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent AUVSI unmanned vehicle show, with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent AUVSI unmanned vehicle show, with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display.
Design/methodology/approach
In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles.
Findings
Unmanned vehicles are being coming more autonomous and addressing an ever‐increase range of applications in military, law enforcement, and commercial applications such as agriculture, fishing and rescue operations.
Practical implications
Customers will have to begin thinking of unmanned vehicle robots and able body helpers in all kinds of applications.
Originality/value
The paper presents a review of the latest innovations that one might have seen if they had been on the exhibition floor at the Las Vegas unmanned show.
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The purpose of this paper is to review the 2007 AUVSI Conference and Show held in Washington DC with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the 2007 AUVSI Conference and Show held in Washington DC with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on the ground, in the air and in the water.
Design/methodology/approach
In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles and the providers of the technologies which are fundamental to their design and deployment. Also, attendance at conference presentations.
Findings
The unmanned vehicle industry is largely driven by government requirements, both military and civilian. Unmanned service robots are also found in commercial applications such as pipeline surveillance, crop monitoring and fish school location at sea.
Practical implications
Developers will be challenged to meet the need for improvements in speed, payload, sensor capabilities, autonomous operation and command and control of fleets of unmanned vehicles.
Originality/value
The paper offers insights into trends and new products in the unmanned vehicle industry.
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The purpose of this paper is to review the 2008 AUVSI Conference and Show held in San Diego, California with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the 2008 AUVSI Conference and Show held in San Diego, California with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on the ground, in the air and in the water.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach takes the form of in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles and the providers of the technologies which are fundamental to their design and deployment.
Findings
The unmanned robotic vehicle industry is largely driven by government requirements, both military and civilian. Unmanned service robots are also found in commercial applications such as pipeline surveillance, crop monitoring and fish school location at sea.
Practical implications
Developers will be challenged to meet the need for improvements in speed, payload, sensor capabilities, autonomous operation and command and control of fleets of unmanned vehicles.
Originality/value
The paper offers insights into trends and new products in the unmanned robotic vehicle industry.
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