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This paper presents a mathematical model that can be used to virtually reconstruct the posture of the human spine. By using orientation angles from a wearable monitoring system based on inertial sensors, the model calculates and represents the curvature of the spine. Several hypotheses are taken into consideration to increase the model precision. An estimation of the postures that can be calculated is also presented. A non-invasive solution to identify the human back shape can help reducing the time needed for medical rehabilitation sessions. Moreover, it prevents future problems caused by poor posture.

Abstract:In this paper is presented an experimental study that aims to compare the depth perception of virtual prototypes in immersive virtual environments with the depth perception of CAD models using 2D LCD display. First, a multipurpose solution of a large-scale interactive multi wall projected virtual environment named Holo-CAVE is described and then the conducted experiments are presented. The experiments carried out highlight that perceived depth values estimated for virtual prototypes are significantly influenced by the 3D stereoscopic visualization. Another interesting result of the study is that the estimated depth accuracy increases with the depth size that has to be perceived. The results of experimental study illustrate that the use of immersive stereoscopic visualization is useful during Computer Aided Design related activities.

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In the context of automation and digitalization technologies and due to the existing trends of re-urbanization, autonomous vehicles for execution of services such as package delivery, transportation, vegetation care and street cleaning are considered innovative solutions. This paper presents a concept and implementation of a system developed to plan and deliver packages within pedestrian areas, using autonomous vehicles. The novelty of the system lies in the systematic view of this use case, which considers all stakeholder views from the CEP (courier, express, and parcel services) provider, traffic participants, and customers and where the technical and technological innovation is guided by interactivity with the users. This work outlines the design and integration of user interaction, the developed vehicles within the fleet designed for operating within pedestrian environments, and localization and navigation strategies. After the vehicles were approved and certified from a technical point of view to operate in pedestrian areas, the entire system was tested and evaluated in a new city district of Heilbronn with approximately 800 inhabitants. In the last six weeks of experiments, 572 packages were delivered in an autonomous way. The interactive way of planning and executing services on demand led, according to a market study in Heilbronn, to an increased acceptance of the users for autonomous package delivery services from 76% to 91%.

In the field of mobile robotics, the process of robot localization and global trajectory planning in robot operating scenes, that are completely or partially known, represents one of the main issues that are essential for providing the desired robot functionality. This paper introduces the basic elements of path planning for an autonomous mobile robot equipped with sonar sensors, operating in a static environment. The path planning process is initially performed by using a known map. Next, the sonar sensors are used to localize the robot, based on obstacle avoidance techniques. The effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm proposed in this paper is demonstrated by the simulation results.

This paper proposes a new approach to real-time robot controlling by integrating an Electrooculography (EOG) measuring device within human-robot interaction (HRI). Our study focuses on controlling robots using EOG for fulfilling elementary robot activities such as basic motor movements and environment interaction. A new EOG-based HRI paradigm has been developed on the specific defined problem of eye blinking. The resulted model is tested using biometric capturing equipment. We propose a simple algorithm for real-time identification and processing of signals produced by eyes during blinking phases. We present the experimental setup and the results of the experiment. We conclude by listing further research issues.