Robots in gastronomy: psychological and financial considerations

Both the popular press as well as a number of academic researchers have enthusiastically endorsed the possibility/prediction that (service) robots will come to play an increasingly important role in the world of quick service restaurants and/or gastronomy in the years ahead. This development, or so it has been suggested, may potentially help to address the seemingly ubiquitous staffing issues that are proving problematic for many in the hospitality industry nowadays. However, until the costs of installing, running, and maintaining such high-tech devices fall, and until such time as consumer opinion changes, such technology (be it robots for food preparation or else service robots) is unlikely to find a place in the market for fast food never mind in the world of fine dining (gastronomy). While robot bartenders and chefs would currently appear to have a certain novelty and/or experiential value, the financial case for their incorporation into the hospitality setting has yet to be convincingly demonstrated, even once the technical challenges have been addressed. As such, there is little sign that such automation will make its way (either in the front or back of house) into the world of either quick-service restaurants or high-end gastronomic establishments

Developing a socially-aware robot assistant for delivery tasks

This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Applied Technologies. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42520-3_42This paper discusses about elements to be considered for developing a Service Robot that performs its task in a social environment. Due to the social focus of the service, not only technical considerations are demanded in order to accomplish with the task, but also the acceptance of use for the people, who interact with all of them. As our particular research topic, we establish a taxonomy to determine the framework for the development of socially-aware robot assistants for serving tasks such as deliveries. This is a general approach to be considered for any service robot being implemented in a social context. This article presents several previous cases of the implementation of service mobile robots, their analysis and the motivation of how to solve their acceptance and use by people. Therefore, under this approach it is very important not to generate false expectations about the capabilities of the robot, because as it is explained in the state of the art analysis that very high unsatisfied expectations lead to leaving the robot unused....Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Automated soil hardness testing machine

This paper describes the design and performance of a mechatronic system for controlling a standard drop-hammer mechanism that is commonly used in performing outdoor soil or ground hardness tests. A low-cost microcontroller is used to control a hydraulic actuator to repeatedly lift and drop a standard free-falling weight that strikes a pipe (sampler) which is pushed deeper into the ground with each impact. The depth of the sampler pipe and position of the hydraulic cylinder are constantly monitored and the number of drops, soil penetration data and other variables are recorded in a database for future analysis. This device, known as the “EVH Trip Hammer”, allows the full automation and faster completion of what is typically a very labour-intensive and slow testing process that can involve human error and the risk of human injuries

Vision applications in agriculture

From early beginnings in work on the visual guidance of tractors, the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture has built up a portfolio of projects in which machine vision plays a prominent part. This presentation traces the history of this research, including some highly unusual topics

The use of machine vision for assessment of fodder quality

At present fodder is assessed subjectively. The evaluation depends greatly on a personal opinion and there can be large variations in assessments. The project has investigated the use of machine vision in several ways, to provide measures of fodder quality that will be ojective and independent of the assessor. Growers will be able to quote a quality measure that buyers can trust. The research includes the possibility of discerning colour differences that are beyond the capability of the human eye, while still using equipment that is of relatively modest cost

Bovine intelligence for training horses

A rail-mounted model of a small cow is to be used in the training of horses for camp-drafting contests. The paper concerns the addition of sensors and a strategy to enable the machine to respond to the proximity of the horse in a manner that will represent the behaviour of a live calf

Robots as restaurant employees-A double-barrelled detective story

The paper evaluates the perceptions of Turkish restaurant managers and customers towards service robots. The sample includes 26 managers and 32 customers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that robots are suitable for dirty, dull, dangerous and repetitive tasks. Customers have mostly positive attitudes towards robots while managers – mostly negative. However, respondents agree that robots improve service quality. A mixed service delivery system based on human-robot collaboration is perceived as the most appropriate. Customers are willing to pay more for the robotic service experience. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed as well

University of Malaya Research Bulletin, Volume 17, Number 1, 2017

Previously known as IPPP UM Research Bulleti

GNL: GeoFencing Based Smart Outdoor Navigation and Localization

Navigation is a technique used by humans to construct a plan to help them travel within a place using instruments or maps. Navigation in the modern age is done using various electronic systems which provide a real-time map of the place and the step-by-step directions to the desired destination. The technology widely used today is GPS i.e. Global Positioning System. Outdoor navigation using Google maps, here maps or safari is a common go-to for the users but the problem is the map provided by these companies just has an overview of the place and not the detailed information. The GNL approach which authors have used in this paper focuses on the navigation and localization of the gated environment so that the person living and visiting the area will get familiar with the area and understand the area very well. The web app that authors have designed can be used for the College Campus, Fairs, open museums, etc. Comparative analysis of the web app-based approach is done with an existing one. The Presented approach will not only help you in navigation but also provide you with information about the POI (Point of Interests) of those visiting places. The Geofence mechanism will help users to navigate and get information about the area. The aim is to give the user the maximum information about the place with secured transfer of information and better localization. The authors have tested the approach on the real testbed in the gated society and it provides good results for what it promises