The field of mechatronics integrates modern engineering science and technologies with new ways of thinking, enhancing the design of products and manufacturing processes. This synergy enables the creation and evolution of new intelligent human-oriented machines. The Handbook of Research on Advancements in Robotics and Mechatronics presents new findings, practices, technological innovations, and theoretical perspectives on the the latest advancements in the field of mechanical engineering. This book is of great use to engineers and scientists, students, researchers, and practitioners looking to develop autonomous and smart products and systems for meeting today’s challenges.

This book gathers the Proceedings of the International Conference on Mechatronics and Intelligent Robotics (ICMIR2017), held in Kunming, China, on May 20–21, 2017. The book covers a total of 172 papers, which have been divided into seven different sections: Intelligent Systems, Intelligent Sensors & Actuators, Robotics, Mechatronics, Modeling & Simulation, Automation & Control, and Robot Vision. ICMIR2017 provided a vital forum for discussing the latest and most innovative ideas from both the industrial and academic worlds, and for sharing best practices in the fields of mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automatic control, electrical engineering, finite element analysis and computational engineering. The main focus of the conference was on promoting interaction between academia and industry, allowing the free exchange of ideas and challenges faced by these two key stakeholders and encouraging future collaboration between the members of these groups. The proceedings cover new findings in the following areas of research and will offer readers valuable insights: Mechatronics Intelligent mechatronics, robotics and biomimetics; Novel and unconventional mechatronic systems; Modeling and control of mechatronics systems; Elements, structures and mechanisms of micro and nano systems; Sensors, wireless sensor networks and multi-sensor data fusion; Biomedical and rehabilitation engineering, prosthetics and artificial organs; Artificial Intelligence (AI), neural networks and fuzzy logic in mechatronics and robotics; Industrial automation, process control and networked control systems; Telerobotics, Human–Computer Interaction; and Human–Robot Interaction. Robotics Artificial Intelligence; Bio-inspired robotics; Control algorithms and control systems; Design theories and principles; Evolutional robotics; Field robotics; Force sensors, accelerometers, and other measuring devices; Healthcare robotics; Human–Robot Interaction; Kinematics and dynamics analysis; Manufacturing robotics; Mathematical and computational methodologies in robotics; Medical robotics; Parallel robots and manipulators; Robotic cognition and emotion; Robotic perception and decisions; Sensor integration, fusion, and perception; and Social robotics.

Medical and service robotics integrates several disciplines and technologies such as mechanisms, mechatronics, biomechanics, humanoid robotics, exoskeletons, and anthropomorphic hands. This book presents the most recent advances in medical and service robotics, with a stress on human aspects. It collects the selected peer-reviewed papers of the Fourth International Workshop on Medical and Service Robots, held in Nantes, France in 2015, covering topics on: exoskeletons, anthropomorphic hands, therapeutic robots and rehabilitation, cognitive robots, humanoid and service robots, assistive robots and elderly assistance, surgical robots, human-robot interfaces, BMI and BCI, haptic devices and design for medical and assistive robotics. This book offers a valuable addition to existing literature.

The Handbook of Research on Food Processing and Preservation Technologies is a rich 5-volume collection that illustrates various design, development, and applications of novel and innovative strategies for food processing and preservation. The roles and applications of minimal processing techniques (such as ozone treatment, vacuum drying, osmotic dehydration, dense phase carbon dioxide treatment, pulsed electric field, and high-pressure assisted freezing) are discussed, along with a wide range of other applications. The handbook also explores some exciting computer-aided techniques emerging in the food processing sector, such as robotics, radio frequency identification (RFID), three-dimensional food printing, artificial intelligence, etc. Some emphasis has also been given on nondestructive quality evaluation techniques (such as image processing, terahertz spectroscopy imaging technique, near infrared, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique, etc.) for food quality and safety evaluation. The significant roles of food properties in the design of specific foods and edible films have been elucidated as well. Volume 3: Computer-Aided Food Processing and Quality Evaluation Techniques of the multi-volume set reports on a number of applications of computer-aided techniques for quality evaluation and to secure food quality. The chapter authors present emerging nonthermal approaches for food processing and preservation including a detailed discussion on color measurement techniques, RFID, 3D-food printing, potential of robotics, artificial intelligence, terahertz spectroscopy imaging technique, instrumentation techniques and transducers, food labeling as marketing and quality assurance tool, detection of pesticides, mathematical simulation of moisture sorption in food products, numerical methods and modeling techniques, concept of phase change materials, and dielectric properties of animal source foods. Other volumes in the set include: Volume 1: Nonthermal and Innovative Food Processing Methods Volume 2: Nonthermal Food Preservation and Novel Processing Strategies Volume 3: Computer-Aided Food Processing and Quality Evaluation Techniques Volume 4: Design and Development of Specific Foods, Packaging Systems, and Food Safety Volume 5: Emerging Techniques for Food Processing, Quality, and Safety Assurance Along with the other volumes, Handbook of Research on Food Processing and Preservation Technologies provides an abundance of valuable information and will be an excellent reference for researchers, scientists, students, growers, traders, processors, industries, and others.

This book investigates the fundaments, standards, and protocols of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in the industrial transformation environment. It facilitates a fusion of both technologies in the creation of reliable and robust applications. Cyber-Physical Systems for Industrial Transformation: Fundamentals, Standards, and Protocols explores emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain, robotic process automation, virtual reality, edge computing, and 5G technology to highlight current and future opportunities to transition CPS to become more robust and reliable. The book showcases the real-time sensing, processing, and actuation software and discusses fault-tolerant and cybersecurity as well. This book brings together undergraduates, postgraduates, academics, researchers, and industry individuals that are interested in exploring new ideas, techniques, and tools related to CPS and Industry 4.0.

This volume contains the papers of the 7th International Workshop on Medical and Service Robots (MESROB) which was held in Basel, Switzerland, on June 7-9, 2021. The main topics include: design of medical devices, kinematics and dynamics for medical robotics, exoskeletons and prostheses, anthropomorphic hands, therapeutic robots and rehabilitation, cognitive robots, humanoid and service robots, assistive robots and elderly assistance, surgical robots, human-robot interfaces, haptic devices, medical treatments, medical lasers, and surgical planning and navigation. The contributions, which were selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlight numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaboration among different specialists, demonstrating that medical and service robotics will drive the technological and societal change in the coming decades.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Hybrid Metaheuristics, HM 2016, held in Plymouth, UK, in June 2016. The 15 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 43 submissions. The selected papers are of interest for all the researchers working on integrating metaheuristics with other areas for solving both optimization and constraint satisfaction problems. They represent as well a sample of current research demonstrating how metaheuristics can be integrated with integer linear programming and other operational research techniques for tackling difficult and relevant problems.