Robotic Services for New Paradigm Smart Cities Based on Decentralized Technologies

This article describes different methods of organizing robotic services for smart cities using secure encrypted decentralized technologies and market mechanisms—as opposed to models based on centralized solutions based (or not) on using cloud services and stripping citizens of the control of their own data. The basis of the proposed methods is the Ethereum decentralized computer with the mechanism of smart contracts. In this work, special attention is paid to the integration of technical and economic information into one network of transactions, which allows creating a unified way of interaction between robots—the robot economy. Three possible scenarios of robotic services for smart cities based on the economy of robots are presented: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), environmental monitoring, and smart factories. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scenarios, three experiments are presented and discussed. Our work shows that the Ethereum network can provide, through smart contracts and their ability to activate programs to interact with the physical world, an effective and practical way to manage robot services for smart cities

Analysis of Machine Learning Methods for Wildfire Security Monitoring with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The article is about the methods of machine learning, designed for the detection of wildfires using unmanned aerial vehicles. In the article presented the review of machine learning methods, described the motivation part of machine learning usage and comparison of fire and smoke detection is made. The research was focused on machine learning application for monitoring task with a restrictions according to scenarios of a real monitoring. The results of experiments with demonstration of effectiveness of detection are presented in the conclusion part

Self-employment for autonomous robots using smart contracts

The physical autonomy of robots is well understood both theoretically and practically. By contrast, there is almost no research exploring a robot's potential economic autonomy. In this paper, we present the first economically autonomous robot -- a robot able to produce marketable goods while having full control over the use of its generated income. In our proof-of-concept, the robot is self-employed as an artist. It produces physical artistic goods and uses blockchain-based smart contracts on the Ethereum network to autonomously list its goods for sale in online auctions. Using the blockchain-based smart contract, the robot then uses its income from sales to autonomously order more materials from an online shop, pay for its consumables such as network fees, and remunerate human assistance for support tasks. The robot also uses its income to repay investor loans that funded its initial phase of production. In these transactions, the robot interacts with humans as a peer, not as a tool. In other words, the robot makes peer financial transactions with humans in the same way that another human would, first as an investment vehicle, then as a seller at an auction, and then as a shop customer and a client. Our proof-of-concept is conducted as an in-lab experiment, but gives rise to an important discussion of the legal implications of economically autonomous robots, which under existing frameworks can already be embedded in corporate entities that are classed as artificial persons.Comment: Discussion extended with the legal implications subsectio

Synchronous Ipsilateral Pleomorphic Adenomas of Parotid and Submandibular Glands: An Unusual Finding

A rare case of synchronous ipsilateral pleomorphic adenomas (PA) of the left parotid and submandibular glands is reported. Simultaneous multiple PA in major salivary glands are a very rare entity, and merely few cases of ipsilateral synchronous PA involving parotid and submandibular glands are reported in the literature. The case of a 40-year-old female with a six-year history of asymptomatic growing lesion in both left parotid and left submandibular regions is presented. Left superficial parotidectomy and left submandibular gland excision at the same surgery have been performed. The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of an accurate head and neck presurgery examination both clinically and radiologically, keeping in mind the possibility of multiple tumor location

Toward Autonomous Vehicles and Machinery in Mill Yards of the Forest Industry

Publisher Copyright: © 2013 IEEE.The use of autonomous systems at wood processing sites of forest industries can significantly increase safety, productivity and efficiency by reducing the number of monotonous and dangerous tasks conducted by human labor utilizing heavy machinery. However, autonomous machine operation in mill yards is challenging because of the dynamic and complex working environment and partly unstructured processes. The inherent complexity of wood handling and storage tasks requires significant human expertise. Rapid advancements in sensor technologies and machine learning techniques, along with increases in available computational power have enabled progress in automated operation frameworks and algorithms development, which opens the door to the introduction of novel autonomous systems into this environment. With the aim of gaining a better understanding of current issues and facilitating optimal strategies for the deployment of high-level autonomous systems in mill yard environments, this study: (1) utilizes a systematicliterature review to map current autonomous technologies and algorithms suitable for adoption by the forest industry in automation of vehicles working in mill yards; (2) summarizes and discusses the potential feasibility of the considered sensors, systems and adoption strategies, and considers implementation challenges for high-level autonomous machinery in mill yard environments; and (3) proposes a system framework that integrates multiple technologies to enable autonomous navigation and material handling in mill yards. The study is the first of its kind as a comprehensive study on autonomous vehicles and machinery in mill yard environments. Our novel framework aids in the identification of follow-up research areas and thus promotes the adoption and use of complex autonomous systems in industrial environments.Peer reviewe

Cystic lymphangioma in adult. a case report and a review of the literature

Cystic lymphangioma (CL) in adult is a very rare pathology. Its etiology remains unclear, but it is supposed to be congenital or to be a result of obstruction and lymph fluid retention of developing lymphatic vessels. It generally occurs in the head and neck region, probably because of the rich lymphatics in this area. It can be easily misdiagnosed with other cervicofacial masses. We present the case of a 56-year-old-female presented with a right-sided painless cervical swelling. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and a surgical complete removal was carried out. Histological examination revealed that the mass was composed by a variety of dilated lymph vessels involved in a fibrovascular stroma. Diagnose of CL was done. With this article, we want to highlight the features of CL and its role in the differential diagnoses of adults' cervicofacial masses

Self-employment for autonomous robots using smart contracts

The physical autonomy of robots is well understood both theoretically and practically. By contrast, there is almost no research exploring a robot's potential economic autonomy. In this paper, we present the first economically autonomous robot---a robot able to produce marketable goods while having full control over the use of its generated income. In our proof-of-concept, the robot is self-employed as an artist. It produces physical artistic goods and uses blockchain-based smart contracts on the Ethereum network to autonomously list its goods for sale in online auctions. Using the blockchain-based smart contract, the robot then uses its income from sales to autonomously order more materials from an online shop, pay for its consumables such as network fees, and remunerate human assistance for support tasks. The robot also uses its income to repay investor loans that funded its initial phase of production. In these transactions, the robot interacts with humans as a peer, not as a tool. In other words, the robot makes peer financial transactions with humans in the same way that another human would, first as an investment vehicle, then as a seller at an auction, and then as a shop customer and a client. Our proof-of-concept is conducted as an in-lab experiment, but gives rise to an important discussion of the legal implications of economically autonomous robots, which under existing frameworks can already be embedded in corporate entities that are classed as artificial persons

Self-employment for autonomous robots using smart contracts

The physical autonomy of robots is well understood both theoretically and practically. By contrast, there is almost no research exploring a robot's potential economic autonomy. In this paper, we present the first economically autonomous robot---a robot able to produce marketable goods while having full control over the use of its generated income. In our proof-of-concept, the robot is self-employed as an artist. It produces physical artistic goods and uses blockchain-based smart contracts on the Ethereum network to autonomously list its goods for sale in online auctions. Using the blockchain-based smart contract, the robot then uses its income from sales to autonomously order more materials from an online shop, pay for its consumables such as network fees, and remunerate human assistance for support tasks. The robot also uses its income to repay investor loans that funded its initial phase of production. In these transactions, the robot interacts with humans as a peer, not as a tool. In other words, the robot makes peer financial transactions with humans in the same way that another human would, first as an investment vehicle, then as a seller at an auction, and then as a shop customer and a client. Our proof-of-concept is conducted as an in-lab experiment, but gives rise to an important discussion of the legal implications of economically autonomous robots, which under existing frameworks can already be embedded in corporate entities that are classed as artificial persons

Towards Blockchain-based Multi-Agent Robotic Systems : Analysis, Classification and Applications

Decentralization, immutability and transparency make of Blockchain one of the most innovative technology of recent years. This paper presents an overview of solutions based on Blockchain technology for multi-agent robotic systems, and provide an analysis and classification of this emerging field. The reasons for implementing Blockchain in a multi-robot network may be to increase the interaction efficiency between agents by providing more trusted information exchange, reaching a consensus in trustless conditions, assessing robot productivity or detecting performance problems, identifying intruders, allocating plans and tasks, deploying distributed solutions and joint missions. Blockchain-based applications are discussed to demonstrate how distributed ledger can be used to extend the number of research platforms and libraries for multi-agent robotic systems.arXiv:1907.07433</p