This volume represents the proceedings of a prestigious international conference organized by Loughborough University which will be of interest to all those involved in this rapidly advancing field, proving to be a vital read for all who wish to be well informed of developments and advances. Also included is a CD-ROM containing all the papers that were presented at the conference. The CD-ROM has been created using Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 with Search. Acrobat Reader is a unique software application that allows the user the opportunity to view, search, download, and print information electronically generated and produced in PDF format. It has extensive search facilities by author, subject, key-words, etc. Topics covered include: Fundamental Enabling Technologies Automatic Control of Mechatronic Systems Mechatronic Components Robotics and Automation Mobile robots Integrated Mechatronic Systems Biomedical Applications Mechatronics Education

E-Manufacturing: Business Paradigms and Supporting Technologies opens with a set of interesting selections from invited authors, covering perspectives such as concurrent engineering in product and process design, the tools needed to deal with people, relationships and networks, enterprise networking in Europe. This section closes with business and innovation topics, handling issues such as knowledge, innovation and investment, and joint ventures for innovation and competitiveness. The remaining parts of the book tackle the following e-manufacturing issues: advanced logistics, mechatronics, manufacturing systems integration and supporting technologies.

The increasing demand for energy, raw materials and goods arising from world population growth, the emerging concept of sustainable development is concerned with meeting such challenges. The widely accepted Brundtland definition of sustainable development states that it is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The papers in this volume are from a conference organised by the University of Liverpool in September 2003 and are dedicated to the holistic study and interchange of ideas on the theory, technology, tools, methodology for the entire product life cycle within the framework of sustainable development. Design and Manufacture for Sustainable Development 2003 brings together industry leaders and the cutting edge of academic research in this critical area and includes, Life cycle engineering - from methodology to enterprise culture teaching mechanical engineering course relating to the environment Biodegradable plastics for hygenic disposable products Assessment for product sustainability An exploration of the role values play in designer decision making and how this effects ecodesign outcomes Laser technology applied to sustainable demolition and high-energy, re-usable bricks Sustainability principles for product design Public perceptions of sustainability, energy efficiency and recycling - how these can inform the design process

The aim of this publication is to present the research results in robotics that are now state-of-the-art, and indicate the possible future lines of development. To effectively work and cooperate with us, robots must exhibit abilities that are comparable to those of humans. The book describes the ongoing efforts to design and develop human-friendly robotic systems that can safely and effectively interact and work with humans.

Computer and Machine Vision: Theory, Algorithms, Practicalities (previously entitled Machine Vision) clearly and systematically presents the basic methodology of computer and machine vision, covering the essential elements of the theory while emphasizing algorithmic and practical design constraints. This fully revised fourth edition has brought in more of the concepts and applications of computer vision, making it a very comprehensive and up-to-date tutorial text suitable for graduate students, researchers and R&D engineers working in this vibrant subject. Key features include: - Practical examples and case studies give the 'ins and outs' of developing real-world vision systems, giving engineers the realities of implementing the principles in practice - New chapters containing case studies on surveillance and driver assistance systems give practical methods on these cutting-edge applications in computer vision - Necessary mathematics and essential theory are made approachable by careful explanations and well-illustrated examples - Updated content and new sections cover topics such as human iris location, image stitching, line detection using RANSAC, performance measures, and hyperspectral imaging - The 'recent developments' section now included in each chapter will be useful in bringing students and practitioners up to date with the subject - Mathematics and essential theory are made approachable by careful explanations and well-illustrated examples - Updated content and new sections cover topics such as human iris location, image stitching, line detection using RANSAC, performance measures, and hyperspectral imaging - The 'recent developments' section now included in each chapter will be useful in bringing students and practitioners up to date with the subject

Power Transmission and Motion Control 2004 (PTMC) comprises papers by authors from twelve countries. Presented at PTMC 2004- one of a series of annual Workshops held at the Bath University- this collection of well illustrated papers reports on latest developments from key international research centres in the fields of hydraulic and pneumatic motion control. Topics include: Drives, transmissions, and actuators Hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems Modelling and simulation Control Hydraulic fluids Condition monitoring Noise and Vibration Actuation systems Hydraulic system design Measurement techniques Essential reading for researchers and practitioners working in the fields of power transmission, motion control, hydraulics, and pneumatics.