International Journal of Automation and Smart Technology 

About: International Journal of Automation and Smart Technology is an academic journal published by International Journal of Automation and Smart Technology. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Mobile robot & Automation. It has an ISSN identifier of 2223-9766. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 233 publications have been published receiving 884 citations. The journal is also known as: AUSMT.

Iterative Learning Control for Trajectory Tracking of Robot Manipulators

Abstract: Iterative learning control (ILC) has been shown to be effective in improving tracking performance of repetitive tasks, and is widely used in the motion control systems of CNC machines, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, hard disk drives, etc. However, applying ILC to robot manipulators requires careful consideration of nonlinear dynamics. We propose using a computed torque controller and the disturbance observer (DOB) to robustly linearize the dynamics of robot manipulators. The PD feedback controller is then applied for each joint to achieve the desired bandwidth and damping ratio. Both control-based ILC and command-based ILC are implemented separately in the linearized system as a feedforward compensator to enhance trajectory tracking accuracy. The proposed control system is realized in a six-axis industrial robot. Experimental results show that DOB is indispensable for robust feedback linearization so that ILC can work on the linearized system to improve the tracking performance for repetitive motion. Satisfactory and similar performance is accomplished by both control-based ILC and command-based ILC.

Multifunctional Inshore Survey Platform with Unmanned Surface Vehicles

Abstract: Because of extreme weather and frequent natural disasters, improvement of disaster prevention capabilities and early warning technologies is an urgent matter. Inshore areas are where ocean and land intersect; the sea conditions and environment are complex and changeable, and human activities are frequent in these areas. Natural disasters, such as a substantial rise in sea levels, coastal erosion and transitions, and rapid flooding from tsunamis, and human development projects, pollution, and ecological damage must be thoroughly investigated, monitored, recorded, and prevented. The west coast of Taiwan, particularly the southeast coastal plain, is a highly populated narrow area; thus, field survey tools with a high degree of freedom and flexible applications are required for data collection to reach its full potential. The Taiwan Ocean Research Institute developed an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) for the “Long Term Observation for Research Performed in TORI” 2010 project. This USV is a platform that integrates scientific equipment, including Wi-Fi communication and a satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) with navigation images and signals, to form an internal network with onshore control bases to allow the instant acquisition of measured data and enable researchers to conduct surveys in safe conditions. USVs are appropriate for various types of inshore research and surveys, such as marine topography, sediment disposition analysis, inshore engineering measurements, and the monitoring of hydrology, water quality, and the environment. One aim of the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) is to establish a method to use the USV for collecting inshore marine topography, hydrology, water quality, and meteorological data. Integrating field investigations of Taiwan’s coastal waters will provide data for verifying numerical simulations and lead scientists to explore novel and unknown areas.

Earthquake Early Warning Systems

Abstract: Because of Taiwan’s unique geographical environment, earthquake disasters occur frequently in Taiwan. The Central Weather Bureau collated earthquake data from between 1901 and 2006 (Central Weather Bureau, 2007) and found that 97 earthquakes had occurred, of which, 52 resulted in casualties. The 921 Chichi Earthquake had the most profound impact. Because earthquakes have instant destructive power and current scientific technologies cannot provide precise early warnings in advance, earthquake prevention is crucial. The earthquake early warning system can provide seconds to tens of seconds of warning time before an earthquake strikes. This paper introduces the earthquake early warning system build by Taiwan National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering and a practice case happened in Yilan City, Taiwan.

An Improvement Stereo Vision Images Processing for Object Distance Measurement

Abstract: Human has the ability to roughly estimate the distance of objects because of the stereo vision of human’s eyes. In this paper we proposed an improved stereo vision system to accurately measure the distance of objects in real world. Object distance is very useful for obstacle avoidance and navigation of autonomous vehicles. Recent researches have used stereo cameras for different applications such as 3D image construction, distance measurement, and occlusion detection. The proposed measurement procedure is a three-phase process: object detection, segmentation, and distance calculation. In distance calculation, we proposed a new algorithm to reduce the error. The result shows our measurement system is capable of providing objects distance with less than 5% of measurement error.

Trend Analysis for the Market and Application Development of 3D Printing

Abstract: In 2011, the Economist newspaper declared the advent of 3D printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM), to herald the start of the Third Industrial Revolution. Chris Anderson, originator of the “long-tail theory”, not only authored Makers, a book on3D printing, but also co-founded 3D Robotics to realize his vision for the potential of 3D printing by applying his perspectives embedded in his book. Nevertheless, opposing viewpoints suggest that 3D printing may not be the game changer its proponents claim. The article explores the technical classification and market growth potential of 3D printing, and analyzes the main markets and countries as well as the application scope of 3D printing.