Browse Topic: Automation

Items (3,154)
With the global increase in demand for construction equipment, companies face immense pressure to produce more products in a competitive and sustainable way by utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies. Additionally, the need for data analytics and Industry 4.0 is increasing to take better decisions early in the development cycles and during the production phase. Advanced manufacturing processes & adopting Industry 4.0 is the only viable solution to address these challenges. However, the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes in heavy fabrication and construction equipment factories has been slow. A significant challenge is that the products being produced were originally designed for conventional manufacturing processes. When factories are becoming smart and connected through Industry 4.0 solutions, companies must reconsider many established assumptions about advanced manufacturing processes and their benefits. To maximize efficiency gains, improve safety standards
Bhorge, PankajSaseendran, UnnikrishnanRodge, Someshwar
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) routinely navigate unstable and varied terrains—mud, sand, loose gravel, or uneven rock beds—causing increased rolling resistance, reduced traction, and high energy expenditure. Traditional rigid chassis systems lack the flexibility to adapt dynamically to changing surface conditions, leading to inefficiencies in vehicle stability, maneuverability, and fuel economy. This paper proposes an adaptive terrain morphing chassis (ATMC) that can actively modify its structural geometry in real-time using embedded sensors, hydraulic actuators, and soft robotic elements. Drawing inspiration from nature and recent advances in adaptive materials, the ATMC adjusts vehicle ground clearance, track width, and load distribution in response to terrain profile data, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency and performance. Key contributions include: A multi-sensor fusion system for real-time terrain classification Hydraulic actuators and morphing polymers for variable chassis
Vashisht, Shruti
This paper presents a novel approach to automated robot programming and robot integration in manufacturing domain and minimizing the dependency on manual online/offline programming. Traditional industrial robots programming is typically done by online programing via teach pendants or by offline programming tools. This presents a major challenge as it requires skilled professionals and is a time-consuming process. In today’s competitive market, factories need to harness their full potential through smart and adaptive thinking to keep pace with evolving technology, customer demand, and manufacturing processes. This requires ability to manufacture multiple products on the same production line, minimum time for changeovers and implement robotic automation for efficiency enhancement. But each custom automation piece also demands significant human efforts for development and maintenance. By integrating the Robot Operating System (ROS) with vision-based 3D model generation systems, we address
Hepat, Abhijeet
The increasing complexity of autonomous off-highway vehicles, particularly in mining, demands robust safety assurance for Electronic/Electrical (E/E) systems. This paper presents an integrated framework combining Functional Safety (FuSa) and Safety of the Intended Functionality (SOTIF) to address risks in autonomous haulage systems. FuSa, based on ISO 19014[1] and IEC 61508[2], mitigates hazards from system failures, while SOTIF, adapted from ISO 21448[3] addresses functional insufficiency and misuse in complex operational environments. We propose a comprehensive verification and validation (V&V) strategy that identifies hazardous scenarios, quantifies risks, and ensures acceptable safety levels. By tailoring automotive SOTIF standards to off-highway applications, this approach enhances safety for autonomous vehicles in unstructured, high-risk settings, providing a foundation for future industry standards.
Kumar, AmrendraBagalwadi, Saurabh
Modern automotive systems generate a wide range of audio-based signals, such as indicator chimes, turn signals, infotainment system audio, navigation prompts, and warning alerts, to facilitate communication between the vehicle and its occupants. Accurate Classification and transcription of this audio is important for refining driver aid systems, safety features, and infotainment automation. This paper introduces an AI/ML-powered technique for audio classification and transcription in automotive environments. The proposed solution employs a hybrid deep learning architecture that leverages convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), trained using labeled audio samples. Moreover, an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) model is integrated for transcribing spoken navigation prompts and commands from infotainment systems. The proposed system delivers reliable results in real-time audio classification and transcription, facilitating better automation and
Singh, ShwethaKamble, AmitMohanty, AnantaKalidas, Sateesh
Measuring the volume of harvested material behind the machine can be beneficial for various agricultural operations, such as baling, dropping, material decomposition, cultivation, and seeding. This paper aims to investigate and determine the volume of material for use in various agricultural operations. This proposed methodology can help to predict the amount of residue available in the field, assess field readiness for the next production cycle, measure residue distribution, determine hay readiness for baling, and evaluate the quantity of hay present in the field, among other applications which would benefit the customer. Efficient post-harvest residue management is essential for sustainable agriculture. This paper presents an Automated Offboard System that leverages Remote Sensing, IoT, Image Processing, and Machine Learning/Deep Learning (ML/DL) to measure the volume of harvested material in real-time. The system integrates onboard cameras and satellite imagery to analyze the field
Singh, Rana Shakti
Over the past 25 years, the heavy fabrication and construction equipment industry has experienced significant transformation. Driven by a global surge in demand for construction machinery, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver higher volumes within shorter timelines and at competitive costs. This demand surge has been compounded by workforce-related challenges, including a declining interest among the new generation in acquiring traditional manufacturing skills such as welding, heat treatment, and painting. Furthermore, the industry faces difficulties in staffing third-shift operations, which are essential to meet production targets. The adoption of automation technologies in heavy fabrication and construction equipment manufacturing has been gradual and often hindered by legacy product designs that were optimized for conventional manufacturing methods. As the industry transitions toward smart, connected manufacturing environments under the industry 4.0 paradigm, it
Saseendran, UnnikrishnanBhorge, Pankaj
In this study, the optimization of robotic gas metal arc welding (GMAW) parameters for joining hot-rolled ferritic-bainitic FB590 steel sheets with a thickness of 2.5 mm was investigated. The main objective was to evaluate the effect of wire feed speed and welding speed on the penetration depth, throat thickness, and mechanical performance of the welded joint. A series of welding experiments were carried out with wire feed speeds ranging from 50 cm/min to 100 cm/min and welding speeds ranging from 5 cm/min to 15 cm/min. Tensile and microhardness tests were carried out to evaluate the structural integrity of the welded joints. The results show that increasing the wire feed speed significantly improves the weld penetration and throat thickness, especially at constant welding speeds. The most suitable combination was found to be 70 cm/min wire feed at 8 cm/min travel speed and 100 cm/min wire feed at 12 cm/min and 15 cm/min travel speeds. The microhardness in the heat-affected zone
Babir, NaimeÜzel, Uğur
In the context of intelligent transportation systems and applications such as autonomous driving, it is essential to predict a vehicle’s immediate future states to enable precise and timely prediction of vehicles’ movements. This article proposes a hybrid short-term kinematic vehicle prediction framework that integrates a novel object detection model, You Only Look Once version 11 (YOLOv11), with an unscented Kalman filter (UKF), a reliable state estimation technique. This study provides a unique method for real-time detection of vehicles in traffic scenes, tracking and predicting their short-term kinematics. Locating the vehicle accurately and classifying it in a range of dynamic scenarios is achievable by the enhanced detection capabilities of YOLOv11. These detections are used as inputs by the UKF to estimate and predict the future positions of the vehicles while considering measurement noise and dynamic model errors. The focus of this work is on individual vehicle motion prediction
Pahal, SudeshNandal, Priyanka
Trajectory tracking and lateral stability under extreme conditions are critical yet conflicting control objectives due to nonlinear tire dynamics and road adhesion limitation, where accurate characterization of vehicle dynamics for each objective is essential to enable coordinated performance. This article proposes a coordinated control strategy based on switched envelope and composite evaluation to improve both tracking accuracy and stability. Unlike previous stability envelope methods that rely solely on the vehicle’s rear tire saturation boundary to prevent instability, the switched envelope approach incorporates both front and rear tire saturation boundaries to simultaneously mitigate steering loss and instability in trajectory tracking. A critical steering angle, derived from tire slip dynamics and phase plane stability analysis, is formulated as the switching criterion. Additionally, a composite stability evaluation is developed by combining a future disturbance resistance index
Shi, WenboWang, JunlongDing, HaitaoXu, Nan
To mitigate traffic oscillation in mixed traffic flow environments, which reduces road capacity and may lead to traffic accidents, this article innovatively proposes a periodic-configuration vehicular platoon to enhance traffic stability, inspired by the vibration attenuation properties of periodic structures. First, the vehicular platoon model is developed based on the periodic structure principle, and the lumped mass method is applied to derive the platoon spacing transfer matrix. Second, the band gap range is calculated based on the common traffic oscillation frequency by appropriately designing the period parameters in the periodic-configuration vehicular platoon. Additionally, the influence of these period parameters on the band gap range is analyzed. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted to analyze the propagation characteristics of traffic oscillations within the platoon, and the relative position diagrams of vehicles in the platoon are obtained. To validate the
Yang, XiujianZhuang, QingyuanWang, Shenyi
Keshika Warnakula is a Senior Flight Mechanics Engineer at Syos Aerospace Limited and the winner of the 2025 Rising Stars Award Aerospace and Defense category. Syos Aerospace is based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, specializing in robotics engineering and the development of autonomous air, land, and sea vehicles. The company also has an office located in Fareham, UK, and was recently named New Zealand's “Hi-Tech Company Of the Year.”
This specification covers a premium aircraft-quality, low-alloy steel in the form of bars, forgings, mechanical tubing, and forging stock.
AMS E Carbon and Low Alloy Steels Committee
It is expected that Level 4 and 5 automated driving systems-dedicated vehicles (ADS-DVs) will eventually enable persons to travel at will who are otherwise unable to obtain a driver’s license for a conventional vehicle, namely, persons with certain visual, cognitive, and/or physical impairments. This information report focuses on these disabilities but also provides guidance for those with other disabilities. This report is limited to fleet-operated, on-demand, shared mobility scenarios, as this is widely considered to be the first way people will be able to interact with ADS-DVs. To be more specific, this report does not address fixed-route transit services or private vehicle ownership. Similarly, this report is focused on motor vehicles (refer to SAE J3016), not scooters, golf carts, etc. Lastly, this report does not address the design of chair lifts, ramps, or securements for persons who use wheeled mobility devices (WHMD) (e.g., wheelchair, electric cart, etc.), as these matters
On-Road Automated Driving (ORAD) Committee
Despite growing investments, the widespread adoption and scalable deployment of generative artificial intelligence (AI) remains a challenge due to data trustworthiness, regulatory uncertainty, interpretability, and ethical governance. The need to accelerate automation and maintain the human-in-the-loop demonstrates broader questions of responsibility and transparency. Next-gen AI for Aerospace Engineering investigates the transformative role of GenAI within aerospace engineering, examining its shift from conventional workflows toward more AI-driven solutions in design, manufacturing, and maintenance. It emphasizes GenAI’s emerging ability to automate repetitive mundane tasks, reduce design complexity, and optimize engineering pipelines. The report underscores the need for validation methods that must align AI-generated outputs with physics-informed models, integration with legacy engineering tools (e.g., computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, digital twins), and
Khan, Samir
The emergence of SUAS as a threat vector introduces significant challenges in surveillance and defense due to their potential for low cross section and high speeds, defeating or evading many existing detection and tracking capabilities. This paper presents two algorithms—one for detection and one for tracking—developed for event cameras, which offer substantial improvements in temporal resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance compared to traditional imaging systems, all of which are critical for effective UAS defense. These advancements address current limitations in using event cameras and pave the way for a new generation of robust robotic vision based on event cameras.
Anthony, DavidChambers, DavidTowler, Jerry
As unmanned vehicular networks become more prevalent in civilian and defense applications, the need for robust security solutions grows in parallel. While ROS 2 offers a flexible platform for robotic operations, its security model lacks the adaptability required for dynamic trust management and proactive threat mitigation. To address these shortcomings, we propose a novel framework that integrates containerized ROS 2 nodes with Kubernetes-based orchestration, a dynamic trust management subsystem, and integrability with simulators for real-time and protocol-flexible network simulation. By embedding trust management directly within each ROS 2 container and leveraging Kubernetes, we overcome ROS 2’s security limitations by enabling real-time monitoring and machine learning-driven anomaly detection (via an autoencoder trained on custom data), facilitating the isolation or removal of suspicious nodes. Additionally, Kubernetes policies allow seamless scaling and enforcement of trust-based
Tinker, NoahBoone, JuliaWang, Kuang-Ching
Employment of Robotic and Autonomous Systems requires a different paradigm of mission planning, one which considers not only the tasks to be performed by the RAS themselves but regards the flow of information to support the observability of the RAS by the operator. GTRI has developed an initial capability for mission planning of mixed motive, heterogeneous, autonomous systems for management of macro level metrics that support the decision making of the operator or user during employment. The work is ongoing, extensible to additional capability sets, and modular to support integration of other autonomous capabilities.
Spratley, MichaelSchooley, AndrewDickerhoff, Trey
We develop a set of communications-aware behaviors that enable formations of robotic agents to travel through communications-deprived environments while remaining in contact with a central base station. These behaviors enable the agents to operate in environments common in dismounted and search and rescue operations. By operating as a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), robotic agents can respond to environmental changes and react to the loss of any agent. We demonstrate in simulation and on custom robotic hardware a methodology that constructs a communications network by “peeling-off” individual agents from a formation to act as communication relays. We then present a behavior that reconfigures the team’s network topology to reach different locations within an environment while maintaining communications. Finally, we introduce a recovery behavior that enables agents to reestablish communications if a link in the network is lost. Our hardware trials demonstrate the systems capability to
Noren, CharlesChaudhary, SahilShirose, BurhanuddinVundurthy, BhaskarTravers, Matthew
We introduce a LiDAR inertial odometry (LIO) framework, called LiPO, that enables direct comparisons of different iterative closest point (ICP) point cloud registration methods. The two common ICP methods we compare are point-to-point (P2P) and point-to-feature (P2F). In our experience, within the context of LIO, P2F-ICP results in less drift and improved mapping accuracy when robots move aggressively through challenging environments when compared to P2P-ICP. However, P2F-ICP methods require more hand-tuned hyper-parameters that make P2F-ICP less general across all environments and motions. In real-world field robotics applications where robots are used across different environments, more general P2P-ICP methods may be preferred despite increased drift. In this paper, we seek to better quantify the trade-off between P2P-ICP and P2F-ICP to help inform when each method should be used. To explore this trade-off, we use LiPO to directly compare ICP methods and test on relevant benchmark
Mick, DarwinPool, TaylorNagaraju, Madankumar SathenahallyKaess, MichaelChoset, HowieTravers, Matthew
Our research focuses on developing a novel loss function that significantly improves object matching accuracy in multi-robot systems, a critical capability for Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics (SSRR) applications. By enhancing the consistency and reliability of object identification across multiple viewpoints, our approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of environments with complex layouts and interlinked infrastructure components. We utilize ZED 2i cameras to capture diverse scenarios, demonstrating that our proposed loss function, inspired by the DETR framework, outperforms traditional methods in both accuracy and efficiency. The function’s ability to adapt to dynamic and high-risk environments, such as disaster response and critical infrastructure inspection, is further validated through extensive experiments, showing superior performance in real-time decision-making and operational effectiveness. This work not only advances the state of the art in SSRR but also
Brown, Taylor J.Vincent, GraceNakamoto, KyleBhattacharya, Sambit
Bearings are essential mechanical components that support external loads and facilitate rotational motion. With the increasing demand for high-performance applications in industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, and robotics, the need for accurate and robust performance evaluation has intensified. Traditionally, bearing performance has been assessed using static or quasi-static theoretical approaches. However, these methods are limited in their ability to capture time-dependent behaviors, which are critical in real-world applications. In this study, a rigid body dynamics analysis was proposed to evaluate the time-dependent behavior of bearings. The methodology was first applied to a deep groove ball bearing, and the results were compared with those obtained from bearing theory to validate the approach. Subsequently, the method was extended to an automotive wheel bearing, and the time-dependent contact angles and ball loads were analyzed under axial and radial loading conditions
Lee, Seungpyo
The growing emphasis on road safety and environmental sustainability has spurred the development of technologies to enhance vehicle efficiency. Accurate vehicle mass knowledge is crucial for all vehicles, to optimize advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and CCAM (Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility) systems, as well as to improve both safety and energy consumption. Moreover, the continuous need to report precisely on the greenhouse emissions for good transports is becoming a key point to certificate the impact of transportation systems on the environment. Mass influences longitudinal dynamics, affecting parameters such as rolling resistance and inertia, which in turn are critical to adaptive control strategies. Moreover, the knowledge of vehicle mass represents a key challenge and a fundamental aspect for fleet managers of heavy-duty vehicles. Typically, this information is not readily available unless obtained through high-cost weighing systems or estimated
Vicinanza, MatteoAdinolfi, Ennio AndreaPianese, Cesare
Mobileye announced in June that its ongoing work with Volkswagen will deliver the automaker's first production SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles sometime in 2026. The first of these vehicles will be the Volkswagen ID. Buzz AV, which will use the Mobileye Drive autonomous platform and will most likely deploy first in the U.S next year. The ID. Buzz AV is one of four programs Mobileye is working on with VW, Dan Galves, chief communications officer at Mobileye, told SAE Media, and the variety and size of the programs will be key to making AVs scale. The vehicles in each of these programs use the same Mobileye core, with similar cameras and sensors and the same system on chip (SOC), even as the details differ.
Blanco, Sebastian
EPFL researchers have developed a customizable soft robotic system that uses compressed air to produce shape changes, vibrations, and other haptic, or tactile, feedback in a variety of configurations. The device holds significant promise for applications in virtual reality, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
This SAE Recommended Practice provides DA metrics used to quantify the DDT performance of ADS-operated vehicles.3 Here, the primary focus is on the safety-related DDT performance and includes definitions, taxonomy, characteristics, and usage (along with alternatives) for each metric. DDT performance is a subset of overall operational performance of ADS-operated vehicles. Thus, assessments of DDT Fallback [1], cybersecurity, maintenance, interactions with passengers, etc., while important and could have an indirect impact on the DDT, are out of scope for this document. Note that the DA metrics do not specify the actions and/or maneuvers to be executed by the (ADS-operated) subject vehicle (SV). While this document presents a set of individual DA metrics, it is important to note that it is out of the scope of this document to describe how these metrics should be applied in practice. This is because the overall context of the scenario or deployment must be considered during DA metrics
On-Road Automated Driving (ORAD) Committee
The automation of labor-intensive picking and planting operations is having an immediate impact in the agricultural indutry. In its simplest form, robotic automation can reduce the labor and soil disturbance while enabling organic soil cover and increasing species diversification through precision approaches to planting, weeding, and spraying. With this, pesticides and fertilizers can be applied in a more targeted way, and with machinery visiting fields more frequently, earlier and more targeted intervention can occur before pests become established. Small, Mobile, and Autonomous Agricultural Robots identifies issues that need to be resolved fo for this technology to thrive, including improving methods of acquiring and labeling training data to facilitate more accurate models for specific applications. It also discusses concepts such as general-purpose mechanical platforms for use as carriers of agricultural automation systems with high stability, positional accuracy, and variable
Muelaner, Jody E.
Advanced technologies that assist the human driver or reduce (or even eliminate) the human driver’s role are becoming increasingly prevalent in new light-duty vehicles used by the general public. These technologies are divided between Active Safety features that monitor the human driver and vehicle motion and act intermittently to mitigate and avoid crashes, and Driving Automation features that assume some or all of the dynamic driving task from the human driver. Both types of technologies have the potential to reduce injuries and save lives by reducing the frequency and/or severity of crashes. Safety Impacts of Active Safety and Driving Automation Features addresses the current capabilities and future potential for Active Safety and Driving Automation features to reduce crash frequency and severity and provides an overview of the state of the industry for both types of features, including current deployments, trends, and anticipated rollouts. Gaps in knowledge, unsettled issues, and
Wishart, Jeffrey
Perception is a key component of automated vehicles (AVs). However, sensors mounted to the AVs often encounter blind spots due to obstructions from other vehicles, infrastructure, or objects in the surrounding area. While recent advancements in planning and control algorithms help AVs react to sudden object appearances from blind spots at low speeds and less complex scenarios, challenges remain at high speeds and complex intersections. Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology promises to enhance scene representation for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) in complex intersections, providing sufficient time and distance to react to adversary vehicles violating traffic rules. Most existing methods for infrastructure-based vehicle detection and tracking rely on LIDAR, RADAR, or sensor fusion methods, such as LIDAR–camera and RADAR–camera. Although LIDAR and RADAR provide accurate spatial information, the sparsity of point cloud data limits their ability to capture detailed object
Saravanan, Nithish KumarJammula, Varun ChandraYang, YezhouWishart, JeffreyZhao, Junfeng
Warehouse logistics increasingly rely on automation in the form of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), scanners, complex conveyors, and fleet management systems for seamless operation, but it’s the ubiquitous, century-old pallet that remains the critical support system. Make no mistake, if even one of those thousands of pallets is defective, it can create havoc in the warehouse.
The wealth of information provided by our senses that allows our brain to navigate the world around us is remarkable. Touch, smell, hearing, and a strong sense of balance are crucial to making it through what to us seem like easy environments such as a relaxing hike on a weekend morning.
Specialized robots that can both fly and drive typically touch down on land before attempting to transform and drive away. But when the landing terrain is rough, these robots sometimes get stuck and are unable to continue operating. Now a team of Caltech engineers has developed a real-life Transformer that has the “brains” to morph in midair, allowing the dronelike robot to smoothly roll away and begin its ground operations without pause. The increased agility and robustness of such robots could be particularly useful for commercial delivery systems and robotic explorers.
San Francisco startup Canvas has developed a robotic system handling one of the most labor-intensive trades in construction: drywall finishing. Leveraging robotic arms from Universal Robots, Canvas has built a machine that reduces the usual five to seven days of spraying and sanding the drywall to just around two days for both Level 4 and Level 5 finishes.
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