This paper presents a biologically-inspired, hardware-realisable spiking neuron model, which we call the Temporal Noisy-Leaky Integrator (TNLI). The dynamic applications of the model as well as its applications in Computational Neuroscience are demonstrated and a learning algorithm based on...

Purpose – Aims to demonstrate how robot technology, machine vision, voice recognition and artificial intelligence can be applied to creating an automated surgeon's assistant that is functional and cost‐effective. Design/methodology/approach – Presents the development process that led to...

Purpose – Aims to project how electroactive polymer will replace conventional electromagnetic motor driven solutions for service and industrial robots. Design/methodology/approach – Presents the ability of electro active polymer to provide higher power density for robot actuation over...

Purpose – Examines a recently launched integration of smart cameras into industrial robots to make them responsive to a changing environment. Design/methodology/approach – Reviews the capabilities of the vision‐enabled robot, citing installations in Sweden and the UK, then describes the...

Purpose – Offers a broad overview on Japanese prototype service robot R&D trends and examples. Design/methodology/approach – Displays two examples of service robotics: the forestry robot WOODY‐1, and the android presenter and entertainer/informer/guide Repliee Q1. Findings – More and...

Purpose – To report on the design and development of a robotic automobile aluminium frame welding system. Design/methodology/approach – The customer contracted with a team of suppliers, each with unique skills and products necessary for welding thin aluminium framing. The team employed...

Purpose – Aims to summarise the programme of UV Europe, a conference on unmanned vehicles that took place in Paris in June 2005. Design/methodology/approach – Selects key conference presentations and summarises their contents, indicating the main themes. Findings – Finds very strong...