Purpose – In this paper, two omni‐directional mobile vehicles are designed and controlled implementing distributed mechatronics controllers. Omni‐directionality is the ability of mobile vehicle to move instantaneously in any direction. It is achieved by implementing Mecanum wheels in one...

Purpose – This paper aims to present a novel modular robot that provides a flexible framework for exploring adaptive locomotion. Design/methodology/approach – A new modular robot is presented called YaMoR (for “Yet another Modular Robot”). Each YaMoR module contains an FPGA and a...

Purpose – The development of a novel omni‐directional inspection robot is presented, which is capable of delivering NDT sensors to surfaces on straight pipe, pipe bends and branch connections, overcoming the limitation that a test area over a pipe bend or past a branch or other obstruction...

Purpose – Legged vehicles offer several advantages over wheeled vehicles, particularly on broken terrain, but are presently too slow to be considered for many high‐speed tasks. This paper presents an effective 3D controller for a high‐speed quadruped trot. Design/methodology/approach –...

Purpose – Human care and service demands will need innovative robotic solutions to make the day‐to‐day life of elderly and disabled people in home and workplace environments easier. The main objective of this work is to develop a new concept of climbing robot for this type of service...

Purpose – This paper seeks to describe how signs can be used as a part of the work task scenarios with service robot. Design/methodology/approach – The signs are used to control a work task of a mobile service robot. Tests are done in real outdoor and non‐structured environments with the...

Purpose – To report on the design and development of a robotic product carton packing system that handles both soft plastic pouches or bags and small individual serving boxes and places into shipping cartons. Design/methodology/approach – A food processing equipment OEM teamed with a control...

Purpose – Aims to describe the new tendency of Japanese robotic industry observed at the International Robot Exhibition 2005 in Tokyo. Design/methodology/approach – Reports new robots, robotic systems and research. Findings – Finds that Japanese robotics is trying to support the future...

Purpose – Describes how Jaguar Cars in the UK is using robots to manufacture aluminium car bodies for its new XK sports car that is being built in the company's plant in Castle Bromwich, UK. Design/methodology/approach – Describes the major production line techniques that are used in the...

Purpose – Reports on trends in the design and application of robots in the Japanese automotive industry. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys the business practices of Japanese automotive manufacturers and their plants in Japan and overseas Findings – Since, the 1990s, Japanese...