Modular Robot Software Framework for the Intelligent and Flexible Composition of Its Skills

Part 3: Sustainability and Reconfigurability of Manufacturing SystemsInternational audienceCurrent trends such as mass customization necessitate an agile and transformable production. In this context, robotic technologies are seen as a key enabler. But, to date, industrial robots lack the flexibility to easily adapt to changing needs. Therefore, a modular skill-based software framework aiming for free configurability is presented here. A generic task control allows varying incoming tasks to be processed, based on the actual skills of the robot. In this way, the flexible composition of a robot’s skills can be achieved, according to the actual situation

Pluvial Flood Risk and Opportunities for Resilience

The risk presented by pluvial flooding has emerged as a critical issue in urban water management. Pluvial flooding occurs when precipitation intensity exceeds the capacity of natural and engineered drainage systems, and it is expected to increase in frequency, severity and impact through the 21st century due to the combined effects of climate change and urbanization. Although there have been recent advances in approaches to assess the risk presented pluvial flooding and to enhance the resilience of cities to its impacts, they have not been broadly implemented and there are many opportunities for additional research. We provide case studies of pluvial flooding in six cities in the continental United States, which serve as examples of the current vulnerability of cities that have not developed comprehensive pluvial flood management plans and the challenges in conducting pluvial flood research in light of existing data gaps. We also identify key research challenges that should be prioritized by the interdisciplinary water research community to better support urban resilience practice