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1 – 10 of 116
Article
Publication date: 23 March 2022

Navid Hooshangi, Navid Mahdizadeh Gharakhanlou and Seyyed Reza Ghaffari-Razin

The duration of an urban search and rescue (USAR) operation directly depends on the number of rescue teams involved. The purpose of this paper is to simplify the earthquake…

Abstract

Purpose

The duration of an urban search and rescue (USAR) operation directly depends on the number of rescue teams involved. The purpose of this paper is to simplify the earthquake environment and determine the initial number of rescuers in earthquake emergencies in USAR operation.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed methodology, four primary steps were considered: evaluation of buildings damage and the number of injured people by exerting geospatial information system (GIS) analyses; determining service time by means of task allocation; designing the simulation model (queuing theory); and calculation of survival rate and comparison with the time of rescue operations.

Findings

The calculation of buildings damage for an earthquake with 6.6 Richter in Tehran’s District One indicated that 18% of buildings are subjected to the high damage risk. The number of injured people calculated was 28,856. According to the calculated survival rate, rescue operations in the region must be completed within 22.33 h to save 75% of the casualties. Finally, the design of the queue model indicated that at least 2,300 rescue teams were required to provide the calculated survival rate.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is an innovative approach for determining an appropriate number of rescue teams by considering the queuing theory. The results showed that the integration of GIS and the simulation of queuing theory could be a helpful tool in natural disaster management, especially in terms of rapid vulnerability assessment in urban districts, the adequacy and appropriateness of the emergency services.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 December 2023

Ying-Jie Guan and Yong-Ping Li

To solve the shortcomings of existed search and rescue drones, search and rescue the trapped people trapped in earthquake ruins, underwater and avalanches quickly and accurately…

Abstract

Purpose

To solve the shortcomings of existed search and rescue drones, search and rescue the trapped people trapped in earthquake ruins, underwater and avalanches quickly and accurately, this paper aims to propose a four-axis eight-rotor rescue unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which can carry a radar life detector. As the design of propeller is the key to the design of UAV, this paper mainly designs the propeller of the UAV at the present stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the actual working conditions of UAVs, this paper preliminarily estimated the load of UAVs and the diameters of propellers and designed the main parameters of propellers according to the leaf element theory and momentum theory. Based on the low Reynolds number airfoil, this paper selected the airfoil with high lift drag ratio from the commonly used low Reynolds number airfoils. The chord length and twist angle of propeller blades were calculated according to the Wilson method and the maximum wind energy utilization coefficient and were optimized by the Asymptotic exponential function. The aerodynamic characteristics of the designed single propeller and coaxial propeller under different installation pitch angles and different installation distances were analyzed.

Findings

The results showed that the design of coaxial twin propellers can increase the load capacity by about 1.5 times without increasing the propeller diameter. When the installation distance between the two propellers was 8 cm and the tilt angle was 15° counterclockwise, the aerodynamic characteristics of the coaxial propeller were optimal.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work came from the conceptual design of the new rescue UAV and its numerical optimization using the Wilson method combined with the maximum wind energy utilization factor and the exponential function. The aerodynamic characteristics of the common shaft propeller were analyzed under different mounting angles and different mounting distances.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2023

Claudia Sevilla-Sevilla, Adrián Mendieta-Aragón and Luis Manuel Ruiz-Gómez

Drones have become an important element within hospitality and tourism. The purpose of this study is to identify the corpus of knowledge and create a research agenda that…

Abstract

Purpose

Drones have become an important element within hospitality and tourism. The purpose of this study is to identify the corpus of knowledge and create a research agenda that establishes appropriate guidelines for future study of drone application in hospitality and tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This work has been undertaken using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research and includes a review of the literature related to the study of drone use in hospitality and tourism.

Findings

The mixed-methods review identified gaps in the research, potential areas of study to enhance the scientific literature and potential uses of drones in tourism and hospitality for researchers, consumers and industry professionals.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution by establishing an integrated framework, which led to a synthesis of the research corpus and provided a holistic conceptualisation of the relationship between tourism and drones. In addition, the research agenda proposed will help boost and consolidate this emerging field of research.

目的

无人机已经成为接待和旅游中的一个重要元素。本研究的主要目的是确定知识库, 并建立一个研究议程, 为未来无人机在酒店和旅游业的应用研究建立适当的指导方针。

设计/方法论/方法

这项工作采用了混合方法, 将定量和定性研究结合起来, 包括对与酒店和旅游业中无人机使用研究有关的文献进行回顾。

结果

混合方法审查确定了研究中的差距、加强科学文献的潜在研究领域, 以及研究人员、消费者和行业专业人士在旅游和酒店业的无人机应用潜力。

原创性

这项研究通过建立一个综合框架做出了原创性的贡献, 它综合合成了研究语料库, 并对旅游和无人机之间的关系提供了一个整体的概念化。此外, 提出的研究议程将有助于促进和巩固这一新兴的研究领域。

Objetivo

Los drones se han convertido en un elemento importante dentro de la hostelería y el turismo. El objetivo principal de este estudio es identificar el corpus de conocimiento y crear una agenda de investigación que establezca las directrices adecuadas para el estudio futuro de la aplicación de los drones en la hostelería y el turismo.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Este trabajo se ha realizado utilizando un enfoque de métodos mixtos que combina la investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa e incluye una revisión de la literatura relacionada con el estudio del uso de drones en hostelería y turismo.

Resultados

La revisión de métodos mixtos identificó lagunas en la investigación, áreas potenciales de estudio para mejorar la literatura científica y potencial de las aplicaciones de los drones en el turismo y la hostelería para investigadores, consumidores y profesionales del sector.

Originalidad/interés

Este estudio aporta una contribución original al establecer un marco integrado, que conduce a una síntesis del corpus de investigación y proporciona una conceptualización holística de la relación entre el turismo y los drones. Además, la agenda de investigación propuesta contribuirá a impulsar y consolidar este campo de investigación emergente.

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

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2023

Praveen Kumar Bonthagorla and Suresh Mikkili

To generate electricity, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are among the best, most eco-friendly and most cost-effective solutions available. Extraction of maximum possible…

Abstract

Purpose

To generate electricity, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are among the best, most eco-friendly and most cost-effective solutions available. Extraction of maximum possible electricity from the solar PV system is complicated by a number of factors brought on by the ever-changing weather conditions under which it must operate. Many conventional and evolutionary algorithm-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques have the limitation of not being able to extract maximum power under partial shade and rapidly varying irradiance. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to propose a novel hybrid slime mould assisted with perturb and observe (P&O) global MPPT technique (HSMO) for the hybrid bridge link-honey comb (BL-HC) configured PV system to enhance the better maximum power during dynamic and steady state operations within less time.

Design/methodology/approach

In this method, a hybridization of two algorithms is proposed to track the true with faster convergence under PSCs. Initially, the slime mould optimization (SMO) algorithm is initiated for exploration of optimum duty cycles and later P&O algorithm is initiated for exploitation of global duty cycle for the DC–DC converter to operate at GMPP and for fast convergence.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed HSMO MPPT is compared with adaptive coefficient particle swarm optimization (ACPSO), flower pollination algorithm and SMO MPPT techniques in terms of tracked GMPP, convergence time/tracking speed and efficacy under six complex partial shading conditions. From the results, it is noticed that the proposed algorithm tracks the true GMPP under most of the shading conditions with less tracking time when compared to other MPPT techniques.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel hybrid slime mould assisted with perturb and observe (P&O) global MPPT technique (HSMO) for the hybrid BL-HC configured PV system enhance the better maximum power under partial shading conditions (PSCs). This method operated in two stages as SMO for exploration and P&O for exploitation for faster convergence and to track true GMPP under PSCs. The proposed approach largely improves the performance of the MPP tracking of the PV systems. Initially, the proposed MPPT technique is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Furthermore, an experimental setup has been designed and implemented. Simulation results obtained are validated through experimental results which prove the viability of the proposed technique for an efficient green energy solution.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Luiza Ribeiro Alves Cunha, Adriana Leiras and Paulo Goncalves

Due to the unknown location, size and timing of disasters, the rapid response required by humanitarian operations (HO) faces high uncertainty and limited time to raise funds…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the unknown location, size and timing of disasters, the rapid response required by humanitarian operations (HO) faces high uncertainty and limited time to raise funds. These harsh realities make HO challenging. This study aims to systematically capture the complex dynamic relationships between operations in humanitarian settings.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this goal, the authors undertook a systematic review of the extant academic literature linking HO to system dynamics (SD) simulation.

Findings

The research reviews 88 papers to propose a taxonomy of different topics covered in the literature; a framework represented through a causal loop diagram (CLD) to summarise the taxonomy, offering a view of operational activities and their linkages before and after disasters; and a research agenda for future research avenues.

Practical implications

As the authors provide an adequate representation of reality, the findings can help decision makers understand the problems faced in HO and make more effective decisions.

Originality/value

While other reviews on the application of SD in HO have focused on specific subjects, the current research presents a broad view, summarising the main results of a comprehensive CLD.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

A.J. Faas and Jhaid Parreno

The purpose of this study is to identify LGBTQ+ perceptions of and experiences with hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters in the San Francisco Bay Area in the USA and to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify LGBTQ+ perceptions of and experiences with hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters in the San Francisco Bay Area in the USA and to co-develop applied projects to “queer” disaster knowledge production and risk reduction activities in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a community science project in which we collaborate with community members to enhance both community and scientific knowledge with the goal of utilizing it to produce a positive change to pressing social issues and their underlying causes. We do this through a series of four focus group workshops to identify community priorities, hazards, vulnerabilities and local action. We follow this with further ethnographic research and projects to apply findings from phase one.

Findings

The authors have found that: LGBTQ+ people in the Bay Area have unique experiences with hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters; there are significant gaps in the representation of LGBTQ+ hazard exposure in local scientific models that we can address through alternative methodologies; and tabletop exercises, learning modules and podcasts help orient and train disaster response agencies and personnel on LGBTQ+ inclusive operations.

Originality/value

This initiative entails novel approaches to community science for disaster risk reduction and creative collaboration with community-based organizations to foster the development of LGBTQ+ inclusive disaster risk reduction and response.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2023

Robert Bogue

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed insight into the global military robot industry with an emphasis on products and their applications.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed insight into the global military robot industry with an emphasis on products and their applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction which includes a brief historical account, this provides an industry overview, including various market dimensions and a discussion of the geopolitical and technological factors driving market development. The three following sections provide details of land, airborne and marine robots, their capabilities and deployments in recent conflicts. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Military robots which operate on land, in the air and at sea constitute a multi-billion dollar industry which is growing rapidly. It is being driven by geopolitical tensions, notably the military-technology arms race between China and the USA and the conflict in Ukraine, together with technological progress, particularly in AI. Many robots possess multi-functional capabilities, and the leading application is presently intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. An increasing number of heavily armed robots are being developed, and AI has the potential to impart these with the capacity to deliver lethal force without human intervention. Although heavily criticised in some quarters, this capability has probably already been deployed on the battlefield. With ever-growing military budgets, escalating political tensions and technological innovations, robots will play an increasingly significant role in future conflicts.

Originality/value

This provides a detail account of military robots and their role in modern warfare.

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: 1 November 2023

Yifan Pan, Lei Zhang, Dong Mei, Gangqiang Tang, Yujun Ji, Kangning Tan and Yanjie Wang

This study aims to present a type of metamorphic mechanism-based quadruped crawling robot. The trunk design of the robot has a metamorphic mechanism, which endows it with…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present a type of metamorphic mechanism-based quadruped crawling robot. The trunk design of the robot has a metamorphic mechanism, which endows it with excellent crawling capability and adaptability in challenging environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The robot consists of a metamorphic trunk and four series-connected three-joint legs. First, the walking and steering strategy is planned through the stability and mechanics analysis. Then, the walking and steering performance is examined using virtual prototype technology, as well as the efficacy of the walking and turning strategy.

Findings

The metamorphic quadruped crawling robot has wider application due to its variable trunk configuration and excellent leg motion space. The robot can move in two modes (constant trunk and trunk configuration transformation, respectively, while walking and rotating), which exhibits outstanding stability and adaptability in the examination and verification of prototypes.

Originality/value

The design can enhance the capacity of the quadruped crawling robot to move across a complex environment. The virtual prototype technology verifies that the proposed walking and steering strategy has good maneuverability and stability, which considerably expands the application opportunity in the fields of complicated scene identification and investigation.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Robert Bogue

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the growing role of robots in the logistics industry.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the growing role of robots in the logistics industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, which identifies key challenges facing the industry, this paper discusses robotic applications in warehouses, followed by sections covering transportation and delivery and conclusions.

Findings

The logistics industry faces a number of challenges that drive technological and operational changes. Robots are already playing a role within the warehouse sector and more complex applications have recently arisen from developments in artificial intelligence-enabled vision technology. In the transportation sector, autonomous trucks are being developed and trialled by leading manufacturers. Many major logistics companies are involved and limited services are underway. Last-mile delivery applications are growing rapidly, and trials, pilot schemes and commercial services are underway in Europe, the USA and the Far East. The Chinese market is particularly buoyant, and in 2019, a delivery robot was launched that operates on public roads, based on Level-4 autonomous driving technology. The drone delivery sector has been slower to develop, in part due to regulatory constraints, but services are now being operated by drone manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers.

Originality/value

This paper provides details of existing and future applications of robots in the logistics industry.

Details

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

Keywords

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