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1 – 9 of 9The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology that was used to perform system identification of a dynamically unstable tilt-rotor from flight test data. The method…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology that was used to perform system identification of a dynamically unstable tilt-rotor from flight test data. The method incorporated wavelet transform into the maximum likelihood principle formulation, emphasizing both time and frequency responses. Using wavelets allowed to additionally filter noise in the data, and this increased the estimation quality. This approach did not require measurement and process noise modeling in contrast to the Kalman filter usage for parameter estimation.
Design/methodology/approach
In the study, lateral-directional stability and control derivatives of an unstable tiltrotor in hover were estimated. This was performed by applying the maximum likelihood output error method. The estimated model response was decomposed using the Mallat pyramid and matched to wavelet coefficients obtained directly from measurements. In addition, a coherence-based weighting function was used to put more emphasis on the most reliable data. For comparison, the same set of data was used to identify a model with the same structure using the maximum likelihood principle with an incorporated Kalman filter.
Findings
It was found that maximum likelihood principle and wavelet transform allowed for estimating aerodynamic coefficients of a dynamically unstable aircraft. The estimation was performed with high accuracy.
Practical implications
The designed method can be used for system identification of unstable aircraft and when additional noise is present (e.g. when noise due to turbulence was observable during the flight test or higher noise levels were present in the sensors data).
Originality/value
The paper presents verification of a wavelet-based maximum likelihood principle output error method using flight test data.
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Keywords
Bushi Chen, Xunyu Zhong, Han Xie, Pengfei Peng, Huosheng Hu, Xungao Zhong and Qiang Liu
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) play a crucial role in industrial and service fields. The paper aims to build a LiDAR-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system…
Abstract
Purpose
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) play a crucial role in industrial and service fields. The paper aims to build a LiDAR-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system used by AMRs to overcome challenges in dynamic and changing environments.
Design/methodology/approach
This research introduces SLAM-RAMU, a lifelong SLAM system that addresses these challenges by providing precise and consistent relocalization and autonomous map updating (RAMU). During the mapping process, local odometry is obtained using iterative error state Kalman filtering, while back-end loop detection and global pose graph optimization are used for accurate trajectory correction. In addition, a fast point cloud segmentation module is incorporated to robustly distinguish between floor, walls and roof in the environment. The segmented point clouds are then used to generate a 2.5D grid map, with particular emphasis on floor detection to filter the prior map and eliminate dynamic artifacts. In the positioning process, an initial pose alignment method is designed, which combines 2D branch-and-bound search with 3D iterative closest point registration. This method ensures high accuracy even in scenes with similar characteristics. Subsequently, scan-to-map registration is performed using the segmented point cloud on the prior map. The system also includes a map updating module that takes into account historical point cloud segmentation results. It selectively incorporates or excludes new point cloud data to ensure consistent reflection of the real environment in the map.
Findings
The performance of the SLAM-RAMU system was evaluated in real-world environments and compared against state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. The results demonstrate that SLAM-RAMU achieves higher mapping quality and relocalization accuracy and exhibits robustness against dynamic obstacles and environmental changes.
Originality/value
Compared to other SOTA methods in simulation and real environments, SLAM-RAMU showed higher mapping quality, faster initial aligning speed and higher repeated localization accuracy.
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Keywords
Yanli Feng, Ke Zhang, Haoyu Li and Jingyu Wang
Due to dynamic model is the basis of realizing various robot control functions, and it determines the robot control performance to a large extent, this paper aims to improve the…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to dynamic model is the basis of realizing various robot control functions, and it determines the robot control performance to a large extent, this paper aims to improve the accuracy of dynamic model for n-Degree of Freedom (DOF) serial robot.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper exploits a combination of the link dynamical system and the friction model to create robot dynamic behaviors. A practical approach to identify the nonlinear joint friction parameters including the slip properties in sliding phase and the stick characteristics in presliding phase is presented. Afterward, an adaptive variable-step moving average method is proposed to effectively reduce the noise impact on the collected data. Furthermore, a radial basis function neural network-based friction estimator for varying loads is trained to compensate the nonlinear effects of load on friction during robot joint moving.
Findings
Experiment validations are carried out on all the joints of a 6-DOF industrial robot. The experimental results of joint torque estimation demonstrate that the proposed strategy significantly improves the accuracy of the robot dynamic model, and the prediction effect of the proposed method is better than that of existing methods.
Originality/value
The proposed method extends the robot dynamic model with friction compensation, which includes the nonlinear effects of joint stick motion, joint sliding motion and load attached to the end-effector.
Details
Keywords
Zhuoyu Zhang, Lijia Zhong, Mingwei Lin, Ri Lin and Dejun Li
Docking technology plays a crucial role in enabling long-duration operations of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Visual positioning solutions alone are susceptible to…
Abstract
Purpose
Docking technology plays a crucial role in enabling long-duration operations of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Visual positioning solutions alone are susceptible to abnormal drift values due to the challenging underwater optical imaging environment. When an AUV approaches the docking station, the absolute positioning method fails if the AUV captures an insufficient number of tracers. This study aims to to provide a more stable absolute position visual positioning method for underwater terminal visual docking.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a six-degree-of-freedom positioning method for AUV terminal visual docking, which uses lights and triangle codes. The authors use an extended Kalman filter to fuse the visual calculation results with inertial measurement unit data. Moreover, this paper proposes a triangle code recognition and positioning algorithm.
Findings
The authors conducted a simulation experiment to compare the underwater positioning performance of triangle codes, AprilTag and Aruco. The results demonstrate that the implemented triangular code reduces the running time by over 70% compared to the other two codes, and also exhibits a longer recognition distance in turbid environments. Subsequent experiments were carried out in Qingjiang Lake, Hubei Province, China, which further confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed positioning algorithm.
Originality/value
This fusion approach effectively mitigates abnormal drift errors stemming from visual positioning and cumulative errors resulting from inertial navigation. The authors also propose a triangle code recognition and positioning algorithm as a supplementary approach to overcome the limitations of tracer light positioning beacons.
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Keywords
Shilong Zhang, Changyong Liu, Kailun Feng, Chunlai Xia, Yuyin Wang and Qinghe Wang
The swivel construction method is a specially designed process used to build bridges that cross rivers, valleys, railroads and other obstacles. To carry out this construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The swivel construction method is a specially designed process used to build bridges that cross rivers, valleys, railroads and other obstacles. To carry out this construction method safely, real-time monitoring of the bridge rotation process is required to ensure a smooth swivel operation without collisions. However, the traditional means of monitoring using Electronic Total Station tools cannot realize real-time monitoring, and monitoring using motion sensors or GPS is cumbersome to use.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a monitoring method based on a series of computer vision (CV) technologies, which can monitor the rotation angle, velocity and inclination angle of the swivel construction in real-time. First, three proposed CV algorithms was developed in a laboratory environment. The experimental tests were carried out on a bridge scale model to select the outperformed algorithms for rotation, velocity and inclination monitor, respectively, as the final monitoring method in proposed method. Then, the selected method was implemented to monitor an actual bridge during its swivel construction to verify the applicability.
Findings
In the laboratory study, the monitoring data measured with the selected monitoring algorithms was compared with those measured by an Electronic Total Station and the errors in terms of rotation angle, velocity and inclination angle, were 0.040%, 0.040%, and −0.454%, respectively, thus validating the accuracy of the proposed method. In the pilot actual application, the method was shown to be feasible in a real construction application.
Originality/value
In a well-controlled laboratory the optimal algorithms for bridge swivel construction are identified and in an actual project the proposed method is verified. The proposed CV method is complementary to the use of Electronic Total Station tools, motion sensors, and GPS for safety monitoring of swivel construction of bridges. It also contributes to being a possible approach without data-driven model training. Its principal advantages are that it both provides real-time monitoring and is easy to deploy in real construction applications.
Details
Keywords
Mingyu Wu, Che Fai Yeong, Eileen Lee Ming Su, William Holderbaum and Chenguang Yang
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state of the art in energy efficiency for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), focusing on energy sources, consumption…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state of the art in energy efficiency for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), focusing on energy sources, consumption models, energy-efficient locomotion, hardware energy consumption, optimization in path planning and scheduling methods, and to suggest future research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
The systematic literature review (SLR) identified 244 papers for analysis. Research articles published from 2010 onwards were searched in databases including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Scopus using keywords and search criteria related to energy and power management in various robotic systems.
Findings
The review highlights the following key findings: batteries are the primary energy source for AMRs, with advances in battery management systems enhancing efficiency; hybrid models offer superior accuracy and robustness; locomotion contributes over 50% of a mobile robot’s total energy consumption, emphasizing the need for optimized control methods; factors such as the center of mass impact AMR energy consumption; path planning algorithms and scheduling methods are essential for energy optimization, with algorithm choice depending on specific requirements and constraints.
Research limitations/implications
The review concentrates on wheeled robots, excluding walking ones. Future work should improve consumption models, explore optimization methods, examine artificial intelligence/machine learning roles and assess energy efficiency trade-offs.
Originality/value
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of energy efficiency in AMRs, highlighting the key findings from the SLR and suggests future research directions for further advancements in this field.
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Ajit Kumar and A.K. Ghosh
The purpose of this study is to estimate aerodynamic parameters using regularized regression-based methods.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to estimate aerodynamic parameters using regularized regression-based methods.
Design/methodology/approach
Regularized regression methods used are LASSO, ridge and elastic net.
Findings
A viable option of aerodynamic parameter estimation from regularized regression-based methods is found.
Practical implications
Efficacy of the methods is examined on flight test data.
Originality/value
This study provides regularized regression-based methods for aerodynamic parameter estimation from the flight test data.
Details
Keywords
Xu Li, Zeyu Xiao, Zhenguo Zhao, Junfeng Sun and Shiyuan Liu
To explore the economical and reasonable semi-rigid permeable base layer ratio, solve the problems caused by rainwater washing over the pavement base layer on the slope, improve…
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the economical and reasonable semi-rigid permeable base layer ratio, solve the problems caused by rainwater washing over the pavement base layer on the slope, improve its drainage function, improve the water stability and service life of the roadbed pavement and promote the application of semi-rigid permeable base layer materials in the construction of asphalt pavement in cold regions.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, three semi-rigid base course materials were designed, the mechanical strength and drainage properties were tested and the effect and correlation of air voids on their performance indexes were analyzed.
Findings
It was found that increasing the cement content increased the strength but reduced the air voids and water permeability coefficient. The permeability performance of the sandless material was superior to the dense; the performance of the two sandless materials was basically the same when the cement content was 7%. Overall, the skeleton void (sand-containing) type gradation between the sandless and dense types is more suitable as permeable semi-rigid base material; its gradation is relatively continuous, with cement content? 4.5%, strength? 1.5 MPa, water permeability coefficient? 0.8 cm/s and voids of 18–20%.
Originality/value
The study of permeable semi-rigid base material with large air voids could help to solve the problems of water damage and freeze-thaw damage of the base layer of asphalt pavements in cold regions and ensure the comfort and durability of asphalt pavements while having good economic and social benefits.
Details
Keywords
Evandro Eduardo Broday and Manuel Carlos Gameiro da Silva
The changes brought by Industry 4.0 go beyond transformations in the industrial environment. The increasingly frequent digitization and robotization of activities is not only…
Abstract
Purpose
The changes brought by Industry 4.0 go beyond transformations in the industrial environment. The increasingly frequent digitization and robotization of activities is not only restricted to the industrial environment, but also to people's daily routine. People spend a large part of their time inside buildings, and maintaining adequate Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is an essential factor for a healthy and productive environment. In this sense, the purpose of this study is to verify how the Internet of Things (IoT) is being used to improve the indoor environment, through sensors that instantly measure the conditions of the environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim of this paper is to verify, through a literature review, how IoT is being used for building control (for energy saving purposes) and to monitor IEQ conditions inside buildings, in order to provide a better environment for occupants, in terms of health and comfort. By combining keywords in databases, PRISMA method was used to select the articles for analysis, and 91 articles were analyzed.
Findings
The main findings in this research are: (1) the main purpose for applying IoT inside buildings is to reduce energy consumption; (2) there is an interest in developing low-cost sensoring devices with a learning approach; (3) Machine Learning methods are mainly used for energy saving purposes and to learn about occupants' behavior inside buildings, focusing on thermal comfort; (4) sensors in the IoT era are a requirement to help improve people's comfort and well-being.
Originality/value
Studies directly correlating IoT and IEQ are limited. This paper emphasises the link between them, through the presentation of recent methods to control the built environment.
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