Recent developments in robotic tactile perception

Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in robotic tactile sensing. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this paper first provides an overview of tactile sensing effects and technologies. It then discusses recent developments in tactile sensing skins. Tactile sensing for robotic prosthetics and hands is then considered and is followed by a discussion of “tactile intelligence”. Various experimental results are included. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings This shows that many advanced, sensitive and technologically varied tactile sensing devices are being developed. These devices are expected to impart robots with a range of enhanced capabilities such as improved gripping and manipulation, object recognition, the control and robotic hands and prosthetics and collision detection. Originality/value Tactile sensing has an increasingly important role to play in robotics, and this paper provides a technical insight into a number of recent developments and their applications.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Bogue

Purpose This aims to provide details of new sensor technologies and developments with potential applications in robotic tactile sensing and navigation. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this provides examples of tactile sensing research. This is followed by details of research into inertial sensors and other navigation techniques. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings This shows that tactile sensing and navigation techniques are the topic of a technologically diverse research effort which has prospects to impart various classes of robots with significantly enhanced capabilities. Originality/value This provides a technically detailed insight into recent sensor research with applications in robotic tactile sensing and navigation.


Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

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.


2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Appleyard

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.


Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a technical insight into recent developments in brain‐computer interface (BCI) technology and its applications.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an introduction to BCI, this paper considers the different means of detecting brain waves and then discusses a number of BCI development programmes and applications.FindingsInvasive, partially invasive and non‐invasive BCI techniques are the topic of extensive study and aim to allow the control of external devices by human thought. Invasive BCIs are being applied to patients suffering paralysis and requiring cranial surgery and aim to restore movement or impart other functions such as the operation of robotic arms or communication. Wireless invasive microelectrode arrays are under development. Of the non‐invasive techniques, electroencephalography is attracting the greatest interest and is being applied to a range of military and healthcare uses.Originality/valueThis paper provides an introduction to BCI technology and a review of recent research and a number of key applications.


2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 10-19
Author(s):  
Bruce H. Newman ◽  
Elizabeth Mitchell ◽  
Stephanie R. Nicolas ◽  
Andre Owens ◽  
Ashley E. Bashur

Purpose – To provide an overview of recent developments relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s Market Access Rule, Rule 15c3-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Design/methodology/approach – Provides a brief overview of the Rule’s requirements; highlights key points of guidance from the Frequently Asked Questions released by the Staff of the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets in April 2014; and discusses the SEC’s first enforcement actions for alleged violations of the Rule, which include a settlement with Knight Capital Americas, LLC and administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings instituted against Wedbush Securities, Inc. Findings – The SEC has prioritized its focus on Rule 15c3-5, which has resulted in the issuance of FAQs and enforcement actions against broker-dealers for violations of the Rule. While the FAQs and the Knight Capital settlement provide some insight into the Enforcement Staff’s view of what the Rule requires, there are still areas where the substantive requirements are not entirely clear. Originality/value – Practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers that consolidates several recent developments in one piece.


Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

Purpose This paper aims to provide an insight into robot developments that use bioinspired design concepts. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction to biomimetics, this paper first provides examples of bioinspired terrestrial, aerial and underwater robot navigation techniques. It then discusses bioinspired locomotion and considers a selection of robotic products and developments inspired by snakes, bats, diving birds, fish and dragonflies. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings The application of design concepts that mimic the capabilities and processes found in living creatures can impart robots with unique abilities. Bioinspired techniques used by insects and other organisms, notably optic flow and sunlight polarisation sensing, allow robots to navigate without the need for methods such as simultaneous localisation and mapping, GPS or inertial measurement units. Bioinspired locomotion techniques have yielded robots capable of operating in water, air and on land and in some cases, making the transition between different media. Originality/value This shows how bioinspired design concepts can impart robots with innovative and enhanced navigation and locomotion capabilities.


Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in robots aimed at applications in the offshore oil and gas industries. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first discusses developments to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). It then describes the Total-sponsored Autonomous Robot for Gas and Oil Sites (ARGOS) robot challenge. This is followed by a discussion of the Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets (ORCA) programme. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings Subsea residency and other techniques are being developed that will enhance the availability and capabilities of AUVs and ROVs and reduce their operating costs. Mobile robots that can operate in harsh topside rig environments to monitor and detect hazards arose from ARGOS and are being developed further prior to commercialisation. Bringing together academics and users, the collaborative ORCA programme is making significant progress in the development of aerial, topside and underwater robotic and sensing technologies for rig asset inspection and maintenance. Originality/value This paper identifies and describes key development activities that will stimulate the use of robots by the offshore industries.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the growing importance of surgical robots by providing a short historical background and details of a selection of today’s products and their applications. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first provides an historical perspective. It then discusses systems used in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This is followed by examples of products aimed at other surgical applications and, finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings The concept of robotic surgery arose in the 1960s and trials commenced in the 1980s. The business is now in a highly dynamic phase with numerous recent product launches and a growing number late-stage developments. MIS systems are attracting much interest but robotic technology is also being applied to many additional surgical procedures. Originality/value This provides an insight into the emergence and commercialisation of robotic surgical systems.


Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of vision-assisted robotic welding technologies and their applications. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this paper first considers the background of vision-assisted robotic welding, the functions of the vision systems and the scenarios where the technology is of benefit. The main section provides examples of vision-assisted welding applications, together with details of the systems and products employed. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings This shows that modern machine vision technologies, often based on lasers, can allow robotic welding systems to compensate for dimensional variations and errors, eliminate the need for complex and costly welding fixtures and act as an alternative to skilled human welders. This technology allows robotic automation to be deployed in welding applications where it was hitherto impossible, technically difficult or not cost-effective. Originality/value By considering a section of applications, this paper provides an insight into how machine vision technologies can enhance the capabilities of robotic welding systems.


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