Emerging Trends in Mobile Robotics

This book provides state-of-the-art scientific and engineering research findings and developments in the area of mobile robotics and associated support technologies. The book contains peer reviewed articles presented at the CLAWAR 2010 conference. Robots are no longer confined to industrial manufacturing environments. A great deal of interest is invested in the use of robots outside the factory environment. The CLAWAR conference series, established as a high profile international event, acts as a platform for dissemination of research and development findings and supports such a trend to address the current interest in mobile robotics to meet the needs of mankind in various sectors of the society. These include personal care, public health, and services in the domestic, public and industrial environments. The editors of the book have extensive research experience and publications in the area of robotics in general and in mobile robotics specifically, and their experience is reflected in editing the contents of the book. Contents:Plenary PresentationsAutonomous RobotsBiologically-Inspired Systems and SolutionsCo-Operative Robot System, Manipulation and GrippingFlexible Mechanisms and Manoeuvring SystemsInnovative Design of CLAWARLocomotionModelling and Simulation of CLAWARParallel Kinematic Machines: Applications and Future ChallengesPerception, Sensing and ActuationPersonal Assistance RobotsPlanetary Exploration, Navigation, Positioning and LocalizationPlanning, Control, Intelligence and Learning for CLAWARRehabilitation and Function RestorationService Robots Readership: Systems and control engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers in academic, research and industrial settings; engineers and practitioners in the public services sectors in the health care, manufacturing, supply and delivery services. Keywords:Biologically Inspired Robotics;Biomedical Robotic Assistance;Climbing and Walking Robots;Humanoid Robotics;Hybrid Locomotion;Legged Locomotion;Mobile Robots;Robotic Benchmarking and Standardization;Security and Surveillance;Service Robotics;Wheeled Locomotion