Smart Robots: A Handbook of Intelligent Robotic Systems

by V. Hunt

Overview

Here is one of the first really thorough presentations on smart robots. Robots, machine vision systems, sensors, manipulators, expert systems, and artificial intelligence concepts combined in state-of-the-art computer integrated manufacturing systems. These "smart" robots increase produc­ tivity and improve the quality of our products. This comprehensive volume, which is extensively illustrated, provides a unique synthesis and overview of the emerging field of smart robots, the basic approaches for each of the constituents systems, the techniques used, applications, the descriptions of current hardware or software projects, a review of the state-of-the-art of the technology, current research and development efforts, and trends in the development of smart robots. All of the information has been compiled from a wide variety of knowledgeable sources and recent government reports. An extensive selection of photo­ graphs, diagrams and charts amplify this book. The contents of major chapters include: • Introduction to smart robots • Artificial intelligence for smart robots • Smart robot systems • Sensor-controlled robots • Machine vision systems • Robot manipulators • Natural language processing • Expert systems and • Computer integrated manufacturing Smart Robots presents the state-of-the-art in intelligent robots. It is designed to help the reader develop an understanding of industrial applications of smart robots as well as the new technological developments. Smart Robots is an outstanding introduction to the integration and application of machine vision systems, sensors, expert systems, and artificial intelligence technology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781461295846
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	10/04/2011
Series:	Chapman and Hall Advanced Industrial Technology Series
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1985
Pages:	378
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Smart Robots.- The Book.- Artificial Intelligence and Robots.- Sensing and Effecting.- Knowledge About the Environment.- Interpreting.- Generating.- Reasoning.- Sensors.- Visual Sensors.- Tactile Sensors.- Range Sensors.- Proprioceptors.- Machine Vision.- Manipulators.- Legs.- Arms.- Hands.- Manipulation.- Locomotion.- Natural Language Processing.- Spoken Language.- Expert Systems.- The Future.- 2. Artificial Intelligence for Smart Robots.- The History of Artificial Intelligence.- The Basic Elements of Artificial Intelligence.- Knowledge Representation.- Computational Logic.- Logical Inference.- Common Sense Reasoning.- Non-Deductive Problem Solving Aproaches.- Languages, Tools and Computers.- Applications of Artificial Intelligence.- Principal Participants.- State of the Art.- Basic Core Topics.- Expert Systems.- Natural Language.- Machine Vision.- Towards the Future.- Smart Robots.- Industrial Applications.- Machine Vision.- Expert Systems.- Natural Language.- Computers for Future Automation.- Computer Aided Instruction (CAI).- Learning by Computers.- The Social Impacts.- 3. Smart Robots.- Overview.- Productivity.- Impact on Work Force.- Growth Potential.- System Elements.- Controller.- Manipulator.- End Effector.- Robotic Functional Categories.- Sensory Perception.- Smart Robot Systems.- Application of Smart Robots.- Implementation of Smart Robots into Your Plant.- Research and Development Efforts.- Research Requirements.- Synthesis of Research Needed.- Current Robot Research.- Future Development.- Sensing Devices.- Cost.- Size.- Systems Integration.- Marketing.- Technology.- 4. Sensor-Controlled Robots.- Sensor Integration.- Programming.- Teaching.- Sensitivity.- Proximity Sensors.- Range Sensors.- Tactile Sensors.- Visual Sensors.- Summary.- 5. Machine Vision Systems.- Overview.- Machine Vision Definition.- Origins of Machine Vision.- Relation to Human Vision.- Basis for a General Purpose Image Understanding System.- Basic Paradigms for Machine Vision.- Hierarchical Bottom-Up Approach.- Hierarchical Top-Down Approach.- Heterarchical Approach.- Blackboard Approach.- Levels of Representation.- Representation Methods and Techniques.- Low Level Features.- Extracting Edges and Areas.- Segmentation and Interpretation.- 2-D Representation, Description and Recognition.- Recovery of Intrinsic Surface Characteristics.- Higher Levels of Representation.- Tracking.- Research in Model-Based Machine Vision Systems.- Machine Vision Systems.- General Characteristics.- Machine Vision Inspection Systems.- Machine Vision Recognition and Location Systems.- Commercially Available Machine Vision Systems.- Developers of Machine Vision Systems.- Sources of Research Funding.- Summary of the State of the Art.- Human Vision.- Low and Intermediate Levels of Processing.- Machine Vision System Development.- Current Problems and Issues.- Research Needed.- Future Trends.- Conclusion.- 6. Robot Manipulators.- Configurations.- Jointed Arms.- Cartesian Coordinate.- Cylindrical Coordinate.- Spherical Coordinate.- Actuators.- Work Volume.- Common Work Volume Shape.- Limits on Work Volume.- Optimization.- Robot Controllers.- Dynamic Properties.- Dynamic Performance.- Stability.- Spatial Resolution.- Accuracy.- Repeatability.- Compliance.- 7. Natural Language Processing.- Natural Language Models.- Type A: No World Models.- Type B: Systems that Use Explicit World Models.- Type C: Systems that Include Information about the Goals and Beliefs of Intelligent Entities.- Grammar.- Semantic Processing.- Knowledge representation.- Parsing.- Semantics, Parsing and Understanding.- Natural Language Processing Systems.- Typical System Configurations.- Research Systems Under Development.- Commercial Systems.- Development Facilities.- Complexities of Natural Language Processing.- The Future for Natural Language Processing.- 8. Expert Systems for Robotics.- Fundamentals of Expert Systems.- Expert System Architecture.- The Knowledge Base.- Design Techniques.- Current Expert Systems.- Robotic Applications of Expert Systems.- 9. Computer Integrated Manufacturing.- What is a Computer Integrated Manufacturing System?.- CIMS Benefits.- When to Use CIMS Technology.- Challenges to Management and the Organization.- CIMS Acquisition.- Steps in the Acquisition of a CIMS.- Establishing the CIMS Task Force.- CIMS Implementation Plan.- The Request for Proposal.- Evaluations.- Description of Computer Integrated Manufacturing System Elements.- Detailed Description of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing System.- Work Stations.- Material Handling System.- Control System Software.- Other Significant Elements.- Three Example Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems.- Kearney and Trecker CIMS at AVCO-Lycoming, Stratford, Connecticut.- Detroit Diesel Allison, Indianapolis, Indiana.- Giddings and Lewis CIMS at Caterpillar Tractor Company, Aurora, Illinois.- Projected Trends in CIMS Technology.- Appendix A: Glossary.- Appendix B: Bibliography.