Field and Service Robotics

Field and Service Robotics
Author: Alexander Zelinsky
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 558
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1447112733

Joe Engelberger, the pioneer of the robotics industry, wrote in his 1989 book Robotics in Service that the inspiration to write his book came as a reaction to an industry-sponsored forecast study of robot applications, which predicted that in 1995 applications of robotics outside factories - the traditional domain of industrial robots - would amount to less than 1% of total sales. Engelberger believed that this forecast was very wrong, and instead predicted that the non-industrial class of robot applications would become the largest class. Engelbergers prediction has yet to come to pass. However, he did correctly foresee the growth in non-traditional applications of robots. Robots are now beginning to march from the factories and into field and service applications. This book presents a selection of papers from the first major international conference dedicated to field and service applications of robotics. This selection includes papers from the leading research laboratories in the world together with papers from companies that are building and selling new and innovative robotic technology. It describes interesting aspects of robots in the field ranging from mining, agriculture, construction, cargo handling, subsea operations, removal of landmines, to terrestrial exploration. It also covers a diverse range of service applications, such as cleaning, propagating plants and aiding the elderly and handicapped, and gives considerable attention to the technology required to realise robust, reliable and safe robots.

Robotics Research

Robotics Research
Author: Yoshiaki Shirai
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 456
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1447115805

The Eighth International Symposium of Robotics Research was held in Kanagawa, Japan, on October 4-7 1997; Robotics Research presents the findings of this symposium. The papers, written by international specialists in the field, cover the many topics concerning advanced robotics today, ranging from practical system design to theoretical reasoning and planning. They assess the state of the field and discuss all the current and emerging trends dealing with, amongst many other topics, mobile robotics, manufacturing, learning from humans, autonomous land vehicles, humanoid robots, future robots, and new components. The reader will share with the attendees the meaningful steps forward in building the emerging body of concepts, methods, scientific and technical knowledge that shape modern day robotics.

Disarming States

Disarming States
Author: Kenneth R. Rutherford
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 252
Release: 2010-12-07
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0313393974

This book provides a detailed history of the global movement to ban anti-personnel landmines (APL), marking the first case of a successful worldwide civil society movement to end the use of an entire category of weapons. In March 1995, Belgium became the first state to pass a domestic anti-personnel landmine ban. In December 1997, 122 states joined Belgium in signing the comprehensive Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Treaty. The movement to ban landmines became a turning point in global politics that continues to influence policy and strategy decisions regarding weapon use today. Disarming States: The International Movement to Ban Landmines describes how non-government organizations (NGOs) brought the landmine issue to international attention by forming the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). The author presents new information gleaned from interviews and intensive research conducted around the world. The critical role of mid-size states—such as Austria, Canada, and Switzerland—recruited to back the movement's goals is examined. The book concludes by examining how NGOs affect the international political agenda, especially in seeking legal prohibitions on weapons and changes in states' behaviors.

Developments in Heat Transfer

Developments in Heat Transfer
Author: Marco Aurelio Dos Santos Bernardes
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 704
Release: 2011-09-15
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9533075694

This book comprises heat transfer fundamental concepts and modes (specifically conduction, convection and radiation), bioheat, entransy theory development, micro heat transfer, high temperature applications, turbulent shear flows, mass transfer, heat pipes, design optimization, medical therapies, fiber-optics, heat transfer in surfactant solutions, landmine detection, heat exchangers, radiant floor, packed bed thermal storage systems, inverse space marching method, heat transfer in short slot ducts, freezing an drying mechanisms, variable property effects in heat transfer, heat transfer in electronics and process industries, fission-track thermochronology, combustion, heat transfer in liquid metal flows, human comfort in underground mining, heat transfer on electrical discharge machining and mixing convection. The experimental and theoretical investigations, assessment and enhancement techniques illustrated here aspire to be useful for many researchers, scientists, engineers and graduate students.

Unexploded Ordnance Detection and Mitigation

Unexploded Ordnance Detection and Mitigation
Author: James Byrnes
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2008-12-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1402092539

The chapters in this volume were presented at the July–August 2008 NATO Advanced Study Institute on Unexploded Ordnance Detection and Mitigation. The conference was held at the beautiful Il Ciocco resort near Lucca, in the glorious Tuscany region of northern Italy. For the ninth time we gathered at this idyllic spot to explore and extend the reciprocity between mathematics and engineering. The dynamic interaction between world-renowned scientists from the usually disparate communities of pure mathematicians and applied scientists which occurred at our eight previous ASI’s continued at this meeting. The detection and neutralization of unexploded ordnance (UXO) has been of major concern for very many decades; at least since the First World war. UXO continues to be the subject of intensive research in many ?elds of science, incl- ing mathematics, signal processing (mainly radar and sonar) and chemistry. While today’s headlines emphasize the mayhem resulting from the placement of imp- vised explosive devices (IEDs), humanitarian landmine clearing continues to draw signi?cant global attention as well. In many countries of the world, landmines threaten the population and hinder reconstruction and fast, ef?cient utilization of large areas of the mined land in the aftermath of military con?icts.

Subsurface Sensing

Subsurface Sensing
Author: Ahmet S. Turk
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 916
Release: 2011-07-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0470608560

This book provides readers with a solid understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the techniques used for buried object detection. Presenting theory along with applications and the existing technology, it covers the most recent developments in hardware and software technologies of sensor systems with a focus on primary sensors such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and auxiliary sensors such as Nuclear Quadruple Resonance (NQR). It is essential reading for students, practitioners, specialists, and academicians involved in the design and implementation of buried object detection sensors.

Electronic Nose Technologies and Advances in Machine Olfaction

Electronic Nose Technologies and Advances in Machine Olfaction
Author: Albastaki, Yousif
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2018-04-13
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1522538631

The design and study of materials is a pivotal component to new discoveries in the various fields of science and technology. By better understanding the components and structures of materials, researchers can increase its applications across different industries. Electronic Nose Technologies and Advances in Machine Olfaction is an academic scholarly resource that examines the emerging applications of odor-sensing devices as well as a better understanding of the designing process with the aid of neural networks and various other technologies. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics including food spoilage detection, chemical sensing, and olfactometer, this book is a vital resource for engineers, academicians, researchers, students, and practitioners seeking current research on the advancements in applications of odor-sensing devices.

Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar

Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar
Author: Andrea Benedetto
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 373
Release: 2015-04-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319048139

This book, based on Transport and Urban Development COST Action TU1208, presents the most advanced applications of ground penetrating radar (GPR) in a civil engineering context, with documentation of instrumentation, methods and results. It explains clearly how GPR can be employed for the surveying of critical transport infrastructure, such as roads, pavements, bridges and tunnels and for the sensing and mapping of underground utilities and voids. Detailed attention is also devoted to use of GPR in the inspection of geological structures and of construction materials and structures, including reinforced concrete, steel reinforcing bars and pre/post-tensioned stressing ducts. Advanced methods for solution of electromagnetic scattering problems and new data processing techniques are also presented. Readers will come to appreciate that GPR is a safe, advanced, non destructive and noninvasive imaging technique that can be effectively used for the inspection of composite structures and the performance of diagnostics relevant to the entire life cycle of civil engineering works.