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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Alireza Abbasi Moshaii and Farshid Najafi

This paper aims to review the mechanical characteristics of the robotic mechanisms developed for ultrasound examinations. This will help to extract those mechanical features which…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the mechanical characteristics of the robotic mechanisms developed for ultrasound examinations. This will help to extract those mechanical features which together can produce a design with superior functionality.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction regarding ultrasound examination, this paper discusses the concept of robotic ultrasound imaging and classifies the mechanisms in terms of their power trains used for robotic and haptic devices which assist physicians to perform ultrasound imaging on patients. A set of mechanical characteristics which together can generate a superior design is also presented.

Findings

The present paper shows that the robotic devices developed so far can perform ultrasound examinations. Each design with its own advantageous characteristics, and their simultaneous implementation in a new design, will create a robotic device with improved performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed review of the developments of the robotic systems for ultrasound examinations and some guidelines for new designs with improved functionality.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2017

Bronius Baksys, Jolanta Baskutiene and Saulius Baskutis

This paper aims to consider the experimental and theoretical investigation of the vibratory alignment of the peg-hole, when the peg is fixed in the remote centre compliance (RCC…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the experimental and theoretical investigation of the vibratory alignment of the peg-hole, when the peg is fixed in the remote centre compliance (RCC) device, and the vibrations are provided either to the hole or to the peg.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental analysis of the circular and rectangular peg-hole vibratory alignment using the attached to the robot arm RCC device, under vibratory excitation of the hole, has been performed. The parameters of the vibratory excitation and the part-to-part pressing force influence on the alignment process have been analysed. The mathematical approach of the vibratory alignment using the passive compliance device with the vibrations provided to the peg has been proposed, and the simulation has been carried out.

Findings

The research has approved the applicability of the RCC device for both of the vibratory alignments of the non-chamfered peg-hole parts either circular or rectangular ones. The compensation of the axial misalignments has been resulted by the directional displacement of the peg supported compliantly. To perform the successful alignment of the parts, it has been necessary to adjust the frequency and the amplitude of the vibrations, the pressing force, the lateral, as well as the angular stiffness of the device.

Research limitations/implications

The experiments on the vibratory alignment of the rectangular peg-hole parts have been carried out considering only the translational misalignment moved into one direction. The non-impact regime of the vibratory alignment has been analysed.

Practical implications

The obtained results can be applied in designing the reliable and efficient devices of the vibratory assembly for the alignment of the non-chamfered peg-hole parts, as well as for chamfered ones, if the axial misalignment exceeds the width of the chamfer. The vibratory technique and passive compliance provide possibility to accomplish the assembly operations using the non-expensive low accuracy robots.

Originality/value

The new method and the mathematical approach of the vibratory assembly using the RCC device can ensure the reliable alignment of the non-chamfered parts, chamfered circular and the rectangular ones, in case the axial misalignment exceeds the assembly clearance, and prevent jamming and wedging.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 44 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2018

Robert Bogue

This paper aims to provide an insight into the emerging use of robots in the rehabilitation of sufferers from strokes and other neurological impediments.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an insight into the emerging use of robots in the rehabilitation of sufferers from strokes and other neurological impediments.

Design/methodology/approach

This considers research, clinical trials and commercial products. Following an introduction, it explains brain neuroplasticity and its role in rehabilitation and then discusses the use of robots in the restoration of upper limb and hand movement in stroke and traumatic injury patients. Robotic techniques aimed at restoring ambulatory ability are then discussed, followed by examples of the application of brain–computer interface technology to robotic rehabilitation. Finally, concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

Research has shown that robotic techniques can assist in the restoration of functionality to partially or fully paralysed upper and lower limbs. A growing number of commercial exoskeleton and end-effector robotic products have been launched which are augmenting conventional rehabilitation therapies. These systems frequently include interactive computer games and tasks which encourage repetitive use and allow patients to monitor their progress. Trials which combine robotics with brain–computer interface technology have yielded encouraging and unexpectedly positive results.

Originality/value

This provides details of the increasingly important role played by robots in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from strokes and other neurological disorders.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 45 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

George K. Stylios

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…

3533

Abstract

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

George K. Stylios

Examines the ninth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…

1197

Abstract

Examines the ninth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 November 1998

B.H. Rudall

270

Abstract

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 April 1999

B.H. Rudall

293

Abstract

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Transgenerational Technology and Interactions for the 21st Century: Perspectives and Narratives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-639-9

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Heping Chen, Jing Xu, Biao Zhang and Thomas Fuhlbrigge

High precision assembly processes using industrial robots require the process parameters to be tuned to achieve desired performance such as cycle time and first time through rate…

421

Abstract

Purpose

High precision assembly processes using industrial robots require the process parameters to be tuned to achieve desired performance such as cycle time and first time through rate. Some researchers proposed methods such as design-of-experiments (DOE) to obtain optimal parameters. However, these methods only discuss how to find the optimal parameters if the part and/or workpiece location errors are in a certain range. In real assembly processes, the part and/or workpiece location errors could be different from batch to batch. Therefore, the existing methods have some limitations. This paper aims to improve the process parameter optimization method for complex robotic assembly process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the parameter optimization process based on DOE with different part and/or workpiece location errors is investigated. An online parameter optimization method is also proposed.

Findings

Experimental results demonstrate that the optimal parameters for different initial conditions are different and larger initial part and/or workpiece location errors will cause longer cycle time. Therefore, to improve the assembly process performance, the initial part and/or workpiece location errors should be compensated first, and the optimal parameters in production should be changed once the initial tool position is compensated. Experimental results show that the proposed method is very promising in reducing the cycle time in assembly processes.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method is practical without any limitation.

Practical implications

The proposed technique is implemented and tested using a real industrial application, a valve body assembly process. Hence, the developed method can be directly implemented in production.

Originality/value

This paper provides a technique to improve the assembly efficiency by compensating the initial part location errors. An online parameter optimization method is also proposed to automatically perform the parameter optimization process without human intervention. Compared with the results using other methods, the proposed technology can greatly reduce the assembly cycle time.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2019

Lisa Nicole Cain, John H. Thomas and Miguel Alonso Jr

This paper aims to review the extant hospitality and tourism literature on the state of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the service industry. The aim was to highlight…

6181

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the extant hospitality and tourism literature on the state of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the service industry. The aim was to highlight the current areas of research on this emerging topic and identify areas for future application and study.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of hospitality and tourism journals was used to identify articles related to AI and robotics using the terms AI, robots, robotics, hospitality and tourism, and several combinations thereof. Additional sources were identified through the literature reviews from the identified works.

Findings

The findings revealed several studies on the current state of robotics and AI in hospitality and tourism. Additional research examines and discusses implications for internal and external customer service, legal and ethical issues and theory.

Originality/value

This paper provides a compilation of the current studies that examine the impact of robotics and AI in hospitality and tourism. It offers scholars an overview of the current knowledge in the field on this rapidly emerging and evolving topic.

研究目的

本文审阅了有关服务行业中机器学和智能技术(AI)发展的相关文献。其研究目的在于强调有关这个新兴话题的研究领域和指出未来研究方向。

研究设计/方法/途径

本文样本包括有关AI和机器学的期刊文献,关键搜索词包括AI、机器人、机器学、酒店管理、旅游,以及几项关键词组合。本文还通过文献综述审阅了多个数据源。

研究结果

研究结果描述了目前酒店旅游行业机器学和AI有关领域的研究状态。此外本文还研究和提出对于内部和外部客户服务、法律伦理问题、以及理论等领域做出研究启示。

研究原创性/价值

本文对目前有关机器学和AI酒店旅游学术研究进行系统梳理。为学者对其相关领域的现状提供全局视角,并且显示这个新兴话题的迅速发展。

关键词

文献综述、AI、机器学、酒店科技

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

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