In this book, the capability map, a novel general representation of the kinematic capabilities of a robot arm, is introduced. The capability map allows to determine how well regions of the workspace are reachable for the end effector in different orientations. It is a representation that can be machine processed as well as intuitively visualized for the human. The capability map and the derived algorithms are a valuable source of information for high- and low-level planning processes. The versatile applicability of the capability map is shown by examples from several distinct application domains. In human-robot interaction, a bi-manual interface for tele-operation is objectively evaluated. In low-level geometric planning, more human-like motion is planned for a humanoid robot while also reducing the computation time. And in high-level task reasoning, the suitability of a robot for a task is evaluated.

This book introduces readers to various tools and techniques for the design of precision, miniature products, assemblies and associated manufacturing processes. In particular, it focuses on precision mechanisms, robotic devices and their control strategies, together with case studies. In the context of manufacturing process, the book highlights micro/nano machining/forming processes using non-conventional energy sources such as lasers, EDM (electro-discharge machining), ECM (electrochemical machining), etc. Techniques for achieving optimum performance in process modeling, simulation and optimization are presented. The applications of various research tools such as FEM (finite element method), neural networks, genetic algorithms, etc. to product-process design and optimization are illustrated through case studies. The state-of-the-art material presented here provides valuable directions for product development and future research work in this area. The contents of this book will be of use to researchers and industry professionals alike.

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Intelligent Human Computer Interaction, IHCI 2016, held in Pilani, India, in December 2016. The 22 regular papers and 3 abstracts of invited talks included in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 115 initial submissions. They deal with intelligent interfaces; brain machine interaction; HCI applications and technology; and interface and systems.

An autonomous agent is a computational system that acquires sensory data from its environment and decides by itself how to relate the external stimulus to its behaviors in order to attain certain goals. Responding to different stimuli received from its task environment, the agent may select and exhibit different behavioral patterns. The behavioral patterns may be carefully predefined or dynamically acquired by the agent based on some learning and adaptation mechanism(s). In order to achieve structural flexibility, reliability through redundancy, adaptability, and reconfigurability in real-world tasks, some researchers have started to address the issue of multiagent cooperation. Broadly speaking, the power of autonomous agents lies in their ability to deal with unpredictable, dynamically changing environments. Agent-based systems are becoming one of the most important computer technologies, holding out many promises for solving real-world problems.The aims of this book are to provide a guided tour to the pioneering work and the major technical issues in agent research, and to give an in-depth discussion on the computational mechanisms for behavioral engineering in autonomous agents. Through a systematic examination, the book attempts to provide the general design principles for building autonomous agents and the analytical tools for modeling the emerged behavioral properties of a multiagent system.

Autonomous Driving and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Applications, Development, Legal Issues, and Testing outlines the latest research related to autonomous cars and advanced driver-assistance systems, including the development, testing, and verification for real-time situations of sensor fusion, sensor placement, control algorithms, and computer vision. Features: Co-edited by an experienced roboticist and author and an experienced academic Addresses the legal aspect of autonomous driving and ADAS Presents the application of ADAS in autonomous vehicle parking systems With an infinite number of real-time possibilities that need to be addressed, the methods and the examples included in this book are a valuable source of information for academic and industrial researchers, automotive companies, and suppliers.

Containing case studies and research findings, this book deals with methods and tools suitable for designing, managing, and controlling processes within the supply chain. The authors are leading experts within the international community in the field of production management.

This book introduces some fundamentals of information and communication technology (ICT) and other current and future technologies that are relevant to the field of cybersecurity. In a digitally connected world, cybersecurity is one of the most important issues today. We have witnessed tremendous advancements over the last two decades in various fields of networking, connectivity, electronics, and the technologies that make use of those platforms and devices. Many emerging technologies are also showing promise for future use in the cybersecurity area. Hence, it is important to understand some basics of the technologies and concepts that are making their impacts today and those which may show stronger influence in the near future. The book begins with an introduction to ICT and its advancements, then talks about Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Blockchain Technologies. It then goes on to cover wireless technology, Internet of Things (IoT), Distributed Cloud Computing, Quantum Computing, Virtual Reality, and other futuristic technologies that would be directly related to Cyberspace and Cybersecurity. This textbook is written in a step-by-step manner, with easily accessible information for both general readers and experts in the field. It is suitable to be used as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses like Computer Networks and Security, Information Security, etc.