Humanoids; a most intriguing subject to behold by both the engineers and the world at large. With the introduction of humanoid robot NAO by Aldebaran-Robotics in 2008, a performant biped robot is now available and affordable for research laboratories and the mass market. In this paper, an exploration of current trends in control methods of biped walks, behavior interface tools for motion control for NAO and imminent findings in both research areas are discussed. Future directions are for researchers to devise a unique controller with low power consumption without compromising the robot's speed and robustness.
Finger prostheses are devices developed to emulate the functionality of natural human fingers. On top of their aesthetic appearance in terms of shape, size and colour, such biomimetic devices require a high level of dexterity. They must be capable of gripping an object, and even manipulating it in the hand. This paper presents a biomimetic robotic finger actuated by a hybrid mechanism and integrated with a tactile sensor. The hybrid actuation mechanism comprises a DC micromotor and a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire. A customized test rig has been developed to measure the force and stroke produced by the SMA wire. In parallel with the actuator development, experimental investigations have been conducted on Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) and Pressure Conductive Rubber (PCR) towards the development of a tactile sensor for the finger. The viability of using these materials for tactile sensing has been determined. Such a hybrid actuation approach aided with tactile sensing capability enables a finger design as an integral part of a prosthetic hand for applications up to the transradial amputation level.
This paper offers a preliminary study on Lean Tools (LT) implementation in Malaysian Food and Beverages Industry. A survey was carried out to determine the most common LT that are currently being implemented in this industry. Out of 1309, a total of 300 organizations have been randomly selected as respondents. The results were analyzed using Rasch Model, and the findings show that the organizations apply only six out of eighteen LT. From the variable map, Kaizen is the most preferable LT, while Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) is the least favorable LT. LT such as Just-In-Time (JIT), Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Poka Yoke is still unfamiliar in current practice in this industry. This shows that, even though the organizations claim that they are Lean Manufacturing (LM) implementers, they are still at the infancy level. Finally, this is perhaps the first attempt in identifying the extent of LT implementation in Malaysian Food and Beverages Industry using Rasch Model.
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