The term 'advanced robotics' came in the 1980s to describe the application of advanced sensors and new developments in cognitive science and artificial intelligence to the traditional robot. Today, advanced robots have come far beyond the limitations of the crude 'pick-and-place' machines of the 1980s assembly line, and have a vast range of applications in manufacturing, construction and health care, as well as hostile environments such as space, underwater and nuclear applications.
This book provides an essential overview of developments in the basic technologies, looking at recent applications and highlighting a number of advanced concepts and procedures that may influence future developments. The emphasis is on developments in Europe, although the book is also relevant to activities in the USA, Japan and elsewhere. With such a wide and dynamic field, it does not attempt to provide a comprehensive guide; rather, it addresses many key elements of the technology to furnish a complete introduction for both postgraduate students and practising engineers attracted to the challenges of the domain.