358 research outputs found
Modeling of physical humanârobot interaction : admittance controllers applied to intelligent assist devices with large payload
Enhancement of human performance using an intelligent assist device is becoming more common. In order to achieve effective augmentation of human capacity, cooperation between human and robot must be safe and very intuitive. Ensuring such collaboration remains a challenge, especially when admittance control is used. This paper addresses the issues of transparency and human perception coming from vibration in admittance control schemes. Simulation results obtained
with our suggested improved model using an admittance controller are presented, then four models using transfer
functions are discussed in detail and evaluated as a means of simulating physical humanârobot interaction using admittance
control. The simulation and experimental results are then compared in order to assess the validity and limitations of the
proposed models in the case of a four-degree-of-freedom intelligent assist device designed for large payload
Active stability observer using artificial neural network for intuitive physical humanârobot interaction
Physical human-robot interaction may present an obstacle to transparency and operationsâ intuitiveness. This barrier could occur due to the vibrations caused by a stiff environment interacting with the robotic mechanisms. In this regard, this paper aims to deal with the aforementioned issues while using an observer and an adaptive gain controller. The adaptation of the gain loop should be performed in all circumstances in order to maintain operatorsâ safety and operationsâ intuitiveness. Hence, two approaches for detecting and then reducing vibrations will be introduced in this study as follows: 1) a statistical analysis of a sensor signal (force and velocity) and 2) a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network capable of compensating the first approach for ensuring vibrations identification in real time. Simulations and experimental results are then conducted and compared in order to evaluate the validity of the suggested approaches in minimizing vibrations
A review of marine geomorphometry, the quantitative study of the seafloor
Geomorphometry, the science of quantitative terrain characterization, has traditionally focused on the investigation of terrestrial landscapes. However, the dramatic increase in the availability of digital bathymetric data and the
increasing ease by which geomorphometry can be investigated using geographic information systems (GISs) and spatial analysis software has prompted interest in employing geomorphometric techniques to investigate the marine environment. Over the last decade or so, a multitude of geomorphometric techniques (e.g. terrain attributes, feature extraction,
automated classification) have been applied to characterize
seabed terrain from the coastal zone to the deep sea. Geomorphometric techniques are, however, not as varied, nor as
extensively applied, in marine as they are in terrestrial environments. This is at least partly due to difficulties associated with capturing, classifying, and validating terrain characteristics underwater. There is, nevertheless, much common
ground between terrestrial and marine geomorphometry applications and it is important that, in developing marine geomorphometry, we learn from experiences in terrestrial studies. However, not all terrestrial solutions can be adopted by
marine geomorphometric studies since the dynamic, four-dimensional (4-D) nature of the marine environment causes
its own issues throughout the geomorphometry workflow.
For instance, issues with underwater positioning, variations
in sound velocity in the water column affecting acousticbased mapping, and our inability to directly observe and
measure depth and morphological features on the seafloor
are all issues specific to the application of geomorphometry in the marine environment. Such issues fuel the need for
a dedicated scientific effort in marine geomorphometry.
This review aims to highlight the relatively recent growth
of marine geomorphometry as a distinct discipline, and offers
the first comprehensive overview of marine geomorphometry
to date. We address all the five main steps of geomorphometry, from data collection to the application of terrain attributes
and features. We focus on how these steps are relevant to marine geomorphometry and also highlight differences and similarities from terrestrial geomorphometry. We conclude with
recommendations and reflections on the future of marine geomorphometry. To ensure that geomorphometry is used and
developed to its full potential, there is a need to increase
awareness of (1) marine geomorphometry amongst scientists already engaged in terrestrial geomorphometry, and of
(2) geomorphometry as a science amongst marine scientists
with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.peer-reviewe
Characterising the ocean frontier : a review of marine geomorphometry
Geomorphometry, the science that quantitatively describes terrains, has traditionally focused on the investigation
of terrestrial landscapes. However, the dramatic increase in the availability of digital bathymetric data and the increasing
ease by which geomorphometry can be investigated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has prompted interest in
employing geomorphometric techniques to investigate the marine environment. Over the last decade, a suite of
geomorphometric techniques have been applied (e.g. terrain attributes, feature extraction, automated classification) to investigate the characterisation of seabed terrain from the coastal zone to the deep sea. Geomorphometric techniques are,
however, not as varied, nor as extensively applied, in marine as they are in terrestrial environments. This is at least partly due
to difficulties associated with capturing, classifying, and validating terrain characteristics underwater. There is nevertheless
much common ground between terrestrial and marine geomorphology applications and it is important that, in developing the
science and application of marine geomorphometry, we build on the lessons learned from terrestrial studies. We note, however, that not all terrestrial solutions can be adopted by marine geomorphometric studies since the dynamic, four-
dimensional nature of the marine environment causes its own issues, boosting the need for a dedicated scientific effort in
marine geomorphometry.
This contribution offers the first comprehensive review of marine geomorphometry to date. It addresses all the five main
steps of geomorphometry, from data collection to the application of terrain attributes and features. We focus on how these steps are relevant to marine geomorphometry and also highlight differences from terrestrial geomorphometry. We conclude
with recommendations and reflections on the future of marine geomorphometry.peer-reviewe
An ocean of possibilities : applications and challenges of marine geomorphometry
An increase in the use of geomorphometry in the
marine environment has occurred in the last decade. This has
been fueled by a dramatic increase in digital bathymetric data,
which have become widely available as digital terrain models
(DTM) at a variety of spatial resolutions. Despite many
similarities, the nature of the input DTM is slightly different than
terrestrial DTM. This gives rise to different sources of
uncertainties in bathymetric data from various sources that will
have particular implications for geomorphometric analysis. With
this contribution, we aim to raise awareness of applications and
challenges of marine geomorphometry.peer-reviewe
A multiscale approach to mapping seabed sediments
Benthic habitat maps, including maps of seabed sediments, have become critical spatialdecision
support tools for marine ecological management and conservation. Despite the increasing recognition that environmental variables should be considered at multiple spatial scales, variables used in habitat mapping are often implemented at a single scale. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for using environmental variables at multiple scales for modelling and mapping seabed sediments. Sixteen environmental variables were derived from multibeam echosounder data collected near Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Canada at eight spatial scales ranging from 5 to 275 m, and were tested as predictor variables for modelling seabed sediment distributions. Using grain size data obtained from grab samples, we tested which scales of each predictor variable contributed most to sediment models. Results showed that the default scale was often not the best. Out of 129 potential scale dependent variables, 11 were selected to model the additive log-ratio of mud and sand at five different scales, and 15 were selected to model the additive log-ratio of gravel and sand, also at five different scales. Boosted Regression Tree models that explained between 46.4 and 56.3% of statistical deviance produced multiscale predictions of mud, sand, and gravel
that were correlated with cross-validated test data (Spearman's Ïmud = 0.77, Ïsand = 0.71, Ïgravel = 0.58). Predictions of individual size fractions were classified to produce a map of seabed sediments that is useful for marine spatial planning. Based on the scale-dependence
of variables in this study, we concluded that spatial scale consideration is at least as important as variable selection in seabed mapping
Modelling of the reef benthic habitat distribution within the Cabrera National Park (Western Mediterranean Sea)
Habitat spatial distribution is essential to know where to focus the protection of the seafloor resources. In this work, the bathymetry and backscatter seabed data show the importance of remote sensing applications and geospatial tools to have detailed information of the areas studied. The highresolution data enable to explore the environmental characteristics of selected Mediterranean habitats. These data were combined with available samples for ground truthing the habitat distribution model in the southeast of Cabrera National Park. The habitat modelling results show the high value of the studied area for ecological research. Unique communities of large filterers, including sponges, ascidians and bryozoans, were detected in this area. This study presents a potential habitat distribution map of the vulnerable reef habitat 1170, protected under the UE-Directive on the conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna, on the southeast margin of Cabrera Island.VersiĂłn del edito
Editorial : Seafloor mapping of the Atlantic Ocean
Patricio Bernal, the Coordinator of the International Union for Conservation of Nature High Seas Initiative, once wrote: âWe know more about the surface of the Moon and about Mars than we do about the deep seafloor, despite the fact that we have yet to extract a gram of food, a breath of oxygen or a drop of water from those bodiesâ (Snelgrove, 2010). Often referred to as the last frontier on Earth, the deep seafloor is thought to shelter both critical ecosystems and exploitable resources (i.e., minerals, bio-active natural products, and genetic material, in addition to food resources already being harvested by the fishing industry). These resources are said to have enormous potential to contribute to the growth of the blue economy, potential that will be realized only with an increased understanding of deep-sea environments (Glover et al., 2018). However, knowledge of deep-sea environments and the anthropogenic impacts on them lags in comparison to other marine environments. To address this issue, several cooperative international agreements have been signed. For instance, the Galway Statement (signed by the European Union, United States, and Canada) and the BelĂ©m Statement (also signed by Brazil and South Africa) were endorsed to launch an All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance. This alliance aims to increase our understanding of the Atlantic Ocean and its systems and promote the sustainable management of its resources. In addition, activities and programs associated with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021â2030), such as The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, Challenger 150, and the One Ocean Network for Deep Observation, will likely help increase awareness of the importance of seafloor mapping
Evaluating the suitability of multi-scale terrain attribute calculation approaches for seabed mapping applications
The scale dependence of benthic terrain attributes is well-accepted, and multi-scale methods are increasingly applied for benthic habitat mapping. There are, however, multiple ways to calculate terrain attributes at multiple scales, and the suitability of these approaches depends on the purpose of the analysis and data characteristics. There are currently few guidelines establishing the appropriateness of multi-scale raster calculation approaches for specific benthic habitat mapping applications. First, we identify three common purposes for calculating terrain attributes at multiple scales for benthic habitat mapping: (i) characterizing scale-specific terrain features, (ii) reducing data artefacts and errors, and (iii) reducing the mischaracterization of ground-truth data due to inaccurate sample positioning. We then define criteria that calculation approaches should fulfill to address these purposes. At two study sites, five raster terrain attributes, including measures of orientation, relative position, terrain variability, slope, and rugosity were calculated at multiple scales using four approaches to compare the suitability of the approaches for these three purposes. Results suggested that specific calculation approaches were better suited to certain tasks. A transferable parameter, termed the âanalysis distanceâ, was necessary to compare attributes calculated using different approaches, and we emphasize the utility of such a parameter for facilitating the generalized comparison of terrain attributes across methods, sites, and scales
The Impact of Experimental Pain on Shoulder Movement During an Arm Elevated Reaching Task in a Virtual Reality Environment
Background: People with chronic shoulder pain have been shown to present with motor adaptations during arm movements. These adaptations may create abnormal physical stress on shoulder tendons and muscles. However, how and why these adaptations develop from the acute stage of pain is still not well-understood. Objective: To investigate motor adaptations following acute experimental shoulder pain during upper limb reaching. Methods: Forty participants were assigned to the Control or Pain group. They completed a task consisting of reaching targets in a virtual reality environment at three time points: (1) baseline (both groups pain-free), (2) experimental phase (Pain group experiencing acute shoulder pain induced by injecting hypertonic saline into subacromial space), and (3) Post experimental phase (both groups pain-free). Electromyographic (EMG) activity, kinematics, and performance data were collected. Results: The Pain group showed altered movement planning and execution as shown by a significant increased delay to reach muscles EMG peak and a loss of accuracy, compared to controls that have decreased their mean delay to reach muscles peak and improved their movement speed through the phases. The Pain group also showed protective kinematic adaptations using less shoulder elevation and elbow flexion, which persisted when they no longer felt the experimental pain. Conclusion: Acute experimental pain altered movement planning and execution, which affected task performance. Kinematic data also suggest that such adaptations may persist over time, which could explain those observed in chronic pain populations
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