The paper addresses three important topics in mobile robotics. These are the path follower, the multi-sensors and the steering fuzzy controllers for wheeled mobile robot. This paper presents a novel computer vision methodology for building a system capable of determining the presence of a path follower, tracking the objects on that path, and recognizing the objects shape in vertical or in horiz...

The suspension basically comprises of a linkage which is a 3D mechanism SRRS (Spherical, Revolute, Revolute, Spherical). On the basis of six included angles of this four bar chain, position of kingpin axis is determined. Once the position of kingpin axis is decided corresponding steering parameters can be determined. In such complex phenomenon involving non-linear kinematics where validation of...

The need for light weight yet highly mobile robotic platforms is driven by the limitation of available power. With unlimited energy, surface exploration missions could survive for months or years and greatly exceed their current productivity. The Sun-Synchronous Navigation project is developing long-duration solar-powered robot exploration through research in planning techniques and low-mass ro...

Phonotactic steering behaviour of the cricket G. bimaculatus was analysed with a new highly sensitive trackball system providing a spatial and temporal resolution of 127 microm and 0.3 ms, respectively. Orientation to artificial calling songs started at 45 dB SPL, it increased up to 75 dB SPL and then saturated. When exposed to two identical patterns of different intensity, crickets significant...

Dipteran flies are amongst the smallest and most agile of flying animals. Their wings are driven indirectly by large power muscles, which cause cyclical deformations of the thorax that are amplified through the intricate wing hinge. Asymmetric flight manoeuvres are controlled by 13 pairs of steering muscles acting directly on the wing articulations. Collectively the steering muscles account for...

Coordination of the complete capture sequence of the praying mantis has been studied in detail using several specially developed photographic techniques. The mantis was able to attack prey throughout a large three-dimensional capture zone by changing body orientation relative to its perch. This orientation centred prey on the median plane and brought it within an attack zone relative to the pro...

Perhaps the most extraordinary surviving relic from the ancient Greek world is a device containing over thirty gear wheels dating from the late 2nd century B.C., and now known as the Antikythera Mechanism. This device is an order of magnitude more complicated than any surviving mechanism from the following millennium, and there is no known precursor. It is clear from its structure and inscripti...

Pathfinding by nerve growth cones depends on attractive and repulsive turning in response to a variety of guidance cues. Here we present direct evidence to demonstrate an essential and instructive role for microtubules (MTs) in growth cone steering. First, both growth cone attraction and repulsion induced by diffusible cues in culture can be completely blocked by low concentrations of drugs tha...