Disaster relief, and search and rescue robots: the way forward

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Search And Rescue ◽  
User Requirements ◽  
Short Introduction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Real World Applications ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to provide an insight into the future for disaster relief (DR) and search and rescue (SAR) robots by considering research activities which seek to address real-world applications and by identifying key user requirements and development priorities. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first provides a brief overview of the use of robots in DR and SAR and gives examples of organisations promoting their use. This is followed by details of development programmes aimed at meeting users’ requirements. Specific needs are identified and considered in detail and were derived from both the literature and through discussions with users. This paper concludes with a tabulated summary of key development priorities. Findings This study shows that several collaborative research programmes aim to address real DR and SAR applications, with robots being tested in simulated disaster scenarios. A number of key user requirements and development priorities are identified for aerial, ground and marine robots. Originality/value By identifying a number of specific requirements, this paper will assist in focussing research and development activities towards real users’ needs.

Robots in recycling and disassembly

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Research Effort ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Electronic Waste Recycling ◽  
Product Disassembly ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the growing role robots are playing in recycling and product disassembly and provide an insight into recent research activities. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first considers robotic waste sorting systems and then describes two systems for the disassembly of electronic products. It then provides details of some recent research activities. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings Robotic systems exploiting artificial intelligence combined with various sensing and machine vision technologies are playing a growing role in the sorting of municipal and industrial waste, prior to recycling. These are mostly based on delta robots and can achieve pick rates of 60-70 items/min and be configured to recognise and select a wide range of different materials and items from moving conveyors. Electronic waste recycling is yet to benefit significantly from robotics although a limited number of systems have been developed for product disassembly. Disassembly techniques are the topic of a concerted research effort which often involves robots and humans collaborating and sharing disassembly tasks. Originality/value This provides an insight into the present-day uses and potential future role of robots in recycling which has traditionally been a highly labour-intensive industry.

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.

The role of augmented reality in robotics

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 789-794
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Haptic Feedback ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Virtual Fixtures ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Positional Control

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into how augmented reality (AR) technologies are being applied to robotics. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction and a brief historical background to AR, this first provides examples of AR applications in robot programming. It then gives examples of recent research into AR-based robot teleoperation. Research activities involving the virtual fixtures (VF) technique are then discussed and finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings Because AR concepts were first investigated in the 1990s, applications involving robotics have been widely studied. Programming with the aid of AR devices, such as the HoloLens headset, can be simplified and AR methods, including the VF technique, can improve the accuracy and speed of teleoperation, manipulation and positional control tasks. They can also provide visual or haptic feedback which leads to more intuitive operation and significantly reduces the cognitive load on the operator. Originality/value This provides an insight into the growing role of AR in robotics by providing examples of recent research in a range of applications.

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.

SEC approves long-anticipated FINRA research rules

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Natterson Kroll ◽  
John Ayanian
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Equity Research ◽  
Practical Guidance ◽  
Research Analysts ◽  
Required Disclosures ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose To analyze the changes to the FINRA equity research rules and evaluate concerns that may be important to and have an impact on equity research activities following the effective date. Design/methodology/approach This article provides an overview of the changes reflected in FINRA Rule 2241 pertaining to equity research analysts and research reports, as well as changes to licensing requirements for equity research analysts. It highlights potential issues for firms and provides some commentary on how these issues should be considered in light of FINRA’s articulated position and assurances FINRA has given to the SEC. Findings This article concludes that firms should anticipate these changes and begin a comprehensive review of research policies and procedures, the personnel who prepare research reports and the scope of their research products so as to be compliant with Rule 2241 from its effective date. Firms should also begin an investigation of technologies used to gather, produce and disseminate research and required disclosures to ensure they meet the new requirements when they are effective. Originality/value This article provides insight into the new FINRA Rule 2241 and practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.

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.

A disaster typology towards informing humanitarian relief supply chain design

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon Mackay ◽  
Albert Munoz ◽  
Matthew Pepper
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Conceptual Knowledge ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Onset Time ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Supply Chain Design ◽  
Humanitarian Relief ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Relief Supply Chain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to construct a typology of a disaster that informs humanitarian-relief supply chain (HRSC) design across the stages of disaster relief. Design/methodology/approach In addition to an interdisciplinary review of pertinent literature, this paper utilises a typology construction method to propose theoretically and methodologically sound dimensions of disasters. Findings Whilst semantic arguments surrounding the concept of a “disaster” are ongoing, the authors propose three typologies based upon six dimensions that serve as interdependent variables informing resultant HRSC design considerations. These are speed of onset, time horizon, spatial considerations, affected population needs, perceived probability of occurrence and perceived magnitude of consequence. These combinational and independent relationships of the variables offer insight into key HRSC design-making considerations. Research limitations/implications The study improves conceptual knowledge of disasters, distilling the concept to only the dimensions applicable to HRSC design, omitting other applications. The typologies provide empirical cell types based on extant literature, but do not apply the models towards new or future phenomena. Practical implications This paper provides HRSC practitioners with normative guidance through a more targeted approach to disaster relief, with a focus on the impacted system and resulting interactions’ correspondence to HRSC design. Originality/value This paper provides three typological models of disasters uniquely constructed for HRSC design across the various stages of disaster relief.

Nanophotonic technologies driving innovations in molecular sensing

Sensor Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-175
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Cmos Technology ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Molecular Sensors ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Reduced Costs ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

Purpose This paper aims to provide a technical insight into recent molecular sensor developments involving nanophotonic materials and phenomena. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this highlights a selection of recent research activities involving molecular sensors based on nanophotonic technologies. It discusses chemical sensors, gas sensors and finally the role of nanophotonics in Raman spectroscopy. Brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings This shows that nanophotonic technologies are being applied to a diversity of molecular sensors and have the potential to yield devices with enhanced features such as higher sensitivity and reduced size. As several of these sensors can be fabricated with CMOS technology, potential exists for mass-production and significantly reduced costs. Originality/value This article illustrates how emerging nanophotonic technologies are set to enhance the capabilities of a diverse range of molecular sensors.

New technologies for robotic tactile sensing and navigation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Tactile Sensing ◽  
Short Introduction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Insight Into

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.

scholarly journals Supporting higher degree research collaboration

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan C. Gasson ◽  
Christine Bruce
Keyword(s):  
Research Productivity ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Research Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
Core Elements

Purpose This paper aims to demonstrate the value of a collaborative research culture framework (Gasson and Bruce, 2018a), featuring trust and respect as core elements of healthy collaborations, to support the research success of higher degree research (HDR) students. HDR is a term used in Australia to reference Doctoral and Master by research programmes. Design/methodology/approach The authors propose that by positioning collaboration as part of a research culture built on trust and respect, discussion about and the development of healthy collaborative research culture will be facilitated. A healthy culture is defined as one that supports sustainable and productive collaborative research. Findings The applications of the framework demonstrate the role the framework can play in supporting researchers to understand, engage in and manage collaborations. Research limitations/implications Reflection on discussions to date has led to the authors’ view that collaborative success requires a unique set of skills (i.e. skills in the development of a collaborative research culture) and that the framework provides a deliberate and overt way of supporting development of those skills. Originality/value The framework helps HDRs develop the capacity to build healthy collaborative research cultures vital for their research productivity and longer-term success as researchers.

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