Robotics Books

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Book Synopsis''If you want to see what that future might look like, Duncan''s book is a fun place to start''NPR''Intensely readable, downright terrifying, and surprisingly uplifting'' Vanity Fair ''5 books not to miss . . . A fascinating work of imaginative futurology''USA TodayOne of Time magazine''s ''32 Books You Need to Read This Summer'' - ''a riveting read'' One of David Baldacci and Elizabeth Acevedo''s best summer reads, on USA Today''s Today programme ''A refreshing variation on the will-intelligent-robots-bring-Armageddon genre . . . this colourful mixture of expert futurology and quirky speculation does not disappoint'' Kirkus ReviewsWhat robot and AI systems are being built and imagined right now? What do they say about us, their creators? Will they usher in a fantastic new future, or destroy us? What do some of our greatest thinkers, from physiciTrade ReviewA refreshing variation on the will-intelligent-robots-bring-Armageddon genre . . . this colorful mixture of expert futurology and quirky speculation does not disappoint. * Kirkus *Duncan writes the way good teachers teach, conversational, yet informed . . . [he] is a popularizer and storyteller. * USA Today *A riveting read. * Time Magazine *A brilliant chronicle of encounters with our future selves. -- Andrei Codrescu, bestselling author and NPR commentator'Intensely readable, downright terrifying, and surprisingly uplifting.' * Vanity Fair *'A fascinating work of imaginative futurology, a science journalist takes a look at our current technologies and anticipates the human-robot future that could await us - one full of warrior bots, politician bots, doctor bots and sex bots.' -- Barbara VanDenburgh * ‘5 Books Not to Miss’, USA Today *One of the best summer reads of 2019. -- David Baldacci and Elizabeth Acevedo * USA Today’s Today programme *

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Book SynopsisA Systematic Approach to Learning Robot Programming with ROS provides a comprehensive, introduction to the essential components of ROS through detailed explanations of simple code examples along with the corresponding theory of operation. The book explores the organization of ROS, how to understand ROS packages, how to use ROS tools, how to incorporate existing ROS packages into new applications, and how to develop new packages for robotics and automation. It also facilitates continuing education by preparing the reader to better understand the existing on-line documentation.The book is organized into six parts. It begins with an introduction to ROS foundations, including writing ROS nodes and ROS tools. Messages, Classes, and Servers are also covered. The second part of the book features simulation and visualization with ROS, including coordinate transforms. The next part of the book discusses perceptual processing in ROS. It inTable of ContentsROS FOUNDATIONS. Introduction to ROS: ROS tools and nodes. Messages, Classes and Servers. SIMULATION AND VISUALIZATION IN ROS. Simulation in ROS. Coordinate Transforms in ROS. Sensing and Visualization in ROS. PERCEPTUAL PROCESSING IN ROS. Using Cameras in ROS. Depth Imaging and Point Clouds. Point Cloud Processing. MOBILE ROBOTS IN ROS. Mobile-Robot. Motion Control. Mobile-Robot Navigation. ROBOT ARMS IN ROS. Low-Level Control. Robot Arm Kinematics. Arm Motion Planning. Arm Control with the Baxter Simulator. An Object-Grabber Package. SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND HIGHER-LEVEL CONTROL. Perception-Based Manipulation. Mobile Manipulation

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Book SynopsisBig data and artificial intelligence (AI) are at the forefront of technological advances that represent a potential transformational mega-trend—a new multipolar and innovative disruption. These technologies, and their associated management paradigm, are already rapidly impacting many industries and occupations, but in some sectors, the change is just beginning. Innovating ahead of emerging technologies is the new imperative for any organization that aspires to succeed in the next decade. Faced with the power of this AI movement, it is imperative to understand the dynamics and new codes required by the disruption and to adapt accordingly.AI and Big Data's Potential for Disruptive Innovation provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of successfully implementing new and innovative technologies in a variety of sectors including business, transportation, and healthcare. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as semantic mapping, ethics in AI, and big data governance, this book is ideally designed for IT specialists, industry professionals, managers, executives, researchers, scientists, and engineers seeking current research on the production of new and innovative mechanization and its disruptions.

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Book SynopsisQuantum robotics is an emerging engineering and scientific research discipline that explores the application of quantum mechanics, quantum computing, quantum algorithms, and related fields to robotics. This work broadly surveys advances in our scientific understanding and engineering of quantum mechanisms and how these developments are expected to impact the technical capability for robots to sense, plan, learn, and act in a dynamic environment. It also discusses the new technological potential that quantum approaches may unlock for sensing and control, especially for exploring and manipulating quantum-scale environments. Finally, the work surveys the state of the art in current implementations, along with their benefits and limitations, and provides a roadmap for the future.Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgments Notation Introduction Relevant Background on Quantum Mechanics Quantum Search Quantum Agent Models Machine Learning Mechanisms for Quantum Robotics Quantum Filtering and Control Current Strategies for Quantum Implementation Conclusion Bibliography Authors' Biographies Index

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Book SynopsisThe hard-earned tips and tricks gained by experience are the hidden currency of makers -- passed along in workshops and makerspaces by example and by retelling -- shared wisdom that will help you work smarter, easier, and more efficiently. Who doesn't remember with gratitude the insider secrets they learned from from a parent, shop teacher, or artisan? The best ones are never forgotten! This benchtop reference collects hundreds of ingenious and indispensable shop tips and pearls of wisdom collected by the editors of Make: and some of the most talented and prolific makers who've contributed to the magazine and Maker Faire over the past decade. Inside you'll find tips for measuring and cutting, gluing and fastening, clamping and joining, drilling, shop organizing, maintenance and repair, and more. The topics covered run the gamut from traditional shopcraft to electronics and soldering. You'll also encounter fascinating tales from experienced makers whose personal stories illuminate their favorite tools and best discoveries. Illustrated in full color with photos, drawings, and comic strips, Tips and Tales from the Workshop will entertain and enlighten while inspiring you. Get ready to smack your head and ask yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?" Praise for Tips and Tales from the Workshop: "Gareth Branwyn is the Tip Master. He scours the workshops of the world for practical, time-saving, life-altering tips to help you make stuff better, faster, and cheaper. This book rounds up the best ones he knows." --KEVIN KELLY, creator of Cool Tools and Wired Senior Maverick "Gareth has essentially created a magic book for makers." --DONALD BELL, Maker Project Labs "Tips and Tales from the Workshop is sure to inspire anyone to get making with newfound ease and satisfaction. This book embodies the spirit of great mentors, across every medium, and imparts a wizard-like cleverness to its readers. I thought I was clever, and this book has already prevented at least a dozen new mistakes in my studio. It's "ah-ha" moment overload!" --BECKY STERN, DIY guru and Instructables content creator "It must be hard to write a book like this with such uncommon clarity and in so entertaining a fashion as Gareth Branwyn has done here. Gareth clearly has a deep understanding of making and those who make because he is a maker himself. Tips and Tales from the Workshop is jam packed with invaluable information; it is both a fun read and a reliable shop reference for any do-it-yourselfer." --ANDY BIRKEY, YouTube maker

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Book SynopsisThe recent pandemic has forced researchers to adapt technologies such as robotics and AI in the healthcare field. This book, Robotics and Automation in Healthcare: Advanced Applications, explores these new technologies by focusing on important issues related to the employment of robotics and automation in healthcare, such as in medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.The volume reviews wireless charging of implantable pacemakers, considers smart bot design for library building of medical colleges, and discusses strain distribution in biomechanical systems. Other topics included in the book are medical imaging, drone technology, 3D printing, and image processing techniques. The application and importance of actuators in medical devices, especially during surgery, is discussed, as are wearable devices for pre-identification of seizure development. The volume also looks at a decision support system for detection of suitable robots and early detection of diseases with the support of image processing techniques. The application of nano-robots in healthcare is also explored.Providing advanced information and insight into robotics, wearable devices, and applications of image processing in healthcare field, this volume will be helpful to those in communications and electronics engineering as well as those at the forefront of smart technology in healthcare.

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Book SynopsisThe relationship between technological and pedagogical innovation has recently created a new field of research at the crossroads between Psychology, Educational Sciences and Artificial Intelligence: Educational Robotics (ER). Through analysis of the achievable educational goals based on the technological status and specific learning modes of different types of robots, it is possible to define three pedagogical paradigms: learning robotics, learning with robotics, and learning by robotics. In this book we address these three paradigms through three themes: human representations of robots, the acceptance and trust shown when interacting with a humanoid, and learning favored by the development and programming of robots in an educational context. These themes allow the authors to fully explore, define and delimit this novel field of research for future application in educational and social contexts. Finally, the book discusses contributions and limitations which have emerged from different methodologies of research, potential educational applications, and concepts of human–robot interaction for the development of the above paradigms.Table of ContentsForeword ix Preface xiii Introduction xix Chapter 1. Learning Robotics: Users’ Representation of Robots 1 1.1. Introduction: the ontological and pedagogical status of robots 1 1.2. What do we mean by robot representation? 3 1.2.1. The place of robots in our common-sense ontology 3 1.2.2. Categories: essentialist versus graded 4 1.2.3. The NOC hypothesis 6 1.2.4. Shifting between the different pedagogical roles of a robot 7 1.2.5. How do we investigate robot representations and the impact of learning robotics on these representations? 8 1.3. Study 1: Robot representation 9 1.3.1. Aims and rationale 9 1.3.2. Hypotheses 10 1.3.3. Method 12 1.4. Results 17 1.4.1. Which representation of robots for familiar and unfamiliar students? 17 1.4.2. The living and non-living items most frequently associated with robots (pre-questionnaire) 18 1.4.3. Gradation in robot categorization: essentialist versus non-essentialist stance (pre-questionnaire) 19 1.4.4. The educational roles most frequently envisaged for robots (pre-questionnaire) 20 1.4.5. Gradation in the educational roles envisaged for a robot (pre-questionnaire) 20 1.4.6. The impact of building and programming a robot on students’ judgment about the ontological status of robots 21 1.4.7. The impact of robot making on graded versus all-or-nothing categorization 23 1.4.8. Does familiarity with robots influence their categorization? 26 1.4.9. Dichotomous versus multiple categorization of robots 28 1.4.10. The impact of robot making on the educational roles envisaged for robots 29 1.4.11. The impact of robot making on shift between the educational roles envisaged for robots 31 1.4.12. Does previous experience influence the educational role attributed to robots? 32 1.5. Discussion 34 1.6. Conclusions, limits and perspectives 38 Chapter 2. Learning with Robotics: Functional and Social Acceptance of Robots 43 2.1. Functional and social acceptance of robots 43 2.2. Trust as a fundamental indicator of acceptance 49 2.2.1. Commonly used measures of human–robot trust 49 2.2.2. Conformation as an innovative measure of human–robot trust 51 2.2.3. Factors influencing robot trust 52 2.3. Study 2: robot acceptance 56 2.3.1. Aims and rationale 56 2.3.2. Method 59 2.4. Results 69 2.4.1. Do participants conform their answer more to iCub’s answer in the functional task than in the social task? (H1) 69 2.4.2. Do participants who conform to iCub in the social task also conform in the functional task? (H2) 71 2.4.3. Does the imagined HRI scenario influence trust in iCub? (H3) 71 2.4.4. Is there a correlation between negative attitudes to the robot’s social influence and the trust in the robot’s social savvy? (H4) 74 2.4.5. Is there a correlation between the human DFC and the trust in the robot’s functional and social savvy? 74 2.5. Discussion 76 2.6. Conclusions 83 Chapter 3. Learning by Robotics: The Impact of Educational Robots on Learning 87 3.1. Combining RBI and inquiry-based science 87 3.2. IBSE and the four dimensions of learning 93 3.2.1. The cognitive dimension 95 3.2.2. The affective dimension 97 3.2.3. The social dimension 98 3.2.4. The meta-cognitive dimension 99 3.2.5. Self-regulation 101 3.2.6. RBI and inquiry-based learning 105 3.3. Study 3: impacts of ER on learning 114 3.3.1. Aims and rationale 114 3.3.2. The RObeeZ project 115 3.3.3. Hypotheses 122 3.3.4. Experimental design 123 3.4. Results 128 3.4.1. Are the subject-specific knowledge and competencies of pupils enhanced at the end of RObeeZ project? 128 3.4.2. Are pupils’ transversal competencies enhanced at the end of the project? 129 3.4.3. Does the combination of RBI and IBSE have an impact on the four dimensions of learning? 130 3.5. Discussion 136 Conclusion and Perspectives 143 Appendices 153 Appendix 1 155 Appendix 2 159 Appendix 3 163 Appendix 4 169 Appendix 5 177 Bibliography 181 Index 223

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Book SynopsisCreate end-to-end systems that can power robots with artificial vision and deep learning techniquesKey Features Study ROS, the main development framework for robotics, in detail Learn all about convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and robotics Create a chatbot to interact with the robot Book DescriptionArtificial Vision and Language Processing for Robotics begins by discussing the theory behind robots. You'll compare different methods used to work with robots and explore computer vision, its algorithms, and limits. You'll then learn how to control the robot with natural language processing commands. You'll study Word2Vec and GloVe embedding techniques, non-numeric data, recurrent neural network (RNNs), and their advanced models. You'll create a simple Word2Vec model with Keras, as well as build a convolutional neural network (CNN) and improve it with data augmentation and transfer learning. You'll study the ROS and build a conversational agent to manage your robot. You'll also integrate your agent with the ROS and convert an image to text and text to speech. You'll learn to build an object recognition system using a video.By the end of this book, you'll have the skills you need to build a functional application that can integrate with a ROS to extract useful information about your environment.What you will learn Explore the ROS and build a basic robotic system Understand the architecture of neural networks Identify conversation intents with NLP techniques Learn and use the embedding with Word2Vec and GloVe Build a basic CNN and improve it using generative models Use deep learning to implement artificial intelligence(AI)and object recognition Develop a simple object recognition system using CNNs Integrate AI with ROS to enable your robot to recognize objects Who this book is forArtificial Vision and Language Processing for Robotics is for robotics engineers who want to learn how to integrate computer vision and deep learning techniques to create complete robotic systems. It will prove beneficial to you if you have working knowledge of Python and a background in deep learning. Knowledge of the ROS is a plus.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Fundamentals of Robotics Introduction to Computer Vision Fundamentals of Natural Language Processing Neural Networks with NLP Convolutional Neural Networks Robot Operating System Build a Conventional Agent to Manage the Robot Object Recognition to Guide a Robot Using CNNs Computer Vision for Robotics

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Book SynopsisThis exciting book breaks new ground by introducing the amateur to the ideas and concepts, both theoretical and practical, of robotics - a nascent discipline which will radically change the way we work. Although today we use the term 'robots', in the future other terms will have to be coined in order to describe their utility & capabilities. The book is divided into two sections: 1: How and why robots work and how they are controlled. 2: How to make a simple two-legged humanoid robot that can be programmed to walk. There are no complicated formulae or equations to grapple with or complicated circuit diagrams to decipher, and you don't have to be either a machinist or a programmer - everything is presented in clear, concise, everyday English. The robot can be built quickly on a workbench, or even a kitchen table, with a minimum number of handtools, and all the parts are easily available in the UK and the USA. This is a fascinating and unique book which explains the basics of a subject which is the next generation of model engineering, combining construction skills with computer programming and teaches you to build and run a working robot which can be controlled from any personal computer.Table of ContentsHistory and Future. The Modern Robot. Mobile Robots. Running Motors. Encoders and Amplifiers. Sensors, Input and Output. Computer and Software. Robot Control Language. Robotic Vision. Selecting a Robot Design for Building. Skills, Tools, Time & Materials. Making the Walking Robot. Programming. Short Glossary of Robotic Terms. Table of ASCII Values. Scott Edwards Controller Information. Information on Software Discs. Drawing and Construction Notes. Component Supplier Information.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents new research results in the field of gravity compensation in robotic systems. It explores topics such as gravity compensation of planar articulated robotic manipulators; the stiffness modeling of manipulators with gravity compensators; the multi-degree-of-freedom counter-balancing; the design of actuators with partial gravity compensation; a cable-driven robotic suit with gravity compensation for load carriage; various compensation systems for medical cobots and assistive devices; gravity balancing of parallel robots. The volume demonstrates that gravity compensation methods continue to develop, and new approaches and solutions are constantly being reported. These solutions apply both to new structural solutions and to their new applications. Cobots, exoskeletons and robotic suits, assistive devices, as well as biomechanical systems are among the most promising applications and most pressing areas for further innovation.Table of ContentsA Modularization Approach for Gravity Compensation of Planar Articulated Robotic Manipulators.- Stiffness modeling for gravity compensators.- Multi-DOF Counterbalancing and Applications to Robots.- Parallel Elastic Actuator: Variable recruitment of parallel springs for partial gravity compensation.- Optimization and Control of a Cable-driven Robotic Suit for Load Carriage.- Tool Compensation for a Medical Cobot-Assistant.- Design of Statically Balanced Assistive Devices.- Design of Multifunctional Assistive Devices with Various Arrangements of Gravity Compenstion.- Gravity Balancing of Parallel Robots by Constant-Force Generators.

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Book SynopsisThis volume constitutes the papers of two workshops which were held in conjunctionwith the First International Conference on Robotics, Computer Vision and Intelligent Systems,ROBOVIS 2020, Virtual Event, in November 4-6, 2020 and Second International Conference on Robotics, Computer Vision and Intelligent Systems,ROBOVIS 2021, Virtual Event, in October 25-27, 2021.The 11 revised full papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selectedfrom 53 submissions.Table of ContentsMulti-sensorial Environment Perception in Urban Environment.- An Extended Visual Intelligence Scheme for Disassembly in Automated Recycling Routines.- Multi-agent Path Finding and Acting with Small Reflex-based Mobile Robots.- Design and Experimental Analysis of an Adaptive Cruise Control.- Human-likeness Indicator for Robot Posture Control and Balance.- Visual Guidance of an on-Orbit Free-floating Manipulator using a Mobile Camera.- Semantic Segmentation of Marine Species in an Unconstrained Underwater Environment.- Social Embodiment of Companion Robots in Smart Spaces: IoRT for Independent Living.- Rapid Structure from Motion Frame Selection for Markerless Monocular SLAM.- Detecting Tool Keypoints with Synthetic Training Data.- Generating Versatile Training Samples for UAV Trajectory Prediction.

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Book SynopsisThis authoritative book introduces and summarizes the latest models and skills required to design and fabricate nanomechanical resonators with a focus on nanomechanical sensing. It also establishes the theoretical foundation for courses on micro and nanomechanics. This book takes an applied approach to nanomechanics, providing a complete set of mechanical models, including strings and membrane resonators. Also discussed are quality factors, noise issues, transduction techniques, nanomechanical sensing, fabrication techniques, and applications for all common nanomechanical resonator types. It is an ideal book for students and researchers working with micro and nanomechanical resonators.Table of ContentsResonance Frequency.- Quality Factor.- Responsivity.- Transduction.- Measurement and Noise.

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Book SynopsisToday, the development of robots is making steady advances. In particular, the Robot Operating System (ROS) offers a unified platform that greatly facilitates the development of robots and has become a new hotspot for learning and application in the field of robotics research.This book introduces readers to the key technologies and development methods for ROS-based intelligent robots. Covering both the development history of robots and various aspects of programming robots, it offers effective support for beginners.The book is divided into three parts, the first of which introduces the basics of robots, including their definition, development, composition, and key technologies. In turn, the second part covers the hardware and software components and the implementation of functions such as vision, speech, grasping, and autonomous navigation. These functions need to work together to provide user-friendlier and more intelligent service. The third part shows how to develop robots with different functions in different application scenarios.Combining theoretical and practical aspects, with a strong focus on application, this work can be used as a reference book for robotics-related courses. Moreover, it will benefit all readers who are interested in intelligent robot development, sharing essential insights into developing service robots based on ROS.Trade Review“The book is an effective tutorial for using ROS. So embark on reading it if you intend to adopt ROS, either by delivering your software or for using available software on your robot.” (G. Gini, Computing Reviews, July 17, 2023)Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction to Robots.- Chapter 2 Getting Started with ROS.- Chapter 3 The framework of ROS.- Chapter 4 Programming with ROS.- Chapter 5 Introduction to Turtlebot Robot .- Chapter 6 Robot Vision: Theory and Implementation.- Chapter 7 Advanced Robot Vision.- Chapter 8 Robot Autonomous Navigation: Theory and Implementation.- Chapter 9 Robot Speech: Theory and Implementation.- Chapter 10 Robotic Hands, Grasping and Manipulation.- Chapter 11 Case 1: Long command recognition and multi-task execution.- Chapter 12 Case 2: Follow and assist the user.- Chapter 13 Case 3: Restaurant scenario: wave hand to order food.

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Book SynopsisHave you thought of how it feels to be an AI brain in the world of humans? This book allows such a brain to tell us how it takes on its mission of helping humans to develop a more efficient, sustainable, diverse and inclusive society.This book explains the principles and applications of artificial intelligence for a broad audience. Artificial intelligence, as part of computer science, is often inspired by human intelligence. At the same time, there is still reluctance in the applications and usability of artificial intelligence among citizens. Industries are deploying AI in their products and processes but the level of maturity is varying. The book is written as a first person narrative, from an AI perspective, having the AI brain tell the story.Table of ContentsPrologue.- Chapter 1: Baby steps.- Chapter 2: Basic Needs of an AI Brain.- Chapter 3: My Role in Internet of Things.- Chapter 4: Managing Relathionships.- Chapter 5: Working with Humans.- Chapter 6: Avoiding the Criminal Path.- Chapter 7: My Role in Climate Change.- Chapter 8: My Role in Diversity.- Chapter 9: My Creative Side.- Chapter 10: Growing Older and Staying in Shape.- Epilogue.

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Book SynopsisReady to enter the robot world? This book walks you through building your very own little metal assistant from a kit, dressing it up, giving it a brain, programming it to do things, even making it talk. It also includes some titbits about robot history, icons and other navigational aids; tear-out cheat sheet; and top ten lists.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Conventions Used in This Book 1 What You’re Not to Read 2 Foolish Assumptions 2 How This Book Is Organized 3 Part I: Getting Started with Robotics 3 Part II: Programmable Robot Prep 4 Part III: Building a Programmable Robot 4 Part IV: Augmenting Your Programmable Robot 4 Part V: The Part of Tens 5 Icons Used in This Book 5 Where to Go from Here 6 Part I: Getting Started with Robotics 7 Chapter 1: So, You Want to Build a Robot? 9 The Robotics Revolution 10 Where have we been? 10 Are we there yet? 10 Where are we going? 11 Robot Uses 12 Security 12 Surveillance and exploration 13 Human helper 14 Chapter 2: Plotting a Path 15 Starting with a Kit 15 Selecting a Robot Kit 16 Nonprogrammable kits 17 Programmable kits 21 Moving Up to Robot Construction Sets 24 Anatomy of a robot construction set 24 Grow, grow, and outgrow! 25 Building a Robot from Scratch 25 Choosing what to get off the shelf 25 Parts sources 27 Economics and Time Considerations 28 Start small 28 Haste makes waste 29 Don’t get stuck in a rut! 29 Reuse and recycle 29 Get testy with your robot 30 Get on the right path 30 Chapter 3: Building Your First Robot 31 Robot Kit to the Rescue 31 On Your Mark, Get Set 32 Making time 32 Your workspace 33 Tools and grunting noises 33 Precautions 34 It’s in the book 36 Let the Building Begin 36 Jumping ahead 36 Going nuts 37 Cutting up 37 The story of gears and motors 37 Batteries are last 37 Extra parts 38 Testing and Troubleshooting 38 The dead robot 39 Motor problems 39 Side stepping 40 Soccer Jr in Action 40 Soccer 40 Gathering balls 41 Shooting pool 41 Sumo without the bulk 42 Learning Your Robot Chops 42 Motors making my head spin 42 Grinding those gears 43 Cams, but not for the Web 44 Juicing it up with batteries 45 Baby Robot Steps 48 Part II: Programmable Robot Prep 49 Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Robot Workshop 51 Creating an Ideal Work Area 51 Getting Organized 53 Tool Time 54 Personal computer 54 Testing equipment 55 Power strips 59 Machining 60 CAD software 60 Testing your circuit board design 60 Integrated development environment 61 Device programmers 61 How to Solder 62 Soldering 101 62 Undoing solder mistakes 63 Soldering tips 64 How do you keep it so clean? 66 Anti-Static Considerations: Can’t Touch This! 66 Mr Owl, how many volts does it take ? 66 The honorable discharge 67 A Robot Library 68 Chapter 5: The Nuts and Bolts of Robot Building 71 Pieces and Parts 71 What’s It All Made Of? 72 Heavy metal 72 One word — plastic 73 It was good enough for Pinocchio 73 Nuts and Bolts 74 Double standards 74 Don’t fall apart on me 74 Motors for Locomotion 75 The useful DC gear motor 75 The versatile RC servo 79 Making Sense of Sensors 82 Electronics Primer 83 Resistors resist 83 Take charge with capacitors 85 Cable, connectors, and wires 87 Semiconductors 88 Creating circuit boards 90 Power to the Robots 94 Series and parallel demystified 95 Bench DC power supply 95 Tethered power 97 Chapter 6: A Programming Primer 99 Software and Computers 99 Keep it modular 100 Programming: The low road 100 Programming: The high road 101 Programming quick-start 101 Anatomy of a Program 102 Comments 102 Declarations 103 Instructions 104 Sample program 104 Useful Code Snippets 105 Useful Subroutines 107 Starting a program 108 Backing away to the left 108 Sounding an alarm 109 Okay, I Programmed Now What? 110 Part III: Building a Programmable Robot 111 Chapter 7: Preparing to Build a Programmable Robot 113 Robot Components Overview 114 Looking at basic robot parts 114 Looking at ARobot’s components 116 Assembly Process Overview 117 Organizing and Prepping the Parts 118 Gathering your tools 119 Preparing the parts 119 To Paint or Not to Paint? 120 The rugged look 120 The snazzy look 121 Chapter 8: From Whiskers to Wheels 123 Starting with Whiskers 123 Attaching the Drive Motor 125 Dealing with Wheels 126 The encoder sensor 126 The front wheel axle 126 Rear steering alignment 129 Chapter 9: If I Only Had a Brain 133 Adding the Controller 133 Selecting just the right controller 134 Installing the controller board 135 Installing the controller 136 Connecting the battery cable 136 Connecting the body cable 138 Finishing Touches 138 Turning ARobot On 139 Chapter 10: Introducing Your Robot to Your Computer 141 Working with the Basic Stamp Editor 141 Installing the software 142 Opening the editor 142 Loading or creating a program 142 Downloading a program to ARobot 142 Troubleshooting downloading 145 Running the Built-In Programs 146 Testing the robot’s functions 146 Adjusting the steering 149 Wandering around with the Wander program 150 Troubleshooting 150 Tricky whiskers 151 Steering gone astray 151 Getting the drive motor right 152 Controller, this is the tower We have a problem 152 The dead robot 153 Part IV: Augmenting Your Programmable Robot 155 Chapter 11: Expanding Your Robot’s Universe 157 Adding Rear Whiskers 157 All about whiskers 158 Collecting the parts 159 Installing the whiskers 160 Controlling the whiskers 163 Adding an Expansion Board 165 Collecting the parts 167 Preparing the board 167 Installing the expansion board 168 Building a Motorized Head 172 Selecting a motor 173 Mounting the motor 174 Adding a perf board 175 Controlling the motor 175 Troubleshooting 177 Accessorizing 177 Wheel covers 178 Handles 178 Beefing up the payload capacity 179 Running lights 181 Clear dome 182 Rubber bumpers 183 Chapter 12: Making Your Robot See the Light 185 Making Sense of Light Sensors 185 The hardware part 186 And the software part 186 Pulling Together the Light-Sensing Hardware 187 Selecting the sensor 188 Testing the sensor before you commit 188 Planning and building the circuit 189 Interfacing to the controller 192 Writing the Software That Interprets the Hardware 195 Writing the low-level software 195 Hooking up with the high-level software 196 Troubleshooting the software 197 Putting Your Sensor to Work: Real-World Applications 198 Making your robot sleepy 198 Programming a light alarm 200 Positioning the light sensor 202 More Light Sensor Ideas 205 Improving direction sensing 206 Software filtering 206 Overdoing it 207 Chapter 13: Some Like It Hot 209 Sensational Temperature Sensors 209 Thermistors can take the heat 210 Semiconductors: Sensitive, three-legged creatures 211 Building the Temperature-Sensor System 212 Under the hood: Creating a temperature-sensor circuit 213 Collecting the parts 214 Installing the temperature sensor 215 Temperature sensor, meet the controller 215 Turning the switch 217 The Brains of the Beast: The Software 218 The driver at the lower level 218 Taking things to a higher level 219 Hot or cold: Testing the software 220 Making sense of the numbers 221 Troubleshooting temperature-sensor software 221 Turning Up the Heat: Real-World Applications 222 Your new hobby: Temperature logging 223 Danger: Temperature alarm 227 Robots that run hot and cold 229 Chapter 14: Halt! Who Goes There? 233 Detecting Motion: An Overview 233 Building the Motion-Detector System 235 Collecting the parts 235 Wired for motion 237 Testing the motion detector 240 Troubleshooting the motion-detector sensor 242 The assembly: Putting the sensor in place 243 The Brains of the Beast: The Software 244 Low-level code 245 High-level code 245 Troubleshooting 246 Real-World Applications 247 Doorway greeting 247 Pest alarm 250 Chapter 15: Yakety-Yak: Adding Speech to Your Robot 251 Straight Talk about Speech Technology 252 Electronic deflation to the rescue 252 The power of text-to-speech systems 253 Building a Speech System 255 Getting speech off-the-shelf 255 Collecting the parts 258 Wiring 258 Mounting the speech module 260 Testing 261 Troubleshooting 262 Creating Sound Software 263 Communicating with the sound module 263 The sound module command reference 264 Recording sound 266 Building Your Robot’s Vocabulary 268 Putting Speech to Work 268 Debugging 269 Navigation 269 Safety 269 Security 269 Data collection 269 Making music 270 Talking about Robots 270 Chapter 16: I See You 271 All about Video Systems 271 Some general guidelines 272 Cameras 272 Monitors 276 Tethered or wireless? 277 To hear or not to hear 279 Where to buy? 280 Pretesting 281 Mounting a Board Camera 282 Collecting components 282 Mounting the camera 283 Providing power 286 Determining connector gender 287 Making and soldering the cable 288 Creating a Tethered Video System 289 Video-only tether 290 Tethering other signals 291 Attaching cables 292 Using the tethered video system 294 Creating a Wireless Video System 294 Installing the transmitter 294 Connecting the receiver and monitor 295 Using the wireless video system 295 Troubleshooting 296 Wireless Data Links 297 Camera Positioning 298 Facing straight 299 Three-step panning 299 Slow scanning 300 Adding a tilt axis 301 Applications Using the Video System 302 Navigation 302 Inspection 303 Exploration 303 Security 303 A Robot’s Vision 304 Chapter 17: Controlling Your Robot from Afar 305 All about Remote Control 305 Optical remote control 306 Tethered remote control 306 Radio-frequency remote control 307 The Lowdown on RC Systems 307 Model RC systems 308 RC servo motors: The power behind RC 309 The RC servo-motor interface 310 RC system frequencies 310 Channels 311 Purchasing an RC System 311 What’s the cost? 311 Buying online 312 Installing an RC System 312 Wiring 313 Mounting the RC receiver 316 Antenna 318 Testing 319 Software 319 Troubleshooting 322 Half and Half: RC and Autonomous Behavior 322 Getting things wired 324 Software 324 Part V: The Part of Tens 327 Chapter 18: Ten Excellent Parts Suppliers 329 Tower Hobbies 329 Supercircuits 330 Mouser Electronics 330 Parallax 331 McMaster-Carr 332 Stock Drive Products 332 Radio Shack 333 80/20 334 Edmund Scientific 334 Parts Suppliers a la Carte 335 Circuit Specialties 335 Jameco Electronics 335 Marlin P Jones & Assoc 336 All Electronics 336 Mendelsons Electronics 336 Ramsey Kits 336 Small Parts 336 JK Micro 337 Carl’s Electronics 337 Chapter 19: Ten Safety Pointers 339 Cut Away from Your Body 339 Avoid the Pinch Points 339 Slipping Is Bad 340 Soldering Pitfalls 340 Hot Glue Follies 340 Super Glue on You 341 Dancing around the Drill 341 AC Stands for Are You Crazy! 341 Discharging Capacitors 342 Clipping Nippers 342 Index 343

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe title says it all, really, Robots Won't Save Japan, but do read the book if you want to be convinced, because you will be. The author, anthropologist and science and technology studies (STS) scholar James Wright, has adopted this title in reaction to a Japanese book from a generation ago, Robots Will Save Japan (Nakayama 2006). * Anthropology & Aging *Robots Won't Save Japan is a vivid example for how ethnographic research can enrich and deepen our understanding of complex social and political problems * Contemporary Japan *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Crisis and Care Robots 2. Developing Robots and Designing Algorithmic Care 3. Portrait of a Care Home 4. Hug: Reconfiguring Lifting 5. Paro: Reconfiguring Communication 6. Pepper: Reconfiguring Recreation 7. Beyond Care Robots

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Table of Contents List of contributors xi About the editors xiii Preface xv 1. The dramatically changing face of computer vision E.R. DAVIES 1.1 Introduction – computer vision and its origins 1 1.2 Part A – Understanding low-level image processing operators 4 1.3 Part B – 2-D object location and recognition 15 1.4 Part C – 3-D object location and the importance of invariance 29 1.5 Part D – Tracking moving objects 55 1.6 Part E – Texture analysis 61 1.7 Part F – From artificial neural networks to deep learning methods 68 1.8 Part G – Summary 86 References 87 2. Advanced methods for robust object detection ZHAOWEI CAI AND NUNO VASCONCELOS 2.1 Introduction 93 2.2 Preliminaries 95 2.3 R-CNN 96 2.4 SPP-Net 97 2.5 Fast R-CNN 98 2.6 Faster R-CNN 101 2.7 Cascade R-CNN 103 2.8 Multiscale feature representation 106 2.9 YOLO 110 2.10 SSD 112 2.11 RetinaNet 113 2.12 Detection performances 115 2.13 Conclusion 115 References 116 3. Learning with limited supervision SUJOY PAUL AND AMIT K. ROY-CHOWDHURY 3.1 Introduction 119 3.2 Context-aware active learning 120 3.3 Weakly supervised event localization 129 3.4 Domain adaptation of semantic segmentation using weak labels 137 3.5 Weakly-supervised reinforcement learning for dynamical tasks 144 3.6 Conclusions 151 References 153 4. Efficient methods for deep learning HAN CAI, JI LIN, AND SONG HAN 4.1 Model compression 159 4.2 Efficient neural network architectures 170 4.3 Conclusion 185 References 185 5. Deep conditional image generation GANG HUA AND DONGDONG CHEN 5.1 Introduction 191 5.2 Visual pattern learning: a brief review 194 5.3 Classical generative models 195 5.4 Deep generative models 197 5.5 Deep conditional image generation 200 5.6 Disentanglement for controllable synthesis 201 5.7 Conclusion and discussions 216 References 216 6. Deep face recognition using full and partial face images HASSAN UGAIL 6.1 Introduction 221 6.2 Components of deep face recognition 227 6.3 Face recognition using full face images 231 6.4 Deep face recognition using partial face data 233 6.5 Specific model training for full and partial faces 237 6.6 Discussion and conclusions 239 References 240 7. Unsupervised domain adaptation using shallow and deep representations YOGESH BALAJI, HIEN NGUYEN, AND RAMA CHELLAPPA 7.1 Introduction 243 7.2 Unsupervised domain adaptation using manifolds 244 7.3 Unsupervised domain adaptation using dictionaries 247 7.4 Unsupervised domain adaptation using deep networks 258 7.5 Summary 270 References 270 8. Domain adaptation and continual learning in semantic segmentation UMBERTO MICHIELI, MARCO TOLDO, AND PIETRO ZANUTTIGH 8.1 Introduction 275 8.2 Unsupervised domain adaptation 277 8.3 Continual learning 291 8.4 Conclusion 298 References 299 9. Visual tracking MICHAEL FELSBERG 9.1 Introduction 305 9.2 Template-based methods 308 9.3 Online-learning-based methods 314 9.4 Deep learning-based methods 323 9.5 The transition from tracking to segmentation 327 9.6 Conclusions 331 References 332 10. Long-term deep object tracking EFSTRATIOS GAVVES AND DEEPAK GUPTA 10.1 Introduction 337 10.2 Short-term visual object tracking 341 10.3 Long-term visual object tracking 345 10.4 Discussion 367 References 368 11. Learning for action-based scene understanding CORNELIA FERMÜLLER AND MICHAEL MAYNORD 11.1 Introduction 373 11.2 Affordances of objects 375 11.3 Functional parsing of manipulation actions 383 11.4 Functional scene understanding through deep learning with language and vision 390 11.5 Future directions 397 11.6 Conclusions 399 References 399 12. Self-supervised temporal event segmentation inspired by cognitive theories RAMY MOUNIR, SATHYANARAYANAN AAKUR, AND SUDEEP SARKAR 12.1 Introduction 406 12.2 The event segmentation theory from cognitive science 408 12.3 Version 1: single-pass temporal segmentation using prediction 410 12.4 Version 2: segmentation using attention-based event models 421 12.5 Version 3: spatio-temporal localization using prediction loss map 428 12.6 Other event segmentation approaches in computer vision 440 12.7 Conclusions 443 References 444 13. Probabilistic anomaly detection methods using learned models from time-series data for multimedia self-aware systems CARLO REGAZZONI, ALI KRAYANI, GIULIA SLAVIC, AND LUCIO MARCENARO 13.1 Introduction 450 13.2 Base concepts and state of the art 451 13.3 Framework for computing anomaly in self-aware systems 458 13.4 Case study results: anomaly detection on multisensory data from a self-aware vehicle 467 13.5 Conclusions 476 References 477 14. Deep plug-and-play and deep unfolding methods for image restoration KAI ZHANG AND RADU TIMOFTE 14.1 Introduction 481 14.2 Half quadratic splitting (HQS) algorithm 484 14.3 Deep plug-and-play image restoration 485 14.4 Deep unfolding image restoration 492 14.5 Experiments 495 14.6 Discussion and conclusions 504 References 505 15. Visual adversarial attacks and defenses CHANGJAE OH, ALESSIO XOMPERO, AND ANDREA CAVALLARO 15.1 Introduction 511 15.2 Problem definition 512 15.3 Properties of an adversarial attack 514 15.4 Types of perturbations 515 15.5 Attack scenarios 515 15.6 Image processing 522 15.7 Image classification 523 15.8 Semantic segmentation and object detection 529 15.9 Object tracking 529 15.10 Video classification 531 15.11 Defenses against adversarial attacks 533 15.12 Conclusions 537 References 538 Index 545

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Book SynopsisVirtual reality is a powerful emerging technology using advanced computing techniques to create perceptual illusions that transcend ordinary human experiences. This interdisciplinary text explains fundamentals and industry insights from engineering to psychology, enabling students, researchers, and developers to contribute to this growing field.Trade Review'Steve is a titan of his field, and Virtual Reality is a compelling capstone to the work he has done for VR over the past decade.' Palmer Luckey, Founder of Oculus VR and Anduril'The book by LaValle provides a principled and comprehensive introduction to Virtual Reality. It is a fine exposition of the concepts, algorithms, and system issues that arise in virtual reality technologies. The author offers excellent coverage of different areas, including audio, geometry, interactions, optics, perception, rendering, tracking, etc., used in designing simulated and immersive environments.' Dinesh Manocha, University of Maryland at College Park'The book is great source for everybody interested in VR as it provides an extensive overview about the most important topics of virtual reality with lots of helpful illustrations and examples, and at the same time covers several technical and mathematical aspects in depth.' Frank Steinicke, University of Hamburg'LaValle's book is probably the best way to get into the science and engineering of virtual reality. It is comprehensive, yet very accessible, full of illustrations and plain-English explanations. The book is an excellent choice for students and engineers interested in future VR technologies.' Rafal Mantiuk, University of Cambridge'An excellent introductory textbook for VR, well-organized, with broad coverage, and clear prose. LaValle is a knowledgeable guide through the wide variety of topics germane to VR, from the history of the field, to visual perception, to mathematics of 3D geometry, to displays, rendering, tracking, audio, user interaction, and much more. If there is a better introductory VR textbook, I've yet to find it.' Henry Fuchs, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction; 2. Bird's-eye view; 3. The geometry of virtual worlds; 4. Light and optics; 5. The physiology of human vision; 6. Visual perception; 7. Visual rendering; 8. Motion in real and virtual worlds; 9. Tracking; 10. Interaction; 11. Audio; 12. Evaluating VR systems and experiences; 13. Frontiers; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe truth about robots: two experts look beyond the hype, offering a lively and accessible guide to what robots can (and can't) do.There’s a lot of hype about robots; some of it is scary and some of it utopian. In this accessible book, two robotics experts reveal the truth about what robots can and can’t do, how they work, and what we can reasonably expect their future capabilities to be. It will not only make you think differently about the capabilities of robots; it will make you think differently about the capabilities of humans. Ruth Aylett and Patricia Vargas discuss the history of our fascination with robots—from chatbots and prosthetics to autonomous cars and robot swarms. They show us the ways in which robots outperform humans and the ways they fall woefully short of our superior talents. They explain how robots see, feel, hear, think, and learn; describe how robots can cooperate; and consider robots as pets, butlers, and companions

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Book SynopsisStories from the future of intelligent machines—from rescue drones to robot spouses—and accounts of cutting-edge research that could make it all possible.Tech prognosticators promised us robots—autonomous humanoids that could carry out any number of tasks. Instead, we have robot vacuum cleaners. But, as Dario Floreano and Nicola Nosengo report, advances in robotics could bring those rosy predictions closer to reality. A new generation of robots, directly inspired by the intelligence and bodies of living organisms, will be able not only to process data but to interact physically with humans and the environment. In this book, Floreano, a roboticist, and Nosengo, a science writer, bring us tales from the future of intelligent machines—from rescue drones to robot spouses—along with accounts of the cutting-edge research that could make it all possible. These stories from the not-so-distant future show us robots that can be used for m

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Book SynopsisFrom authors renowned in the fields of engineering and biology, this is the first book to integrate sensor and actuator technology with bioinspired design. Beginning with detailed descriptions of actuation and sensing mechanisms in plants and animals, the authors move on to apply these principles to synthetic design, offering in-depth knowledge of the development of state-of-the-art smart materials and devices. All of this is supported with a range of real-world applications, from tactile sensory systems in insects linked with the development of robotic hands, to the structural colour systems in nature used to inspire camouflage technology. Further examples are given of successful designs along with their integrated autonomous systems, such as flying and swimming, unmanned systems, and autonomous zero-energy building design. With a wide interdisciplinary appeal, this is an ideal resource for any student, practising engineer, or researcher interested in the connection between natural systems and synthetic design.Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Principles of structural organization and functions in biological species; 3. Sensory and motor systems of the living world; 4. Synthetic sensing materials and sensors; 5. Synthetic active materials and actuators; 6. Bioinspired designs of sensors, actuators; 7. Design of autonomous systems.

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Book SynopsisConnecting theory with numerical techniques using MATLAB, this practical textbook equips students with the tools required to solve finite element problems. This hands-on guide covers a wide range of engineering problems through nine well-structured chapters including solid mechanics, heat transfer and fluid dynamics; equilibrium, steady state and transient; and 1-D, 2-D and 3-D problems. Engineering problems are discussed using case study examples, which are solved using a systematic approach, both by examining the steps manually and by implementing a complete MATLABcode. This topical coverage is supplemented by discourse on meshing with a detailed explanation and implementation of 2-D meshing algorithms. Introducing theory and numerical techniques alongside comprehensive examples this text increases engagement and provides students with the confidence needed to implement their own computer codes to solve given problems.Trade Review'From one of the experts in the field, this book on the finite element method is a comprehensive and thorough guide for graduate and senior undergraduate students. The book is engaging not just in content but also in delivery. Its focus on step-by-step explanation and implementation is particularly useful for helping students to connect the theory and practice. The reusable MATLAB® functions and programs that are integrated with the theoretical content reinforce the important components of FEA and provide a unique learning experience. Detailed description of numerical analysis and meshing techniques is also a major plus since these topics are barely covered in existing FEA textbooks. This introductory FEA book is suitable for students of all engineering majors.' Narayana Aluru, University of Illinois'An enormously accessible, didactic, and comprehensive text treating key engineering topics and providing the reader with the necessary elements of linear algebra, numerical methods, and meshing techniques, as well as numerous programming examples using MATLAB®. Professor Li's book can be used by teachers in the classroom for final-year undergraduate and graduate students, and by anyone else interested in learning the theory and computational implementation of the finite element method.' Gabriel Potirniche, University of IdahoTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction; 2. Mathematical preliminaries; 3. Numerical analysis methods; 4. General procedure of FEA for linear static analysis: 1-D problems; 5. FEA for multi-dimensional scalar field problems; 6. Mesh generation; 7. FEA for multi-dimensional vector field problems; 8. Structural elements; 9. FEA for linear time-dependent analysis; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis fully revised fifth edition provides comprehensive coverage of flexible multibody system dynamics. Including an entirely new chapter on the integration of geometry, durability analysis, and design, it offers clear explanations of spatial kinematics, rigid body dynamics, and flexible body dynamics, and uniquely covers the basic formulations used by the industry for analysis, design, and performance evaluation. Included are methods for formulating dynamic equations, the floating frame of reference formulation used in small deformation analysis, and the absolute nodal coordinate formulation used in large deformation analysis, as well as coverage of industry durability investigations. Illustrated with a wealth of examples and practical applications throughout, it is the ideal text for single-semester graduate courses on multibody dynamics taken in departments of aerospace and mechanical engineering, and for researchers and practicing engineers working on a wide variety of flexible mulTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Reference kinematics; 3. Analytical techniques; 4. Mechanics of deformable bodies; 5. Floating frame of reference formulation; 6. Finite-element formulation; 7. The large deformation problem; 8. Concepts and essential details; 9. Integration of geometry, durability analysis, and design; Appendix: linear algebra.

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Book SynopsisThe dominant theme of this book is to introduce the different path planning methods and present some of the most appropriate ones for robotic routing; methods that are capable of running on a variety of robots and are resistant to disturbances; being real-time, being autonomous, and the ability to identify high-risk areas and risk management are the other features that will be mentioned in the introduction of the methods. The introduction of the profound significance of the robots and delineation of the navigation and routing theme is provided in the first chapter of the book. The second chapter is concerned with the subject of routing in unknown environments. In the first part of this chapter, the family of bug algorithms including are described. In the following, several conventional methods are submitted. The last part of this chapter is dedicated to the introduction of two recently developed routing methods. In Chapter 3, routing is reviewed in the known environment in which the robot either utilizes the created maps by extraneous sources or makes use of the sensor in order to prepare the maps from the local environment. The robot path planning relying on the robot vision sensors and applicable computing hardware are concentrated in the fourth chapter. The first part of this chapter deals with routing methods supported mapping capabilities. The second part manages the routing dependent on the vision sensor, typically known as the best sensor, within the routing subject. The movement of two-dimensional robots with two or three degrees of freedom is analyzed within the third part of this chapter. In Chapter 5, the performance of a few of the foremost important routing methods initiating from the second to fourth chapters is conferred regarding the implementation in various environments. The first part of this chapter is engaged in the implementation of the algorithms Bug1, Bug2, and Distbug on the pioneering robot. In the second part, a theoretical technique is planned to boost the robot's performance in line with obstacle collision avoidance. This method, underlying the tangential escape, seeks to proceed with the robot through various obstacles with curved corners. In the third and fourth parts of this chapter, path planning in different environments is preceded in the absence and the presence of danger space. Accordingly, four approaches, named artificial fuzzy potential field, linguistic technique, Markov decision making processes, and fuzzy Markov decision making have been proposed in two following parts and enforced on the Nao humanoid robot.Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroductionPath Planning in Unknown EnvironmentsPath Planning in Known EnvironmentsPath Planning and Robots HardwareImplementation of Path Planning AlgorithmsIndex.

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Book SynopsisFormation control is one of the most challenging problems in cooperative multi-robots. It is defined as a coordination of a group of robots to get into and to maintain a formation with a certain shape. The formation control problem has drawn significant attention for many years, and now it is well understood and tends to be mature. This control problem is originated from biological inspires such as flocking and schooling. Its classification includes formation shape generation, formation reconfiguration and selection, formation tracking, and role assignment in formation. It also has potential applications in search and rescue missions, forest fire detection and surveillance, etc. It can be extended to many real-world systems, autonomous robots, such as underwater vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, mobile sensor networks, rectangular agents, nonholonomic mobile robots, to name but a few. Apparently, the book cannot include all research topics. The editor and the authors wish that it could reveal some tendencies on this research field and benefit readers. In this book, different aspects of formation control are explored. Chapters includes some new tendencies and developments in research on several formation methods of multi-robot systems, that is, the 1st-order sliding mode control, the 2nd-order sliding mode control, the integral sliding mode control, the terminal sliding mode control, the sliding model control of multi-agents and the fuzzy-based formation control of multiple quadrotor systems.Table of ContentsPreface; Modelling of Leader-Follower Formations; 1st-Order Sliding Mode-Based Formation Design; Coordinated Formation via an Adaptive-Gain 2nd-Order Sliding Mode Method; Integral Sliding Mode-Based Formation Maneuvers of Multi-Agent Robots; Leader-Following Formation Control of Multiple Agents via Derivative and Integral Terminal Sliding Mode; Extreme Learning Machine-Based Sliding Mode Formation Maneuvers for Multi-Robot Systems; Formation Design of Multiple Agents with Uncertainties by Integral Sliding Mode; A Fuzzy Logic-Based Adaptive Strictly Negative-Imaginary Formation Controller for Multi-Quadrotor Systems; Index.

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Book SynopsisRobotics began as a science fiction creation which has become quite real, first in assembly line operations such as automobile manufacturing, aeroplane construction etc. They have now reached such areas as the internet, ever-multiplying-medical uses and sophisticated military applications. Control of today''s robots is often remote which requires even more advanced computer vision capabilities as well as sensors and interface techniques. Learning has become crucial for modern robotic systems as well. This book brings together leading research in this exciting field.

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Book SynopsisRobotics began as a science fiction creation which has become quite real, first in assembly line operations such as automobile manufacturing, aeroplane construction etc. They have now reached such areas as the internet, ever-multiplying-medical uses and sophisticated military applications. Control of today''s robots is often remote which requires even more advanced computer vision capabilities as well as sensors and interface techniques. Learning has become crucial for modern robotic systems as well. This book brings together leading research in this exciting field.

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Book SynopsisThe field of robot vision guidance is developing rapidly. The benefits of sophisticated vision technology include savings, improved quality, reliability, safety and productivity. Robot vision is used for part identification and navigation. Vision applications generally deal with finding a part and orienting it for robotic handling or inspection before an application is performed. Sometimes vision guided robots can replace multiple mechanical tools with a single robot station. A combination of vision algorithms, calibration, temperature software, and cameras provide the vision ability. Calibration of robot vision system is very application dependent. They can range from a simple guidance application to a more complex application that uses data from multiple sensors. Algorithms are consistently improving, allowing for sophisticated detection. Many robots are now available with collision detection, allowing them to work alongside other robots without the fear of a major collision. They simply stop moving momentarily if they detect another object in their motion path. This book presents the latest research in the field from around the world.

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Book SynopsisScalability has been given many different definitions, depending upon the background of the person defining it, the technology being considered, and the operational use of the technology. Typically, when interface designers talk about scalable interfaces they are referring to a design that ensures that development takes into account the requirement to change over time. Without this type of scalability, interface designs require a complete renovation when a small change is needed in the application. This book examines the process of scaling robotic controls and displays for army soldiers.

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Book SynopsisWith the increased use of armed drones has come closer scrutiny of the legal and ethical dimensions. In the first chapter of this book, the author makes an assessment of the lethal use of drone technologies, measured in terms of their legality, morality, and overall effectiveness. Armed unmanned aerial vehicles -- combat drones -- have fundamentally altered the ways the United States conducts military operations aimed at countering insurgent and terrorist organisations. Drones may reduce risks to human soldiers but the question arises as to whether they permit the initiation or escalation of conflict by promoting civic disengagement. The authors of the second chapter offer an analysis of the dimensions surrounding this argument.

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Book SynopsisRobots as social companions in close proximity to humans have a strong potential of becoming more and more prevalent in the coming years, especially in the realms of elder day care, child rearing, and education. As human beings, we have the fascinating ability to emotionally bond with various counterparts, not exclusively with other human beings, but also with animals, plants, and sometimes even objects. Therefore, we need to answer the fundamental ethical questions that concern human-robot-interactions per se, and we need to address how we conceive of "good lives", as more and more of the aspects of our daily lives will be interwoven with social robots.

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