Mobile Robots for Dynamic Environments

For several decades now, mobile robots have been integral to the development of new dynamic robotic systems for a wide range of new applications, even for non-industrial uses. For example, mobile robots have already been developed for such uses as industrial automation, medical care, space exploration, mining operations, surveillance, entertainment, museum guides, and many other applications. In some cases, these products are readily available on the market, while others are still evolving with new robotics research and development. And while a considerable body of literature currently exists on robotics in general, not all of it pertains to technical issues involved with the interface between mobile robots and their surrounding environments. In particular, this book will focus on how mobile robots can be used in many kinds of environments---especially challenging and harsh environments on land, in the air, and underwater--to perform any number of tasks that require locomotion, sensing and specific tasks. Especially critical will be the use of robots in remote locations with the need for reliable and successful operation without the supervision of human operators. Suggestions for further reading and research will also be offered.