Industrial assets (such as railway lines, roads, pipelines) are usually huge, span long distances, and can be divided into clusters or segments that provide different levels of functionality subject to different loads, degradations and environmental conditions, and their efficient management is necessary. The aim of the book is to give comprehensive understanding about the use of autonomous vehicles (context of robotics) for the utilization of inspection and maintenance activities in industrial asset management in different accessibility and hazard levels. The usability of deploying inspection vehicles in an autonomous manner is explained with the emphasis on integrating the total process. Key Features Aims for solutions for maintenance and inspection problems provided by robotics, drones, unmanned air vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles Discusses integration of autonomous vehicles for inspection and maintenance of industrial assets Covers the industrial approach to inspection needs and presents what is needed from the infrastructure end Presents the requirements for robot designers to design an autonomous inspection and maintenance system Includes practical case studies from industries

The Research Handbook on Warfare and Artificial Intelligence provides a multi-disciplinary exploration of the urgent issues emerging from the increasing use of AI-supported technologies in military operations. Bringing together scholarship from leading experts in the fields of technology and security from across the globe, it sheds light on the wide spectrum of existing and prospective cases of AI in armed conflict.

This book provides insights into how to approach and utilise data science tools, technologies, and methodologies related to artificial intelligence (AI) in industrial contexts. It explains the essence of distributed computing and AI technologies and their interconnections. It includes descriptions of various technology and methodology approaches and their purpose and benefits when developing AI solutions in industrial contexts. In addition, this book summarises experiences from AI technology deployment projects from several industrial sectors. Features: Presents a compendium of methodologies and technologies in industrial AI and digitalisation. Illustrates the sensor-to-actuation approach showing the complete cycle, which defines and differentiates AI and digitalisation. Covers a broad range of academic and industrial issues within the field of asset management. Discusses the impact of Industry 4.0 in other sectors. Includes a dedicated chapter on real-time case studies. This book is aimed at researchers and professionals in industrial and software engineering, network security, AI and machine learning (ML), engineering managers, operational and maintenance specialists, asset managers, and digital and AI manufacturing specialists.

This book constitutes selected papers presented during the Third China Annual Intelligent Robotics Conference, CCF CIRAC 2022, held in Xi' an, China, in December 2022. The 35 papers presented were thoroughly reviewed and selected from the 120 qualified submissions. They are organized in the following topical sections: robot safety; intelligent robot sensing; autonomous robot navigation; artificial intelligence and cloud robot; unmanned cluster collaboration; natural human-computer interaction; other robot-related technologies.

Operations Research (OR) is a fast-evolving field, which is having a significant impact on its neighbouring disciplines of Business Analytics and Data Science, and on contemporary business and management practices. This handbook provides a comprehensive and cutting edge collection of studies in the area. Views differ on what should be included within the scope of OR. The editors of this volume have taken the view that an inclusive stance is the most helpful, both for theory and practice. Real-world problems often require consideration from both ‘softer’ and ‘harder’ perspectives and need consideration of both predictive and prescriptive problems. In accordance with this inclusive approach to OR, the book is divided into six parts, covering Discrete Optimization, Continuous Optimization, Heuristic Search Optimization, Forecasting, Simulation and Prediction, Problem Structuring and Behavioural OR, and finally some recent OR Applications. This wide-ranging handbook includes a culturally diverse collection of authors, with different perspectives and backgrounds around Operations Research. It will be of tremendous value to researchers, students and practitioners in the field of OR

This comprehensive guide to agricultural robots is the ideal companion for any student or professional engineer looking to understand and develop autonomous vehicles to use on the modern farm. With world hunger one of the modern era’s most pressing issues, autonomous agricultural vehicles are a key tool in tackling this problem. Smart farming can increase total factory productivity through designing autonomous vehicles based on specific needs, in addition to implementing smart systems into day-to-day operations. This book provides step-by-step guidance, from the theory behind autonomous vehicles, through to the design process and manufacture. Detailing all components of an autonomous agricultural vehicle, from sensors, controlling algorithms, communication and controlling units, the book covers topics such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. It also includes case studies, and a detailed guide to international policymaking in recent years. Suitable for students and professionals alike, this book will be a key companion to those interested in agricultural engineering, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and mechatronics, in mechanical, automotive, and electrical engineering.

In a world where natural disasters wreak havoc with increasing frequency and severity, the need for accurate prediction and effective management has never been more critical. From earthquakes shattering communities to floods submerging vast regions, these events endanger lives and strain resources and infrastructure to their limits. Yet, amidst this turmoil, traditional forecasting methods often need to catch up, leaving us vulnerable and reactive rather than proactive. This comprehensive academic collection provides a beacon of hope in uncertain circumstances: Internet of Things and AI for Natural Disaster Management and Prediction. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this book empowers academics, policymakers, and practitioners alike to harness the full potential of machine learning in safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

Many industries are affected by the growing advancements and stability of the internet of things (IoT) technologies and tools. These include the agricultural fields. With such advancements, decision-enabling agricultural field data gets gathered and transmitted meticulously through numerous IoT sensors and devices deployed in agricultural fields and their surroundings. Further study on these technologies is required to ensure they are utilized appropriately within the field. Applying Drone Technologies and Robotics for Agricultural Sustainability conveys the latest trends and transitions happening in the digital space in order to fulfill the varying needs and sentiments of the agriculture domain. Covering key topics such as deep learning, robots, sustainability, and smart farming, this premier reference source is ideal for industry professionals, farmers, computer scientists, policymakers, researchers, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

From AI to Robotics: Mobile, Social, and Sentient Robots is a journey into the world of agent-based robotics and it covers a number of interesting topics, both in the theory and practice of the discipline. The book traces the earliest ideas for autonomous machines to the mythical lore of ancient Greece and ends the last chapter with a debate on a prophecy set in the apparent future, where human beings and robots/technology may merge to create superior beings – the era of transhumanism. Throughout the text, the work of leading researchers is presented in depth, which helps to paint the socio-economic picture of how robots are transforming our world and will continue to do so. This work is presented along with the influences and ideas from futurists, such as Asimov, Moravec, Lem, Vinge, and of course Kurzweil. The book furthers the discussion with concepts of Artificial Intelligence and how it manifests in robotic agents. Discussions across various topics are presented in the book, including control paradigm, navigation, software, multi-robot systems, swarm robotics, robots in social roles, and artificial consciousness in robots. These discussions help to provide an overall picture of current day agent- based robotics and its prospects for the future. Examples of software and implementation in hardware are covered in Chapter 5 to encourage the imagination and creativity of budding robot enthusiasts. The book addresses several broad themes, such as AI in theory versus applied AI for robots, concepts of anthropomorphism, embodiment and situatedness, extending theory of psychology and animal behavior to robots, and the proposal that in the future, AI may be the new definition of science. Behavior-based robotics is covered in Chapter 2 and retells the debate between deliberative and reactive approaches. The text reiterates that the effort of modern day robotics is to replicate human-like intelligence and behavior, and the tools that a roboticist has at his or her disposal are open source software, which is often powered by crowd-sourcing. Open source meta-projects, such as Robot Operating System (ROS), etc. are briefly discussed in Chapter 5. The ideas and themes presented in the book are supplemented with cartoons, images, schematics and a number of special sections to make the material engaging for the reader. Designed for robot enthusiasts – researchers, students, or the hobbyist, this comprehensive book will entertain and inspire anyone interested in the exciting world of robots.