Remote Manipulation Systems


Book Description

A famous French writer, Anatole France, liked to say, "The future is a convenient place to position our dreams" (1927). Indeed, this remark gains full meaning when one considers the history of what we call today "Robotics." For more than 3000 years, mankind has dreamt ofthe possibility of arti ficial machines that would have all the advantages of human slaves without any of their drawbacks. With the developments in technology since the end of World War II, mainly with the explosive progress of computers, it was thought we might at last succeed in transforming this everlasting dream into reality. In the mind of scientists of the 1950's, to make such intelligent and autonomous machines before the year 2000 seemed a small challenge: it was obvious, thanks to computers and Artificial Intelligence. But, in spite of progress in some directions, we must admit that the dream remains a dream and that the basic problems denying us a successful issue are not solved. In fact, if we except industrial robots, only calling for classical automata theory, the main advanced result concerning autonomous and intelligent machines is related to some understanding of reasons why we have failed during the past years.




The ROV Manual


Book Description

The ROV Manual: A User Guide for Observation-Class Remotely Operated Vehicles is the first manual to provide a basic ""How To"" for using small observation-class ROVs for surveying, inspection and research procedures. It serves as a user guide that offers complete training and information about ROV operations for technicians, underwater activities enthusiasts, and engineers working offshore. The book focuses on the observation-class ROV and underwater uses for industrial, recreational, commercial, and scientific studies. It provides information about marine robotics and navigation tools used to obtain mission results and data faster and more efficiently. This manual also covers two common denominators: the technology and its application. It introduces the basic technologies needed and their relationship to specific requirements; and it helps identify the equipment essential for a cost-effective and efficient operation. This user guide can be invaluable in marine research and surveying, crime investigations, harbor security, military and coast guarding, commercial boating, diving and fishing, nuclear energy and hydroelectric inspection, and ROV courses in marine and petroleum engineering. * The first book to focus on observation class ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) underwater deployment in real conditions for industrial, commercial, scientific and recreational tasks * A complete user guide to ROV operation with basic information on underwater robotics and navigation equipment to obtain mission results quickly and efficiently * Ideal for anyone involved with ROVs complete with self-learning questions and answers










Benchmark Models of Control System Design for Remotely Operated Vehicles


Book Description

This book is intended to meet the needs of those who seek to develop control systems for ROVs when there is no model available during the initial design stage. The modeling, simulation and application of marine vehicles like underwater robotic vehicles (URVs) are multidisciplinary, and combine mathematical aspects from various engineering disciplines. URVs such as remotely operated vehicle (ROVs) are used for a wide range of applications such as exploring the extreme depths of our ocean, where a hard-wired link is still required. Most ROVs operate in extreme environments with uncertainties in the model prior to control system design. However, the method involved extensive testing before the system model could be used for any control actions. It has been found that the range of error can be extensive and uncertain in actual, continuously varying conditions. Hence, it is important to address the problem of reliance on model testing using different modeling approaches. In this book, approaches such as WAMIT, ANSYS-CFX, STAR CCM+, MATLAB and Simulink are used to model parameters for ROVs. A few benchmark models are provided, allowing researchers and students to explore and test different control schemes. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable reference guide for postgraduate and undergraduate students engaged in modeling and simulation for ROV control.










The ROV Manual


Book Description

Written by two well-known experts in the field with input from a broad network of industry specialists, The ROV Manual, Second Edition provides a complete training and reference guide to the use of observation class ROVs for surveying, inspection, and research purposes. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and substantially expanded, with nine new chapters, increased coverage of mid-sized ROVs, and extensive information on subsystems and enabling technologies. Useful tips are included throughout to guide users in gaining the maximum benefit from ROV technology in deep water applications. Intended for marine and offshore engineers and technicians using ROVs, The ROV Manual, Second Edition is also suitable for use by ROV designers and project managers in client companies making use of ROV technology.




Introduction to Autonomous Manipulation


Book Description

“Autonomous manipulation” is a challenge in robotic technologies. It refers to the capability of a mobile robot system with one or more manipulators that performs intervention tasks requiring physical contacts in unstructured environments and without continuous human supervision. Achieving autonomous manipulation capability is a quantum leap in robotic technologies as it is currently beyond the state of the art in robotics. This book addresses issues with the complexity of the problems encountered in autonomous manipulation including representation and modeling of robotic structures, kinematic and dynamic robotic control, kinematic and algorithmic singularity avoidance, dynamic task priority, workspace optimization and environment perception. Further development in autonomous manipulation should be able to provide robust improvements of the solutions for all of the above issues. The book provides an extensive tract on sensory-based autonomous manipulation for intervention tasks in unstructured environments. After presenting the theoretical foundations for kinematic and dynamic modelling as well as task-priority based kinematic control of multi-body systems, the work is focused on one of the most advanced underwater vehicle-manipulator system, SAUVIM (Semi-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for Intervention Missions). Solutions to the problem of target identification and localization are proposed, a number of significant case studies are discussed and practical examples an d experimental/simulation results are presented. The book may inspire the robot research community to further investigate critical issues in autonomous manipulation and to develop robot systems that can profoundly impact our society for the better.