Purpose – Underwater robots are one of the effective solutions for underwater exploration. Fish's swimming motion is more effective and efficient than propeller screw propulsion which is more popular for underwater vehicles. So far, a lot of fish‐like robots that have several actuated joints...

Purpose – Biological systems such as insects have often been used as a source of inspiration when developing walking robots. Insects' ability to nimbly navigate uneven terrain, and their observed behavioral complexity have been a beacon for engineers who have used behavioral data and...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the robotic quadrupedal platform ALoF that is designed to aid research on perception in legged locomotion. Design/methodology/approach – A well‐balanced size and complexity of the robot results in a robust platform that is easy to handle,...

Purpose – This paper seeks to present a novel approach for formation control of non‐holonomic wheeled mobile robots (WMRs). The use of a general geometrical structure has led the considered robotic team form any desired configuration. Although various methodologies have been suggested for...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a robot for surveillance able to move in structured and unstructured environments and able to overcome obstacles with high energetic efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed Epi.q‐TG hybrid robot combines...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a high load capacity coaxial couple wheeled robot (CCWR) and investigate a simple structure but effective fuzzy equilibrium controller based on (Takagi‐Sugeno) T‐S for balance control in wide‐angle range. Design/methodology/approach –...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a robot vision system which put rings on hooks that are moving freely on a conveyor belt. The hook can show a significant swinging which can be well approximated by a pendulum movement. The problem is of large relevance for many industrial...

Purpose – Two and one half‐dimensional (2.5D) grid maps are useful for navigation in outdoor environment or on non‐flat surface. However, little attention has been given to how to find an optimal path in a 2.5D grid map. The purpose of this paper is to develop a path‐planning method in a...

Purpose – This paper seeks to report on the Robot Award of Japan and to review the award winners of 2010. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on findings at the exhibition, published papers and in‐depth interviews with award winners. Findings – The Ministry of Economics,...

Purpose – This paper aims to review the use of imaging technologies in robotics, with an emphasis on inspection applications and the control of autonomous robots. Design/methodology/approach – Following a brief introduction, this paper first considers vision‐based robotic inspection...