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Since the market penetrations of service robots are only successful to a limited types of services, the purpose of the paper is to look into the reasons why the market penetrations are lagged from both technical and nontechnical perspectives. Automatic robotic recharging services, especially robotic refueling systems, are used as the case study for the investigation.

This paper surveyed the relevant technologies and products and conducted the feasibility study and risk management for new development of automated robotic refueling systems. This paper developed a cost model for the evaluation of robotic refueling systems.

There are no major technical barriers that exist for the development of robotic refueling systems, but two main risks of developing new robotic refueling systems are interference of existing patents and the extreme effort to further reduce the development cost of automated refueling systems. The recommendations have been made to new developers of service robots.

The suggestions are made for further development on service robots, in general; however, this paper does not cover the physical development of service robots.

This study was actually conducted for a client company who has a strong interest in developing new products for automatic robotic refueling systems. The reported work has great significance for new comers in this area to understand the state of the art, technological challenges and some potential risks in the field.

To the best of authors’ knowledge, it will be the first academic paper to summarize the research and development effort on automatic recharging business. The targeted field is very typical in promoting robots in services. Even robotic refueling was proposed at very early stage of robotic application, the market penetration of refueling robots the market penetration is very limited, not because the technology readiness but some other factors. This work has its significance to identify technical and nontechnical challenges to promote robots in services.

This aims to illustrate the role robotic technology is playing in the key sectors of the green economy.

Following a short introduction, this paper discusses existing and potential robotic applications in three key sectors of green economy: renewable energy, recycling and waste management and sustainable transport. This is followed by a discussion and concluding comments.

Robots are playing critical and growing roles in each of the three sectors of the green economy considered. Uses are expanding in the production of renewable energy systems and in their inspection and maintenance. Advances in AI and machine vision have enabled robotic mixed waste sorting which plays a vital role in recycling, and the robotic disassembly of electronic products is also gaining pace. Robots are being used extensively in the sustainable transport sector in the manufacture of electric vehicles and also in the production and recycling of electric vehicle batteries. Emerging applications include robotic vehicle recharging and battery swapping.

This provides an insight into the many ways in which robots are contributing to key sectors of the green economy.

This paper aims to provide a review of the many recent innovations such as 3D vision, hydrogen power and autonomous mobility in robot technology such as logistics, order filling, product handling, and assembly for more efficient handling of products in warehouse as well as manufacturing situations.

In‐depth interviews were conducted with both the exhibitors and integrators of robots at the recent dual Automate‐ProMat shows.

Robot developments, such as easier programming, cheaper, more autonomous, and more versatile (two‐armed) units continue to address a rapidly increasing number of applications to move products in warehouse and manufacturing environments, assemble orders, perform product assembly tasks, automated measurements and conduct inspection and other quality guarantee tasks.

Robot advances such as lower prices, much easier programming, better versatility and more autonomy are opening many new applications to robotic answers. Hydrogen power can make mobile robots run longer between energy recharging for more up time.

Readers will learn how others are rapidly applying robots to many new applications, saving money, getting a fast return on their investment and solving many old material handling and manufacturing problems even if they did not attend the ProMat/Automate 2013 exhibition in Chicago.

With the dramatically increasing number of substations, robots are expected to inspect equipment in the power industry. However, a traditional robotic system cannot work stably because of the strong electromagnetic field in substation. The purpose of this paper is to present a robust and stable robotic system for inspecting the substation equipment without the involvement of workers.

The paper presents in detail a robotic system that consists of a monitor center and a robot. With the monitor center, the workers could send inspection tasks and monitor status of the robot timely. Once a fault is detected, the alarm message will flash immediately to remind the workers. The patrol mode of the robot comprises teleoperation, regular inspection, special inspection and a key return mode. The robot only relies on a low-cost magnetic sensor for lateral positioning and radio frequency identification technology for longitudinal positioning when working under patrol mode. At each stop point, the substation equipment can be recognized quickly through accurate matching with the template image stored in the database.

It is shown that the robot could work efficiently and reliably in power substations. The positioning error is proved to be within 5 mm, compared to that of 20 cm by implementing integrated global positioning system-dead reckoning navigation. Because of the high positioning accuracy, it is much easier to recognize the substation equipment. It is observed that nearly 99 per cent of equipments can be recognized.

The proposed robotic system is tested in a simple substation environment. While the proposed system shows satisfactory positioning results, further studies considering changeable weather condition will focus on improving the equipment recognition rate in such environment, such as rainy, snowy and strong sunlight.

The key contribution of this paper is that it provides a robotic system to inspect substation equipment instead of workers, to improve working efficiency and to reduce manpower cost.

This paper presents a robotic system to inspect substation equipment instead of workers. Four patrol modes are designed to meet the inspection demand. Comparing with the previous robotic systems, this system contributes to higher position accuracy and higher equipment recognition rate.

This paper aims to explore and review the potential of robotic rehabilitation as a treatment approach for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its impact on the health and quality of life of AD patients.

The present discourse endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of extant scholarly inquiries that have examined the salience of inhibitory mechanisms vis-à-vis robotic interventions and their impact on patients with AD. Specifically, this review aims to explicate the contemporary state of affairs in this realm by furnishing a detailed explication of ongoing research endeavors. With the objective of elucidating the significance of inhibitory processes in robotic therapies for individuals with AD, this analysis offers a critical appraisal of extant literature that probes the intersection of cognitive mechanisms and assistive technologies. Through a meticulous analysis of diverse scholarly contributions, this review advances a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between inhibitory processes and robotic interventions in the context of AD.

According to the review papers, it appears that implementing robot-assisted rehabilitation can serve as a pragmatic and effective solution for enhancing the well-being and overall quality of life of patients and families engaged with AD. Besides, this new feature in the robotic area is anticipated to have a critical role in the success of this innovative approach.

Due to the nascent nature of this cutting-edge technology and the constrained configuration of the mechanized entity in question, further protracted analysis is imperative to ascertain the advantages and drawbacks of robotic rehabilitation vis-à-vis individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s ailment.

The potential for robots to serve as indispensable assets in the provision of care for individuals afflicted with AD is significant; however, their efficacy and appropriateness for utilization by caregivers of AD patients must be subjected to further rigorous scrutiny.

This paper reviews the current robotic method and compares the current state of the art for the AD patient.

The purpose of this paper is to develop a robotic system to feed aquatic organisms and measure water physicochemical parameters in experimental aquaculture ponds.

A dispatcher unit dispenses a precise amount of food and control panel software schedules the tasks and operates the robot. In the control panel, the feeding and measuring schedule is defined and sent to the mobile robot and the amount of food is requested by the robot to the dispatcher for each pond. The robot travels automatically on a monorail to dispense the food and measure the water parameters. The data are transmitted to the control panel. The system can be remotely operated over the internet through a client‐server software framework.

The robotic system is a tool for delegating feeding and measuring tasks. This allows researchers and technicians time to focus on more substantive aquacultural research tasks.

Future improvement will include an automatic unit for cleaning sensors between ponds to minimize the risk of cross‐contamination.

The system systematized feeding and measuring tasks, minimized human error, and optimized the use of resources for aquacultural experimentation. The robotic system can be programmed for a variety of experimental conditions, such as the delivery of different diets at diverse schedules.

The proposed robot was tested for feeding freshwater redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and monitored the water parameters in real time. Based on the field results, the robotic system provided a reliable and robust device for aquacultural research applications.

To report on the technical and market status of robotic lawnmowers.

The main manufacturers and models are named, and the general characteristics of small robotic lawnmowers are given, followed by a detailed account of the capabilities of a top‐end machine. A family of larger machines for sports grounds and golf courses is then presented.

Rather than reduce in price since their introduction, robot lawnmowers have become more sophisticated, and at the top end are bristling with sensors and intelligent behaviour. One domestic robot has found a niche market in rooftop gardens.

Alerts the engineer and garden‐owner to the maturing of a consumer product.

Purpose: The purpose of this chapter is to review and critically evaluate robots, artificial intelligence and service automation (RAISA) applications in the restaurant industry to educate professors, graduate students, and industry professionals.

Design/methodology/approach: This chapter is a survey of applications of RAISA in restaurants. The chapter is based on the review of professional and peer-reviewed academic literature, and the industry insight section was prepared based on a 50-minute interview with Mr. Juan Higueros, Chief Operations Officer of Bear Robotics.

Findings: Various case studies presented in this chapter illustrate numerous possibilities for automation: from automating a specific function to complete automation of the front of the house (e.g., Eatsa) or back of the house (e.g., Spyce robotic kitchen). The restaurant industry has already adopted chatbots; voice-activated and biometric technologies; robots as hosts, food runners, chefs, and bartenders; tableside ordering; conveyors; and robotic food delivery.

Practical implications: The chapter presents professors and students with a detailed overview of RAISA in the restaurant industry that will be useful for educational and research purposes. Restaurant owners and managers may also benefit from reading this chapter as they will learn about the current state of technology and opportunities for RAISA implementation.

Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this chapter presents the first systematic and in-depth review of RAISA technologies in the restaurant industry.

This paper aims to provide a technical description of the robots that have been deployed in space, primarily on the Moon and Mars.

Following an introduction, this paper describes the robotic devices that have been deployed on the Moon and Mars. It also considers the latest Mars robot mission, the humanoid robot recently deployed on the International Space Station and robotic developments for use during proposed future planetary missions. It concludes with a brief consideration of the impact of space robots on terrestrial robotic technology.

The paper shows that robots have been developed which can withstand the hostile environment of space. They have made a significant contribution to lunar and Martian science and some of the technology has had an impact on terrestrial robots.

This paper provides a technical insight into the robots that have operated on the surfaces of the Moon and Mars.

Review of the most recent unmanned vehicle show in Washington DC with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

In-depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles and suppliers of other related equipment and support services.

Unmanned vehicles are moving rapidly into new applications such as agriculture, environmental monitoring and medical along with maintaining their importance in the traditional military and security applications of the past.

Customers will be surprised at the innovations making these robotic vehicles smaller, smarter and more adaptable to a wide range of new applications.

A review of some of the latest innovations and applications for unmanned vehicles that one might have seen if they had been on the exhibition floor at the most recent Washington DC unmanned vehicle show.