Shape changing and self-reconfiguring robots

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Modular Robots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Era ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
True Shape ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Practical Reality ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – This article aims to provide details of recent developments in robots that can change shape and self-reconfigure. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this article first describes some recent developments in shape-changing materials and then considers a selection of shape-changing robots. It then discusses self-reconfiguring robots and describes a unique self-unfolding robot. Finally, concluding comments are drawn. Findings – This article shows that research into true shape-changing robots is still at an early stage and several very different strategies are being studied. Novel materials are expected to play a key role in many designs and potential applications include search and rescue, health care and surveillance. Self-reconfiguring modular robots are at a more advanced stage and while many can reconfigure to adopt varying shapes and gaits, the ability to accomplish differing tasks in manufacturing is still some way in the future. Overall, the various classes of shape-changing robots being studied represent a move towards a new era in robotic capabilities, but despite many recent technological advances, considerable further work is required before these become a practical reality. Originality/value – This article provides an insight into recent technological advances in shape-changing and self-reconfiguring robots.

Graphene sensors: a review of recent developments

Sensor Review ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Chemical Species ◽  
Biological Agents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
Timely Review ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Physical Variables ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in nanosensors based on graphene. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this paper first considers some of the motivations for using graphene in sensors. It then describes a selection of recently reported graphene nanosensors for detecting physical variables, gases, chemical species and biological agents. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings – Graphene exhibits a number of unique properties that make it an intriguing candidate for use in sensors. Research is still at a relatively early stage, but prototype sensors have been demonstrated which respond to numerous physical, molecular and biological variables. Originality/value – This paper provides a timely review of the use of graphene in sensors.

scholarly journals High-throughput phenotyping in cotton: a review

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irish Lorraine B. PABUAYON ◽  
Yazhou SUN ◽  
Wenxuan GUO ◽  
Glen L. RITCHIE
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
High Throughput Phenotyping

Abstract Recent technological advances in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) phenotyping have offered tools to improve the efficiency of data collection and analysis. High-throughput phenotyping (HTP) is a non-destructive and rapid approach of monitoring and measuring multiple phenotypic traits related to the growth, yield, and adaptation to biotic or abiotic stress. Researchers have conducted extensive experiments on HTP and developed techniques including spectral, fluorescence, thermal, and three-dimensional imaging to measure the morphological, physiological, and pathological resistance traits of cotton. In addition, ground-based and aerial-based platforms were also developed to aid in the implementation of these HTP systems. This review paper highlights the techniques and recent developments for HTP in cotton, reviews the potential applications according to morphological and physiological traits of cotton, and compares the advantages and limitations of these HTP systems when used in cotton cropping systems. Overall, the use of HTP has generated many opportunities to accurately and efficiently measure and analyze diverse traits of cotton. However, because of its relative novelty, HTP has some limitations that constrains the ability to take full advantage of what it can offer. These challenges need to be addressed to increase the accuracy and utility of HTP, which can be done by integrating analytical techniques for big data and continuous advances in imaging.

Advances in bio-nanocomposite materials for food packaging: a review

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 591-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Kumar ◽  
Preetinder Kaur ◽  
Surekha Bhatia
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Petroleum Products ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Packaging Materials ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Era ◽  
Food Packaging Materials ◽  
Active Food Packaging ◽  
Recent Developments

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to acquaint the readers with recent developments in biopolymer-based food packaging materials like natural biopolymers (such as starches and proteins), synthetic biopolymers (such as poly lactic acid), biopolymer blending and nanocomposites grounded on natural and synthetic biopolymers. This paper is an attempt to draw the readers towards the advantages and attributes of new era polymers to diminish the usage of traditional non-biodegradable polymers. Design/methodology/approach Plastic packaging for food and associated applications is non-biodegradable and uses up valuable and treasured non-renewable petroleum products. With the current focus on researching alternatives to petroleum, research is progressively being channelized towards the development of biodegradable food packaging, thereby reducing adverse impact on the environment. Findings Natural biopolymer-based nanocomposite packaging materials seem to have a scintillating future for a broad range of applications in the food industry, including advanced active food packaging with biofunctional attributes. The present review summarizes the scientific information of various packaging materials along with their attributes, applications and the methods for production. Originality/value This is an apropos review as there has been a recent renewed concern in research studies, both in the industry and academe, for development of new generation biopolymer-based food packaging materials, with possible applications in many areas.

Manufacturing in the world: where next?

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1253-1274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Brennan ◽  
Kasra Ferdows ◽  
Janet Godsell ◽  
Ruggero Golini ◽  
Richard Keegan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Era ◽  
The World ◽  
The Future ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Consistent Feature ◽  
Manufacturing Network

Purpose – The past three decades have seen the transformation of manufacturing involving its global dispersion and fragmentation. However, a number of recent developments appear to suggest that manufacturing may be entering a new era of flux that will impact the configuration of production around the globe. The purpose of this paper is to address the major emerging themes that may shape this configuration and concludes that most of them are still in their initial stages and are not likely to create a radical shift in the next few years in how manufacturing is configured around the world. These themes were presented in a special session on “Manufacturing in the World – Where Next?” at the 2013 EurOMA Conference in Dublin, Ireland. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a series of perspectives on some key considerations pertaining to the future of manufacturing. An evaluation of their likely impact is offered and insights for the future of manufacturing are presented. Findings – The importance of a focus on the extended manufacturing network is established. The need for customer engagement and a forward looking approach that extends to the immediate customer and beyond emerges as a consistent feature across the different perspectives presented in the paper. There is both the potential and need for the adoption of innovative business models on the part of manufacturers. Originality/value – The paper presents in-depth perspectives from scholars in the field of manufacturing on the changing landscape of manufacturing. These perspectives culminate in a series of insights on the future of global manufacturing that inform future research agendas and help practitioners in formulating their manufacturing strategies.

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.

Comparative appraisal of Kreis methods for the assessment of incipient rancidity in ghee

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 240-250
Author(s):  
Keyur D. Vaghela ◽  
Bhavesh N. Chaudhary ◽  
Bhavbhuti Manojbhai Mehta ◽  
V.B. Darji ◽  
K.D. Aparnathi
Keyword(s):  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Kreis Test ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oxidative Deterioration ◽  
Accelerated Storage ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose There are various Kreis tests reported in the literature with wide variations in the procedure. The purpose of this paper is to select the most suitable and reliable method for the rancidity evaluation in ghee. Design/methodology/approach Ghee samples were prepared from butter by the direct cream method. They were assessed for early-stage oxidative deterioration by four Kreis tests in an accelerated storage trial at intervals of 48 h. The amount of ghee samples, amount of reagents (chloroform, 30 percent trichloroacetic acid, 1 percent phloroglucinol, and ethanol), incubation temperature and duration were different in the four tests. For each method, the ghee samples were also monitored for changes in flavor at intervals of 48 h by sensory evaluation. Relationships among the Kreis values determined by the four different Kreis tests and flavor scores were established using a correlation analysis. Findings The correlation coefficient of the Kreis values determined by different Kreis tests was in decreasing order of: Kreis test-2 (−0.904) > Kreis test-4 (−0.792) > Kreis test-3 (−0.648) > Kreis test-1 (−0.469). Thus, among the four different Kreis tests, Kreis Test-2 reported by Pool and Prater (1945) was found to be more sensitive and more consistent, and have the highest coefficient of correlation (−0.904) with flavor score of ghee during storage at 80±2°C. Practical implications The finding of this study will be useful for the selection of an appropriate and reliable Kreis test that can be used for detecting rancidity in ghee at an incipient stage. The development of rancidity in the ghee leads to formation of off-flavor and such an oxidized product is not accepted by the consumer; this leads to economic loss to the manufacturer. Detection of traces of rancidity at an early stage provides an opportunity for industry personnel to take suitable control measures and/or make decisions regarding utilization of the product. Originality/value The use of a reliable Kreis test that detects traces of rancidity in a ghee can be very useful for enabling suitable measures to be taken to prevent further oxidative deterioration or to dispose of the ghee as early as possible.

NGO accountability: retrospective and prospective academic contributions

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 2353-2366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Agyemang ◽  
Brendan O’Dwyer ◽  
Jeffrey Unerman
Keyword(s):  
Review Essay ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Prospective Analysis ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Ngo Accountability ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer a retrospective and prospective analysis of the themes explored in the 2006 Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal special issue on non-governmental organisation (NGO) accountability. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a reflective review essay. Findings The paper outlines how a number of themes in the 2006 special issue addressing downward accountability, hierarchical accountability and management control have been subsequently developed in a selection of papers from the accounting literature. The development of these themes leads to several suggestions for future research in NGO accountability. Originality/value The paper offers a systematic, original perspective on recent developments in certain areas of the field of NGO accountability.

Energy harvesting: a review of recent developments

Sensor Review ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Advanced Technologies ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Self Powered ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – This paper aims to provide details of recent energy harvesting developments. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this paper first considers mechanical and biomechanical energy harvesting developments. It then discusses hybrid harvesting technologies and self-powered sensors and concludes with a brief discussion. Findings – Energy harvesting is the topic of a major research effort and growing commercial activities. Several advanced technologies are being used to develop sophisticated devices to harvest individual or combined energy sources. These developments are expected to play a central role in many emerging sensor markets. Originality/value – This paper provides technical details of a selection of recently reported energy harvesting developments.

Flexible and soft robotic grippers: the key to new markets?

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
Human Hand ◽  
Robotic Hands ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Strong Body ◽  
Anthropomorphic Hands ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of recent commercial and academic developments in flexible and soft grippers and considers their impact on emerging robotic markets. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this paper first considers commercially available anthropomorphic robotic hands and soft grippers. It then discusses a selection of recent research activities and concludes with a brief discussion of the potential of these developments. Findings Anthropomorphic robotic hands, which seek to mimic the structure and capabilities of the human hand, together with a technologically diverse family of soft grippers have recently have been commercialised. Most are produced by companies which spun-out from academic establishments. A strong body of innovative research continues and involves a wide range of principles and technologies. These gripping technologies are expected to catalyse several new and emerging applications; the most important being in agile manufacturing, particularly when used with collaborative robots (cobots). Originality/value This paper provides details of recent developments and research into anthropomorphic hands and soft grippers and an insight into their applications.

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