Random bin picking: has its time finally come?

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue Consultant
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Software Packages ◽  
Systems Software ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Bin Picking ◽  
Complex Technology ◽  
Technology Benefits ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in random bin picking (RBP) technologies and products, together with an insight into its commercial status and prospects. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction to RBP, this article discusses the technology, benefits and limitations of RBP. It then considers a number of products and applications and concludes with a brief discussion. Findings – This article shows that RBP offers significant economic and operational benefits, but it is a complex technology and applications remain limited. It is underpinned by advanced machine vision and sophisticated image processing algorithms and continues to be the topic of academic research. Many RBP products have been launched in the past but the latest generation of dedicated vision systems, software packages and fully integrated robotic systems suggest that more widespread applications are imminent. Originality/value – This paper provides a timely introduction to the rapidly developing field of RBP by discussing the technologies and a range of products and applications.

Recent developments in China’s biopharmaceutical industry (2012-2017)

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 686-707
Author(s):  
Marcus Conlé
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Domestic Market ◽  
Growth Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biopharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Drug Regulator ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Product Portfolios

Purpose The paper aims to take stock of China’s recent biopharmaceutical industry development by analyzing product innovation and changes in the firms’ product portfolios during the five-year period between 2012 and 2017. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces a classification of biopharmaceutical products. By applying the classification to the product data of China’s drug regulator, the CFDA, it becomes possible to trace the developments within the sector by looking at changes in the number of firms within each subgroup and changes in the number of subgroups in which each firm is involved. The classification allows an evaluation of the latest product innovation achievements. Findings The paper demonstrates a mild shakeout of firms in the relatively long-existing domestic market segments, a trend toward more specialized product portfolios and an enduring prevalence of innovation strategies aimed at exploiting relatively unpopulated domestic market niches instead of pioneering entirely new products. Especially the capability of upgrading to second-generation protein therapeutics has become a key criterion for separating the wheat and the chaff in China’s domestic sector. The paper moreover points out the relevance of acquisitions as a corporate growth strategy. Research limitations/implications The research does not consider complementary indicators, product pipelines in particular. Future research should compare patterns across emerging economies. Originality/value The paper is unique in using the CFDA database for systematic academic research on (bio)pharmaceutical innovation and in introducing a biopharmaceutical product classification to trace innovative activities and changes in corporate product portfolios over time.

Nanosensors and MEMS: connecting the nanoscale with the macro world with microscale technology

Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Short Introduction ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Molecular Sensors ◽  
Silicon Devices ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Mems Technology ◽  
Micro Electromechanical System ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This paper aims to illustrate how sensors can be fabricated by combining nanomaterials with micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology and to give examples of recently developed devices arising from this approach. Design/methodology/approach – Following a short introduction, this paper first identifies the benefits of MEMS technology. It then discusses the techniques for integrating carbon nanotubes with MEMS and provides examples of physical and molecular sensors produced by these methods. Combining other gas-responsive nanomaterials with MEMS is then considered and finally techniques for producing graphene on silicon devices are discussed. Brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings – This shows that many physical and molecular sensors have been developed by combining nanomaterials with MEMS technology. These have been fabricated by a diverse range of techniques which are often complex and multi-stage, but significant progress has been made and some are compatible with standard CMOS processes, yielding fully integrated nanosensors. Originality/value – This provides an insight into how two key technologies are being combined to yield families of advanced sensors.

Sensing with terahertz radiation: a review of recent progress

Sensor Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Terahertz Radiation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Sensing Technology ◽  
Radiation Sources ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Terahertz Sensing ◽  
Strong Body ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose This paper aims to provide a technical insight into a selection of recent developments and applications involving terahertz sensing technology. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, the first part of this paper considers a selection of research activities involving terahertz radiation sources and detectors. The second part seeks to illustrate how the technology is exerting a commercial impact and discusses a number of product developments and applications. Findings Terahertz sensing is a rapidly developing field and a strong body of research seeks to develop sources and detectors with enhanced features which often exploit novel materials, phenomena and technologies. Commercialisation is gathering pace, and a growing number of companies are producing terahertz sensing and imaging products which are finding a diversity of applications. Originality/value This provides details of recent research, product developments and applications involving terahertz sensing technology.

Miniature and microrobots: a review of recent developments

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Swarm Robotics ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Miniature Robots ◽  
Healthcare It ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
And Control ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an insight into recent miniaturised robot developments and applications. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this article discusses the technology and applications of miniature robots and considers swarm robotics, assembly robots, flying robots and their uses in healthcare. It concludes with a brief consideration of the emerging field of nanorobotics. Findings – This shows that all manners of miniaturised terrestrial, airborne and aquatic robots are being developed, but size and weight restraints pose considerable technological challenges, such as power sources, navigation, actuation and control. Prototypes have been developed for military, assembly, medical, environmental and other applications, as well as for furthering the understanding of swarm behaviour. In the longer term, microrobots and nanorobots offer prospects to revolutionise many aspects of healthcare, such as cancer treatment. Originality/value – This study provides details of a wide-ranging selection of miniaturised robot developments.

British Library document supply – a fork in the road

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Appleyard
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
British Library ◽  
Improvement Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Road ◽  
Current Thinking ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Future Plans

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide an overview of recent developments within the British Library's document supply service and offer an insight into future plans.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a general review.FindingsThe British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC) has made tremendous gains in optimising the service in its current guise. As with similar organisations, challenges are presenting themselves that require a completely new look at the way the business model is designed. Although the long‐term plan is not completely formed, this paper aims to give an insight into current thinking.Originality/valueThe paper spells out the improvement strategy that the BL has adopted for document supply in the light of the worldwide decline.

The Chinese robot industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Short Introduction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Government ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to provide an insight into China’s rapidly developing robot industry. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this paper first provides a market perspective and then identifies the key user industries and gives examples of applications. The robot supply companies are considered and details are provided for some of the more important. The research effort is then discussed, together with some examples of recent developments. Finally, conclusions are drawn. Findings The Chinese robot market is the largest in the world although the robot density remains far lower than that of many other industrialised nations. Major users include the electrical and electronics sector and the automotive industry, together with growing applications in the burgeoning hospitality and logistics sectors. Markets are presently dominated by foreign companies, but the government has ambitious plans to boost domestic production, and with the aid of financial incentives, the number of Chinese robot manufactures has recently increased dramatically. The country’s robot research effort is diverse and wide ranging and benefits from significant levels of government funding. China is ultimately expected to become a major force within the global robot business. Originality/value This illustrates the growing importance of robots in China, both in its industries and as a robot manufacturer.

Additive manufacturing technology: mapping social impacts

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florinda Matos ◽  
Celeste Jacinto
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Social Impacts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Recent Developments

Purpose Recent developments in additive manufacturing (AM) technology have emphasized the issue of social impacts. However, such effects are still to be determined. So, the purpose of this paper is to map the social impacts of AM technology. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach applied in this study combines a literature review with computer-aided content analysis to search for keywords related to social impacts. The content analysis technique was used to identify and count the relevant keywords in academic documents associated with AM social impacts. Findings The study found that AM technology social impacts are still in an exploratory phase. Evidence was found that several social challenges of AM technology will have an influence on the society. The topics associated with fabrication, customization, sustainability, business models and work emerged as the most relevant terms that can act as “pointers” to social impacts. Research limitations/implications The research on this subject is strongly conditioned by the scarcity of empirical experience and, consequently, by the scarcity of data and publications on the topic. Originality/value This study gives an up-to-date contribution to the topic of AM social impacts, which is still little explored in the literature. Moreover, the methodological approach used in this work combines bibliometrics with computer-aided content analysis, which also constitutes a contribution to support future literature reviews in any field. Overall, the results can be used to improve academic research in the topic and promote discussion among the different social actors.

A brief history and recent developments in day‐of‐the‐week effect literature

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 808-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Philpot ◽  
Craig A. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Weekend Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Day Of The Week ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Effect Literature ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of pre‐2003 work on the weekend effect and then discuss how recent selected work has extended our knowledge of the subject.Design/methodology/approachResults of recently published studies are organized and summarized by research question and outcomes.FindingsWhile early literature found a fairly consistent weekend effect, with positive returns on Fridays and negative returns on Mondays, more recent research shows the effect moving to other days, reversing or vanishing.Research limitations/implicationsWhile it is difficult to compare studies made across different time periods, the direction of present research gives insight into how markets are adjusting to the weekend effect anomaly.Practical implicationsInvestors may find it very hard to adequately identify a trading strategy based on current research.Originality/valueThis work conveniently synthesizes and presents current research findings from a variety of published sources.

Dynamics of succession planning for Indian family-owned businesses: learning from successful organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 31-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Budhiraja ◽  
Ujjwal Kumar Pathak
Keyword(s):  
Succession Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Family ◽  
Succession Plan ◽  
The Family ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the process and challenges faced by Indian family-owned businesses (FoBs) during succession planning and examine the recent advancements in succession planning of successful Indian FoBs. Design/methodology/approach The authors make use of recent developments in terms of succession planning by FoBs to prepare their impartial comments and summary. Findings It is evident that India has the third highest number of FoBs after China and the USA. The challenges for these organizations during the transition of the ownership to the next generation start from finding a competent family member to manage the conflict between the family and the board. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insight into leading FoBs in India for creating a systematic and robust succession plan in their respective organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information, and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Latest research on brand relationships: introduction to the special issue

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Fetscherin ◽  
Francisco Guzman ◽  
Cleopatra Veloutsou ◽  
Ricardo Roseira Cayolla
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Brand Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Relationship ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
As Relationship

PurposeThis paper aims to outline the role of brands as relationship builders and to offer a better understanding of the recent developments and key literature in the area of consumer–brand relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is an editorial based mainly on a literature review on consumer–brand relationships. It uses the sentiment range and passion intensity to position various brand relationship constructs. This work follows the same bibliometric-analysis approach used by Fetscherin and Heinrich (2014) and looked for publications in the Web of Science on brand relationships, with reference to Fournier’s (1998) seminal work and data collected for the period between January 2010 and November 2018.FindingsFirst, this work presents the key consumer–brand relationship terms and positions the work on brand love, brand like, brand hate, brand dislike and brand indifference. In addition, the bibliometric analysis offers a number of insights into the current state of the academic research in the area of consumer–brand relationships, including a clear indication that the research on consumer–brand relationships is increasing.Originality/valueThis work and the whole special issue together help in the understanding of brands as relationship builders, clearly explaining the continuum from strong positive or negative relationships with brands to no relationship with brands and the current state of research in the area.

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