We propose economically autonomous behavior as a novel goal for robotic systems. Currently examples of robotic autonomy are often limited to restricted physical environments such as a factory or road. In this paper we instead restrict the notion of autonomy to a social environment: the economy. We define economically autonomous behavior and describe different levels of independence culminating ...

Robotic operations performed in earth orbit face unique challenges. In the case of the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), a two-armed robotic device, operations can last multiple orbital days, with dynamic sunlit days and very dark nights. Direct and indirect visibility can be difficult. This project developed and tested the use of augmented reality technology with a ground based tra...

Robotic missions beyond 2013 will likely be precursors to a manned habitat deployment on Mars. Such missions require robust control systems for long duration activities. Current single rover missions will evolve into deployment of multiple, heterogeneous cooperating robotic colonies. This paper describes the map-making memory and action selection mechanism of BISMARC (Biologically Inspired Syst...

With the robotic exploration of the Solar System well underway, a logical next step is the development of spacecraft capable of exploring the regions beyond the orbit of Pluto (e.g., the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud), or capable of exploring in situ the nearer extra-solar planetary systems. Barring unforeseen advances in propulsion and communications technologies, the mission times for such v...

Robotic animals are regularly used in behavioral experiments, typically in experimental interactions with individuals of the species they were modelled on. In order to do so successfully, these robots need to be designed carefully, taking into consideration the specific perceptual system of the model species. We used marker-based motion capture to measure head bobbing in a widely popular lizard...

The goal of the SmartWheeler project is to increase the autonomy and safety of individuals with severe mobility impairments by developing a robotic wheelchair that is adapted to their needs. The platform we have built also serves as a test-bed for validating novel concepts and algorithms for automated decision-making onboard socially assistive robots.

Applications of robotic and wearable sensors based systems for human assistance or health monitoring have been gaining popularity in recent years. Among its diverse applications, therapeutic robotic systems have been utilized in the muscular physiotherapies for movement training, wrist and arm treatment for injuries and overexertions, and other therapies. Applications of wearable sensors for hu...

Moral competence is an increasingly recognized challenge and goal for human–robot interaction and robotic design. For autonomous robots, the question is how they can arrive at and execute the best action in a certain context. This paper explores how a computational system could best decide and act given the practical, logistical, and cultural constraints involved. We argue that in ethically cha...

5 Ostendorp, W., 1989. 'Die-back' of reeds in Europe a critical review of literature. Aquat. Bot., 35: 5-26. Reed decline phenomena have been detected in more than 35 lakes in Europe. About 110 publications and reports, which have dealt with this subject, are evaluated in this paper. The localities and the circumstances that go with the reed 'die-back' are listed. The methods of investigation a...

Model-Based Autonomous Systems for Robotic Space Exploration p. 4 Models of Computation and Simulation of Hybrid Systems p. 5 Modular Specification of Hybrid Systems in Charon p. 6 Approximate Reachability Analysis of Piecewise-Linear Dynamical Systems p. 20 Maximal Safe Set Computation for Idle Speed Control of an Automotive Engine p. 32 Optimization-Based Verification and Stability Characteri...