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By considering a number of practical case study examples, the paper highlights some of the design methods of intelligent systems for use in optimisation and control. The paper describes tools and approaches that are used as well as the systems to which they are applied. The approaches include fuzzy logic decision making for optimal start‐up of combined cycle power plant, control and modelling within an automotive air fuel ratio application and optimisation of intensity modulated radiation therapy treatment. These diverse application areas have much in common in regard to the problem‐solving approaches; in recognition of this, generic aspects of the use of intelligent methodologies are also highlighted.

Fibre optic sensors offer many potential advantages for the measurement of physical parameters in process plants

A review of integrated optical circuit technologies [OIC] and their relevance to potential OIC sensor application. Describes the manufacture of OICs and the varied range of material technologies used. Active Silicon Integrated Optical Circuits have been developed which may have applications for many optical sensor and fibre optic sensor systems. Concludes however that silicon integrated optics will not enjoy large‐scale success until their manufacturing costs have been dramatically reduced.

The paper presents design details and applications of the recently developed 3‐D laser radar from Z+F. It presents models which have been constructed using the data from “inspection of tunnel tubes”, modelling of a “car body welding cell” and a “car body gripper” in the automotive industry as well as a “chemical process plant”. The laser radar was developed for use in industrial environments. Its twin design aims are measurement performance and robustness. The laser radar can be used with a range of mechanical beam deflection units to meet the needs of specific applications.

This paper aims to propose a liquid level sensor with a multi-S-bend plastic optical fiber.

The principle of liquid sensing used is based on the leakage of higher modes out of the fiber and repeated regeneration in the following bend sections. Therefore, a propagation loss was introduced in every bend section of the fiber with the loss depending on the refractive index of the environment.

Therefore, a continue shift in the liquid level can be detected by observing changes in the propagation loss of the fiber. The sensor features compactness and a flexible resolution.

Compared with the exited ones, the sensor has capability of continue liquid measurement and a greater measurement range.

This paper aims to provide an insight into light detection and ranging (lidar) technology and its growing applications in robotics.

Following a short introduction, this paper first describes the main lidar techniques and then provides details of a selection of recent academic and corporate research and development activities. This is followed by a discussion of existing and emerging applications. Finally, conclusions are drawn.

Lidar technology has been the topic of extensive development activity and several principles which differ from the original concept have been commercialised. Lidars are used in all manner of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) across a broad sector of industries for navigation and have recently started to penetrate the domestic robot market. They have the potential to play a central role in the emerging families of driverless passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In the future, the markets for lidar are expected to expand dramatically as the technology continues to evolve and improve and autonomous vehicles, AMRs and drones become ever-more commonplace.

This paper illustrates the growing importance of lidar to robotics by providing details of the technology, developments and applications.

The purpose of this paper is to propose modelling of the noise of an improved method for the measurement of small displacement and vibrations. It is based on a novel method for overcoming DC drift in RF subcarrier phase detection scheme.

The method works in open loop and is characterized by low distortions, good signal‐to‐noise ratio and rather low cost.

Considering a stationary Gaussian stochastic process, the paper evaluated and modelled the power spectral density and the probability density against the phase error and the phase noise parameter.

This offers an improvement of vibration, displacement and seismic sensors.

Based on a novel method for overcoming DC drift in RF sub‐carrier phase detection scheme for fibre optic sensors, an improved method for displacement and vibration measurement is proposed. The presented method is characterized by rather low distortions in the modulation process and small distances measurement, low distortions and low‐cost electronic systems.

Reviews the 28th International Symposium on Automotive Technology and Automation (ISATA), which was in six parts, covering most management and technology relevant areas to the automotive industry. Discusses the various sensor applications for the industry and the betterment of life through them.

A new type of hydrophone using optical technologies has distinct advantages over traditional types.

Sensing research and application is a major activity at the two European laboratories of Battelle. Jack Hollingum visited both centres to report on advances.