Online Outdoor Terrain Classification Algorithm for Wheeled Mobile Robots Equipped with Inertial and Magnetic Sensors

Terrain classification provides valuable information for both control and navigation algorithms of wheeled mobile robots. In this paper, a novel online outdoor terrain classification algorithm is proposed for wheeled mobile robots. The algorithm is based on only time-domain features with both low computational and low memory requirements, which are extracted from the inertial and magnetic sensor signals. Multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks are applied as classifiers. The algorithm is tested on a measurement database collected using a prototype measurement system for various outdoor terrain types. Different datasets were constructed based on various setups of processing window sizes, used sensor types, and robot speeds. To examine the possibilities of the three applied sensor types in the application, the features extracted from the measurement data of the different sensors were tested alone, in pairs and fused together. The algorithm is suitable to operate online on the embedded system of the mobile robot. The achieved results show that using the applied time-domain feature set the highest classification efficiencies on unknown data can be above 98%. It is also shown that the gyroscope provides higher classification rates than the widely used accelerometer. The magnetic sensor alone cannot be effectively used but fusing the data of this sensor with the data of the inertial sensors can improve the performance

Cooperative UAV–UGV autonomous power pylon inspection: an investigation of cooperative outdoor vehicle positioning architecture

Realizing autonomous inspection, such as that of power distribution lines, through unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems is a key research domain in robotics. In particular, the use of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles to execute the tasks of an inspection process can enhance the efficacy and safety of the operation; however, many technical problems, such as those pertaining to the precise positioning and path following of the vehicles, robust obstacle detection, and intelligent control, must be addressed. In this study, an innovative architecture involving an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) and an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) was examined for detailed inspections of power lines. In the proposed strategy, each vehicle provides its position information to the other, which ensures a safe inspection process. The results of real-world experiments indicate a satisfactory performance, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach.This research was funded by National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development of Brazil (CNPq). The authors thank the National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development of Brazil (CNPq); Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level People (CAPES); and the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Communication (MCTIC). The authors would also like express their deepest gratitude to Control Robotics for sharing the Pioneer P3 robot for the experiments. Thanks to Leticia Cantieri for editing the experiment video.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Um modelo de otimização para planejamento dinâmico de voo para grupos de drones por meio de sistema multiagente e leilões recursivos

Orientador: Eduardo TodtTese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Exatas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Informática. Defesa : Curitiba, 03/07/2020Inclui referênciasÁrea de concentração: Ciência da ComputaçãoResumo: Este trabalho apresenta um modelo aplicado de cooperacao para otimizar voos de veiculos aereos nao tripulados do tipo quadricoptero, tambem conhecidos como Drones, com aplicacao na agricultura de precisao. O modelo utiliza Sistema Multiagente para permitir a abertura, que e a propriedade de inserir e retirar elementos do modelo a qualquer momento. Para garantir a dinamicidade, que e a caracteristica que o modelo tem de se recuperar de eventos adversos ou falhas, agentes cognitivos com BDI foram utilizados. Para garantir a troca de mensagens independente da quantidade de elementos no modelo, foi utilizado o protocolo FIPA Contract-NET. Um algoritmo distribuido de otimizacao utilizando leiloes recursivos tambem foi desenvolvido, o qual visa otimizar o tempo de voo, assim como o uso da bateria dos Drones, sendo a bateria a grande limitacao destes e inibindo sua utilizacao na agricultura de precisao. Esse algoritmo foi testado em seu modelo original e, posteriormente, refinado a partir de heuristicas e metodologias visando diminuir o numero de leiloes recursivos, assim como o tempo de processamento, em comparacao ao modelo original. Este modelo, apos aplicacao das heuristicas e metodologias, foi testado. Em cenarios contendo multiplos Drones, o desempenho foi 30% superior ao algoritmo dinamico encontrado na literatura que tambem pode ser aplicado em ambientes dinamicos. Do ponto de vista de abertura e dinamicidade, o modelo foi testado no simulador MultiDrone Simulator, permitindo gerar novos planos de voo, mesmo com eventos adversos. Os resultados dos testes em simulacao realizados sustentam que o modelo proposto apresenta comportamento como esperado, mostrando-se como uma plataforma promissora de pesquisa para uso de Drones em cenarios da agricultura de precisao, uma vez que este modelo permite a utilizacao de multiplos Drones em ambientes dinamicos e abertos, garantindo a otimizacao do tempo de voo, o que garante economia da bateria dos Drones. Palavras-chave: Drones, Sistema Multiagente, BDI, Leilao RecursivoAbstract: This work presents an applied model of cooperation to optimize flights of unmanned aerial vehicles like quadcopters, also known as Drones, involved in precision agriculture. This model uses a Multiagent System to allow up the opening, which is the property of inserting and removing elements from the model at any time. To allow dynamism, which is the characteristic that the model has to recover from adverse events or failures, cognitive agents with BDI structure were used. To guarantee the exchange of messages in dynamic number of elements, the FIPA Contract-NET protocol were used. A distributed optimization algorithm using recursive auctions was also developed, which aims to optimize the number of points covered by Drones. This model aims to optimize the flight time, which directly reflects the optimization of the Drone's battery use. This is a great limitation of this kind of aerial vehicle and which inhibits its use in precision agriculture. This algorithm was tested as original proposed and, later, refined from heuristics and methodologies in order to decrease the number of auctions, as well as the processing time. This model, after applying the heuristics and methodologies, was tested, and in scenarios containing multiple Drones, the performance was 30 % higher than the dynamic algorithm found in the literature that can also be applied in dynamic environments. From the point of view of openness and dynamics, the model was tested in the MultiDrone Simulator, allowing to generate new flight plans, even with the simulated adverse events. The results of the simulation tests carried out maintain that the proposed model behaves as expected, showing itself as a promising research platform for the use of drones in precision agriculture scenarios, since this model allows the use of multiple Drones in environments dynamic and open, guaranteeing the flight optimization, which ensures battery saving for Drones. Keywords: Drones, Multiagent System, BDI, Recursive Auction

Feature Papers of Drones - Volume I

[EN] The present book is divided into two volumes (Volume I: articles 1–23, and Volume II: articles 24–54) which compile the articles and communications submitted to the Topical Collection ”Feature Papers of Drones” during the years 2020 to 2022 describing novel or new cutting-edge designs, developments, and/or applications of unmanned vehicles (drones). Articles 1–8 are devoted to the developments of drone design, where new concepts and modeling strategies as well as effective designs that improve drone stability and autonomy are introduced. Articles 9–16 focus on the communication aspects of drones as effective strategies for smooth deployment and efficient functioning are required. Therefore, several developments that aim to optimize performance and security are presented. In this regard, one of the most directly related topics is drone swarms, not only in terms of communication but also human-swarm interaction and their applications for science missions, surveillance, and disaster rescue operations. To conclude with the volume I related to drone improvements, articles 17–23 discusses the advancements associated with autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and enhanced flight plannin

An aesthetic for sustainable interactions in product-service systems?

Copyright @ 2012 Greenleaf PublishingEco-efficient Product-Service System (PSS) innovations represent a promising approach to sustainability. However the application of this concept is still very limited because its implementation and diffusion is hindered by several barriers (cultural, corporate and regulative ones). The paper investigates the barriers that affect the attractiveness and acceptation of eco-efficient PSS alternatives, and opens the debate on the aesthetic of eco-efficient PSS, and the way in which aesthetic could enhance some specific inner qualities of this kinds of innovations. Integrating insights from semiotics, the paper outlines some first research hypothesis on how the aesthetic elements of an eco-efficient PSS could facilitate user attraction, acceptation and satisfaction