The automotive industry is expanding its efforts to develop new techniques for increasing the level of intelligent driving and create new autonomous cars capable of driving with more intelligent capabilities. Thus, companies in this sector are turning to the development of autonomous cars and more specifically developing software along with more artificial intelligent algorithms. However, to be able to trust these systems, they must be developed very carefully, and use techniques that can increase the level of recognition that will consequently improve the level of safety. One of the most important components in this respect for road users is the correct interpretation of traffic sings. This paper presents a deep learning model based on convolutional neural networks and image processing that can be used to improve the recognition of traffic sings autonomously. The results are focused on difficult cases such as images with lighting problems, blurry traffic sings, hidden traffic sings, and small images. Hence, real cases are used in this study for identifying the existing problems and achieving good performance in traffic signal recognition. Finally, as a result, the configuration of the neural architecture based on three phases of convolutions proposed shows a validation accuracy of 99.3% during the data training. Another comparison carried out with the model ResNet-50 obtained an accuracy of 88.5%. Thus, for this type of application, a high validation accuracy is required as the results of our model demonstrated.

Industry 4.0 is the current industrial revolution and robotics is an important factor for carrying out high dexterity manipulations. However, mechatronic systems are far from human capabilities and sophisticated robotic hands are highly priced. This paper describes a Fuzzy Logic Expert System (FLES) to map kinematic parameters from robotic hand features to the level of dexterity. The final goal is to obtain the adequate robotic hand that can do ranges of specific tasks according to the level of dexterity required. The FLES uses important kinematic parameters of the human hand/robotic hand: number of fingers, number of Degrees of Freedom (DoF), and number of contacts that grasping involves. As a result, several robotic hands are evaluated using the FLES to determine the type of dexterity task that corresponds to each robotic hand.

The new industry 4.0 requires the implementation of several cyber-physical systems to increase the level of productivity in a manufacturing system.This chapter proposes an architecture of a generic manufacturing system that requires the use of techniques of agile production, lean manufacturing, and statistical approaches.The combination of the previous techniques will be implemented in the architecture proposed for minimizing the possibility of producing bad products.Thus, the cyber-physical system architecture proposed will optimize the overall system thanks to the implementation of intelligent modules and control strategies.Moreover, 10 proposed actions will be described in detail.These actions can be implemented in cyber-physical systems that take into account five levels.

This paper presents a novel method to generate optimal presentations for a Guide-Robot that explains the exhibition to different types of audience. The generation of automatic presentations are selected dynamically regarding different criteria and an intelligent algorithm is implemented based on fuzzy logic to decide which presentation is the optimal. Thus, the decision-making mechanism prioritizes values of the presentation by means of a quality index that the fuzzy logic algorithm generates. The learning phase is produced using feedback information from the public that can modify the previous quality criteria to evaluate if the task is good or bad. Thus, the robot can learn by means of the interaction of the public and with the combination of fuzzy logic for selecting the optimal time and presentation that require a specific guided visit. To ensure that the learning phase is working properly, the robot has been tested in museums where there are interactions between the public and the robot.

This letter presents the novel concept of a miniaturized robotized machine tool, Mini-RoboMach, consisting of a walking hexapod robot and a Slender Continuum Arm. By combining the mobility of the walking robot with the positioning accuracy of the machine tool, with its 24 + 25 degrees of freedom, camera-based calibration system, laser scanner, and two end-effectors of opposed orientations, the proposed system can provide a versatile tool for in-situ work (e.g., repair) in hazardous/unreachable locations in large installations.

SUMMARYThis paper presents a novel kinematic approach for controlling the end-effector of a continuum robot for in-situ repair/inspection in restricted and hazardous environments. Forward and inverse kinematic (IK) models have been developed to control the last segment of the continuum robot for performing multi-axis processing tasks using the last six Degrees of Freedom (DoF). The forward kinematics (FK) is proposed using a combination of Euler angle representation and homogeneous matrices. Due to the redundancy of the system, different constraints are proposed to solve the IK for different cases; therefore, the IK model is solved for bending and direction angles between (−π/2 to +π/2) radians. In addition, a novel method to calculate the Jacobian matrix is proposed for this type of hyper-redundant kinematics. The error between the results calculated using the proposed Jacobian algorithm and using the partial derivative equations of the FK map (with respect to linear and angular velocity) is evaluated. The error between the two models is found to be insignificant, thus, the Jacobian is validated as a method of calculating the IK for six DoF.

The scope of this paper is to present a novel method of actuating the legs of a walking parallel kinematic machine tool (WalkingHex) such that the upper spherical joint can be actively driven while walking and remain a free, passive joint while performing machining operations, Different concepts for the number of Degrees of Freedom (DoF) and methods for actuating the chosen concept are presented, leading to a description of a three-wire actuated spherical joint arrangement. The inverse kinematics for the actuation mechanism is defined and a control methodology that accounts for the redundantly actuated nature of the mechanism is explored. It is demonstrated that a prototype of the system is capable of achieving a motion position accuracy within 5.64% RMS. Utilising the concept presented in this paper, it is possible to develop a walking robot that is capable of manoeuvring into location and performing precision machining or inspection operations. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The maintenance works (e.g. inspection, repair) of aero-engines while still attached on the airframes requires a desirable approach since this can significantly shorten both the time and cost of such interventions as the aerospace industry commonly operates based on the generic concept “power by the hour”. However, navigating and performing a multi-axis movement of an end-effector in a very constrained environment such as gas turbine engines is a challenging task. This paper reports on the development of a highly flexible slender (i.e. low diameter-to-length ratios) continuum robot of 25 degrees of freedom capable to uncoil from a drum to provide the feeding motion needed to navigate into crammed environments and then perform, with its last 6 DoF, complex trajectories with a camera equipped machining end-effector for allowing in-situ interventions at a low-pressure compressor of a gas turbine engine. This continuum robot is a compact system and presents a set of innovative mechatronics solutions such as: (i) twin commanding cables to minimise the number of actuators; (ii) twin compliant joints to enable large bending angles (±90°) arranged on a tapered structure (start from 40mm to 13mm at its end); (iii) feeding motion provided by a rotating drum for coiling/uncoiling the continuum robot; (iv) machining end-effector equipped with vision system. To be able to achieve the in-situ maintenance tasks, a set of innovative control algorithms to enable the navigation and end-effector path generation have been developed and implemented. Finally, the continuum robot has been tested both for navigation and movement of the end-effector against a specified target within a gas turbine engine mock-up proving that: (i) max. deviations in navigation from the desired path (1000mm length with bends between 45° and 90°) are ±10mm; (ii) max. errors in positioning the end-effector against a target situated at the end of navigation path is 1mm. Thus, this paper presents a compact continuum robot that could be considered as a step forward in providing aero-engine manufacturers with a solution to perform complex tasks in an invasive manner.

A twisting problem is identified from the central located flexible backbone continuum robot. Regarding this problem, a design solution is required to mechanically minimize this twisting angle along the backbone. Further, the error caused by the kinematic assumption of previous works is identified as well, which requires a kinematic solution to minimize. The scope of this paper is to introduce, describe and teste a novel design of continuum robot which has a twin-pivot compliant joint construction that minimizes the twisting around its axis. A kinematics model is introduced which can be applied to a wide range of twin-pivot construction with two pairs of cables per section design. And according to this model, the approach for minimising the kinematic error is developed. Furthermore, based on the geometry and material property of compliant joint, the work volumes for single/three-section continuum robot are presented, respectively. The kinematic analysis has been verified by a three-section prototype of continuum robot and adequate accuracy and repeatability tests carried out. And in the test, the system generates relatively small twisting angles when a range of end loads is applied at the end of the arm. Utilising the concept presented in this paper, it is possible to develop a continuum robot which can minimize the twisting angle and be accurately controlled. In this paper, a novel design of continuum robot which has a twin-pivot compliant joint construction that minimizes the twisting around its axis is introduced, described and tested. A kinematics model is introduced which can be applied to a wide range of twin-pivot construction with two pairs of cables per section design. Furthermore, based on the geometry and material property of compliant joint, the work volumes for single/three-section continuum robot are presented, respectively. Finally, the kinematic analysis has been verified by a three-section prototype of continuum and adequate accuracy and repeatability tests carried out.

The scope of this paper is to present a novel gait methodology in order to obtain an efficient walking capability for an original walking free-leg hexapod structure (WalkingHex) of tri-radial symmetry. Torque in the upper (actuated) spherical joints and stability margin analyses are obtained based on a constraint-driven gait generator. Therefore, the kinematic information of foot pose and angular orientation of the platform are considered as important variables along with the effect that they can produce in different gait cycles. The torque analysis is studied to determine the motor torque requirements for each step of the gait so that the robotic structure yields a stable and achievable pose. In this way, the analysis of torque permits the selection of an optimal gait based on stability margin criteria. Consequently, a gait generating algorithm is proposed for different types of terrain such as flat, ramp or stepped surfaces.

Snake arm robots have flexible continuous constructions which can be used for accessing confined places in many fields, e.g., minimally invasive surgery and industry assembly. This paper proposes a novel design of a snake arm robot which has a unique twin actuation construction and maintains the cable tension in any arbitrary configuration. Also, this design has a great flexibility (bend capability) and an appropriate stiffness enabled by compliant joint construction. Further, a kinematic model for this construction is introduced, which is among the most efficient method along the existing approaches. This model can significantly simplify the kinematics of this cable driven system and Jacobian of snake arm robot that is also described in detailed. Furthermore, based on a proposed Jacobian, the stiffness for multi-compliant joint connected snake arm robot is presented. Finally, all the analyses have been verified by Finite element model.

This paper presents a novel technique for the navigation of a snake arm robot, for real-time inspections in complex and constrained environments. These kinds of manipulators rely on redundancy, making the inverse kinematics very difficult. Therefore, a tip following method is proposed using the sequential quadratic programming optimization approach to navigate the robot. This optimization is used to minimize a set of changes to the arrangement of the snake arm that lets the algorithm follow the desired trajectory with minimal error. The information of the Snake Arm pose is used to limit deviations from the path taken. Therefore, the main objective is to find an efficient objective function that allows uninterrupted movements in real-time. The method proposed is validated through an extensive set of simulations of common arrangements and poses for the snake arm robot. For a 24 DoF robot, the average computation time is 0.4 s, achieving a speed of 4.5 mm/s, with deviation of no more than 25 mm from the ideal path.

SUMMARY This paper describes a telerobotic system used for manipulation tasks in underwater environments. The telerobotic system is composed of a robotic arm of 3 degrees of freedom. This robotic arm has been designed to support corrosion environments such as seawater or freshwater. The prototype is designed to support several types of perturbations such as ocean currents and high pressures. The main objective is to efficiently control a teleoperation task considering common perturbations present in deep water. Finally, this paper presents the design, modelling and experiments of the underwater telerobotic system.

This work focuses on obtaining realistic human hand models that are suitable for manipulation tasks. A 24 degrees of freedom (DoF) kinematic model of the human hand is defined. The model reasonably satisfies realism requirements in simulation and movement. To achieve realism, intra- and inter-finger constraints are obtained. The design of the hand model with 24 DoF is based upon a morphological, physiological and anatomical study of the human hand. The model is used to develop a gesture recognition procedure that uses principal components analysis (PCA) and discriminant functions. Two simplified hand descriptions (nine and six DoF) have been developed in accordance with the constraints obtained previously. The accuracy of the simplified models is almost 5% for the nine DoF hand description and 10% for the six DoF hand description. Finally, some criteria are defined by which to select the hand description best suited to the features of the manipulation task.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze in some depth the kinematic behaviour of the human hand, in order to obtain simplified human hand models with the minimum and optimal number of Degrees of Freedom (DoF), and thus achieving an efficient manipulation task. The statistical analysis is carried out using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Power and precision grasps are obtained with the use of a Cyberglove and a human hand model with 24 DoF. Finally, these experiments are used to evaluate the best DoF for an appropriate manipulation.

The main objective of this paper is to analyze in some depth the kinematic behaviour of the human hand, in order to obtain a low dimensionality space from the degrees of freedom most important involved in the human grasping behaviour. This low dimensionality allows reconstructing gestures with 24 degrees of freedom. The principal degrees of freedom are obtained by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This analysis is carried out using a human hand model with 24 DoF, and a sensorized glove (Cyberglove). Power and precision grasps are rendered for the grasping analysis. Finally, simplified hand models are reconstructed using kinematic constraints.

The human hand is the most dexterous and versatile biomechanical device that possesses the human body, this device created by Nature during millions years of evolution represents one of the more distinctive qualities among other animals.Since the 70s and 80s, important contributions have appeared in physiological studies of the human hand (I. A.

This work is focused on obtaining efficient human hand models that are suitable for manipulation tasks. A 24 DoF kinematic model of the human hand is defined to realistic movements. This model is based on the human skeleton. Dynamic and static constraints have been included in order to improve the movement realism. Two simplified hand models with 9 and 6 DoF have been developed according to the constraints predefined. These simplified models involve some errors in reconstructing the hand posture. These errors are calculated with respect to the 24 DoF model and evaluated according to the hand gestures. Finally, some criteria are defined to select the hand description best suited to the features of the manipulation task.

This work is focused on obtaining realistic human hand models that are suitable for manipulation tasks. Firstly, a 24 DOF kinematic model of the human hand is defined. This model is based on the human skeleton. Intra-finger and inter-finger constraints have been included in order to improve the movement realism. Secondly, two simplified hand descriptions (9 and 6 DOF) have been developed according to the constraints predefined. These simplified models involve some errors in reconstructing the hand posture. These errors are calculated with respect to the 24 DOF model and evaluated according to the hand gestures. Finally, some criteria are defined by which to select the hand description best suited to the features of the manipulation task.

This report describes a hand model of the first prototype for a human hand as agreed in the IMMERSENCE project. The hand model is based on a proposed skeletal, made up of 20 bones and 24 degrees of freedom. Main static constraints and ranges of movements are described. Finally a statistical method, which uses Principal Component Analysis, has been used in the identification of hand posture.