Purpose – This paper presents a novel hands‐free control system for intelligent wheelchairs (IWs) based on visual recognition of head gestures. Design/methodology/approach – A robust head gesture‐based interface (HGI), is designed for head gesture recognition of the RoboChair user. The...

Purpose – To review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovative robot applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews were conducted with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific...

Purpose – To report on developments in robotic vision by a particular robot manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach – Examines FANUC Robotics' philosophy and history of integrated vision, describes its latest offering, and looks at the specification of the new robot controller. Findings...

Purpose – To review the Robotics Industry Forum, held in November 2006 in Orlando, Florida. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews some highlights of the forum. Findings – The format of the event provides for various presentations on a range of topics from robotics in the...

Purpose – This paper aims to present a new stair‐climbing wheelchair that tries to solve adaptability problems of previous prototypes. Design/methodology/approach – A new prototype has been built using a new strategy. The climbing process is splint into two subproblems: climbing a single...

Purpose – This paper aims to address some of the needs of present and upcoming rover designs, and introduces novel concepts incorporated in a planetary surface exploration rover design that is currently under development. Design/methodology/approach – The Multitasking Rover (MTR) is a highly...

Purpose – The aim of this research is to design a wall climbing robot (WCR) for the non‐destructive inspection (NDT) of the above‐ground storage tanks (ASTs) autonomously making the industrial inspection and maintenance tasks safer. Design/methodology/approach – A WCR is designed that...

Purpose – The aim is to develop a force assistance system for standing‐up which prevents the decreasing of physical strength of the patient by using their remaining physical strength. Design/methodology/approach – The system realizes the standing up motion using the support bar with two...

Purpose – Aims to show how robots can be used to prototype and prove key handling operations during the design of food processing machines. This can reduce both development time and costs. Design/methodology/approach – A number of examples of the use of robots during the design of food...

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on cybernetic transportation systems (CTS) due to their effectiveness for solving mobility problems in cities. A new mobility concept is proposed which allows to attain the same flexibility of the private passenger car but with much less nuisances. It is...