JRM Editor’s Choice 2013 (Vol.24)

Vol.24 No.6 pp. 939-948 (December 2012)

A Symbolic Construction Work Flow Based on State Transition Analysis Using Simplified Primitive Static States

Mitsuhiro Kamezaki, Hiroyasu Iwata, and Shigeki Sugano

Abstract: In this paper, a quantitative analysis method for a comprehensive work flow in construction work for identifying work states in more detail is proposed. The proposed method is based on analyzing state transitions of simplified primitive static states (s-PSS), which consist of four symbolic work states defined by using the on-off state of lever operations and...<more>

Vol.24 No.4 pp. 629-641 (August 2012)

Design, Simulation, Fabrication and Testing of a Bio-Inspired Amphibious Robot with Multiple Modes of Mobility

Alexander S. Boxerbaum, Matthew A. Klein, Jeffery E. Kline,
Stuart C. Burgess, Roger D. Quinn, Richard Harkins,
and Ravi Vaidyanathan

Abstract: Surf-zone environments represent an extreme challenges to robot operation. A robot that autonomously navigates rocky terrain, constantly changing underwater currents, hard-packed moist sand and loose dry sand characterizing this environment, would have significant utility in a range of defence and civilian missions. The study of animal locomotion mechanisms ...<more>

Vol.24 No.4 pp. 642-648 (August 2012)

A Bio-Inspired Adaptive Perching Mechanism for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Wanchao Chi, Kin Huat Low, Kay Hiang Hoon,
Johnson Tang, and Tiauw Hiong Go

Abstract: Endurance is the critical problem that most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will definitely encounter. By learning frombirds in nature that perch to reserve energy, however, this problem could probably be solved. The purposes of this paper are to gain inspiration from bird’s perching in a more systematic way, to further propose a design of bio-inspired...<more>

Vol.24 No.1 pp. 261-267 (February 2012)

Multi-Material Anisotropic Friction Wheels for Omnidirectional Ground Vehicles

Genya Ishigami, Jim Overholt, and Karl Iagnemma

Abstract: In this paper, a novel wheel design utilizing the anisotropic friction property for omnidirectional vehicles is presented. The proposed wheel has a series of bendable “nodes” on its circumference, each of which is made of two materials with differing friction properties: one material exhibits high friction, and the other exhibits low friction. Th...<more>