Search results

1 – 10 of 146
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 14 December 2021

Vítor Tinoco, Manuel F. Silva, Filipe N. Santos, António Valente, Luís F. Rocha, Sandro A. Magalhães and Luis C. Santos

The motivation for robotics research in the agricultural field has sparked in consequence of the increasing world population and decreasing agricultural labor availability. This…

347

Abstract

Purpose

The motivation for robotics research in the agricultural field has sparked in consequence of the increasing world population and decreasing agricultural labor availability. This paper aims to analyze the state of the art of pruning and harvesting manipulators used in agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

A research was performed on papers that corresponded to specific keywords. Ten papers were selected based on a set of attributes that made them adequate for review.

Findings

The pruning manipulators were used in two different scenarios: grapevines and apple trees. These manipulators showed that a light-controlled environment could reduce visual errors and that prismatic joints on the manipulator are advantageous to obtain a higher reach. The harvesting manipulators were used for three types of fruits: strawberries, tomatoes and apples. These manipulators revealed that different kinematic configurations are required for different kinds of end-effectors, as some of these tools only require movement in the horizontal axis and others are required to reach the target with a broad range of orientations.

Originality/value

This work serves to reduce the gap in the literature regarding agricultural manipulators and will support new developments of novel solutions related to agricultural robotic grasping and manipulation.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 49 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 17 August 2021

João Pedro C. de Souza, António M. Amorim, Luís F. Rocha, Vítor H. Pinto and António Paulo Moreira

The purpose of this paper is to present a programming by demonstration (PbD) system based on 3D stereoscopic vision and inertial sensing that provides a cost-effective pose…

202

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a programming by demonstration (PbD) system based on 3D stereoscopic vision and inertial sensing that provides a cost-effective pose tracking system, even during error-prone situations, such as camera occlusions.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed PbD system is based on the 6D Mimic innovative solution, whose six degrees of freedom marker hardware had to be revised and restructured to accommodate an IMU sensor. Additionally, a new software pipeline was designed to include this new sensing device, seeking the improvement of the overall system’s robustness in stereoscopic vision occlusion situations.

Findings

The IMU component and the new software pipeline allow the 6D Mimic system to successfully maintain the pose tracking when the main tracking tool, i.e. the stereoscopic vision, fails. Therefore, the system improves in terms of reliability, robustness, and accuracy which were verified by real experiments.

Practical implications

Based on this proposal, the 6D Mimic system reaches a reliable and low-cost PbD methodology. Therefore, the robot can accurately replicate, on an industrial scale, the artisan level performance of highly skilled shop-floor operators.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the sensor fusion between stereoscopic images and IMU applied to robot PbD is a novel approach. The system is entirely designed aiming to reduce costs and taking advantage of an offline processing step for data analysis, filtering and fusion, enhancing the reliability of the PbD system.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2020

João Pedro Carvalho de Souza, André Luiz Castro, Luís F. Rocha and Manuel F. Silva

This paper aims to propose a translation library capable of generating robots proprietary code after their offline programming has been performed in a software application, named…

211

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a translation library capable of generating robots proprietary code after their offline programming has been performed in a software application, named AdaptPack Studio, running over a robot simulation and offline programming software package.

Design/methodology/approach

The translation library, named AdaptPack Studio Translator, is capable to generate proprietary code for the Asea Brown Boveri, FANUC, Keller und Knappich Augsburg and Yaskawa Motoman robot brands, after their offline programming has been performed in the AdaptPack Studio application.

Findings

Simulation and real tests were performed showing an improvement in the creation, operation, modularity and flexibility of new robotic palletizing systems. In particular, it was verified that the time needed to perform these tasks significantly decreased.

Practical implications

The design and setup of robotics palletizing systems are facilitated by an intuitive offline programming system and by a simple export command to the real robot, independent of its brand. In this way, industrial solutions can be developed faster, in this way, making companies more competitive.

Originality/value

The effort to build a robotic palletizing system is reduced by an intuitive offline programming system (AdaptPack Studio) and the capability to export command to the real robot using the AdaptPack Studio Translator. As a result, companies have an increase in competitiveness with a fast design framework. Furthermore, and to the best of the author’s knowledge, there is also no scientific publication formalizing and describing how to build the translators for industrial robot simulation and offline programming software packages, being this a pioneer publication in this area.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 17 July 2020

André Luiz Castro, João Pedro Carvalho de Souza, Luís F. Rocha and Manuel F. Silva

This paper aims to propose an automated framework for agile development and simulation of robotic palletizing cells. An automatic offline programming tool, for a variety of robot…

153

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an automated framework for agile development and simulation of robotic palletizing cells. An automatic offline programming tool, for a variety of robot brands, is also introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework, named AdaptPack Studio, offers a custom-built library to assemble virtual models of palletizing cells, quick connect these models by drag and drop, and perform offline programming of robots and factory equipment in short steps.

Findings

Simulation and real tests performed showed an improvement in the design, development and operation of robotic palletizing systems. The AdaptPack Studio software was tested and evaluated in a pure simulation case and in a real-world scenario. Results have shown to be concise and accurate, with minor model displacement inaccuracies because of differences between the virtual and real models.

Research limitations/implications

An intuitive drag and drop layout modeling accelerates the design and setup of robotic palletizing cells and automatic offline generation of robot programs. Furthermore, A* based algorithms generate collision-free trajectories, discretized both in the robot joints space and in the Cartesian space. As a consequence, industrial solutions are available for production in record time, increasing the competitiveness of companies using this tool.

Originality/value

The AdaptPack Studio framework includes, on a single package, the possibility to program, simulate and generate the robot code for four different brands of robots. Furthermore, the application is tailored for palletizing applications and specifically includes the components (Building Blocks) of a particular company, which allows a very fast development of new solutions. Furthermore, with the inclusion of the Trajectory Planner, it is possible to automatically develop robot trajectories without collisions.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 February 2025

Koppiahraj Karuppiah, Jayakrishna Kandasamy, Luis Rocha-Lona, Christian Muñoz Sánchez and Rohit Joshi

Humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM), operating in a complex environment, needs to be agile and robust. The advent of digital technologies has revolutionized HSCM…

132

Abstract

Purpose

Humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM), operating in a complex environment, needs to be agile and robust. The advent of digital technologies has revolutionized HSCM operations, and thus, this study identifies and evaluates key drivers of artificial intelligence (AI) incorporation in HSCM.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 20 key drivers were identified through a review of the relevant extant literature and finalized with experts’ inputs using a Likert scale survey. With a Kappa analysis, these drivers were classified into four groups: technical (T), organization (O), human (H) and institution (I). An integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method of the Fermatean fuzzy set (FFS) analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) was used to rank the key drivers and explore their causal interrelationships.

Findings

Improved performance output, organizational preparedness, user acceptance and continued support, guarantee of job security for technologically semi-skilled workers and government support are the five key drivers of AI incorporation in HSCM.

Originality/value

This study evaluates the key drivers of AI integration in HSCM with FFS-AHP-DEMATEL.

Details

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2690-6090

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Nashmi Chugani, Vikas Kumar, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Luis Rocha-Lona and Arvind Upadhyay

The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper…

7261

Abstract

Purpose

The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate, through a systematic review of the existing academic literature, the environmental (green) impact of using quality and operations improvement methods such as Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. This includes the impact on energy saving and the usage of natural resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a systematic literature review approach through which it analyses research papers published in top 16 operations and quality management journals. No specific time frame was established, but a set of keywords were used to short-list the articles. A sample of 70 articles was finally short-listed and analysed to provide a discussion on environmental concerns related to Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma.

Findings

The comprehensive review of short-listed articles indicates that both Lean and Six Sigma can be considered effective methods to support the conservation of resources, combat global warming and saving energy. Various scholars provide evidence of this, and as such, organisations should not only consider these methods to manage quality and improve operational performance but also meet environmental regulations. A set of research questions that demands further investigation has also been proposed based on the findings of this research.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a sample of 70 articles collected from top 16 operations and quality management journals. The search of journals is also limited to a set of key words (“Lean”, “Green”, “Six Sigma”, “environment”, “sustainable” and “sustainability”) used to short-list the sample size.

Practical implications

The study shows that organisations can consider the adoption of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma to meet environmental regulations, save costs and also meet quality management standards. This will contribute in helping organisations to formulate more effective and inclusive strategies which do not only consider the quality and operational dimensions but also the environmental dimension.

Originality/value

Literature exploring the environmental/green impact of quality management methods commonly used in industry is limited. There is also a lack of studies aiming to investigate the green impact of Lean and Six Sigma in top operations and quality management journals. The study focusing on investigating the green impact of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma methods altogether is also a research first of its kind.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Raysa Geaquinto Rocha, Paulo Pinheiro, Florian Kragulj, Célia Nunes and Marcia Juliana d'Angelo

This study aims to empirically examine the unexplored effects of organizational spirituality on the relationship between knowledge sharing and organizational practical wisdom…

142

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the unexplored effects of organizational spirituality on the relationship between knowledge sharing and organizational practical wisdom (phronesis). By integrating these constructs, this study seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which organizations can cultivate practical wisdom and foster a more humanistic approach to management. Contributing in this way aids in the advancement of sustainable and ethical business practices. Drawing upon the theoretical foundations of knowledge dynamics and spirituality in the workplace, this research offers novel insights into the enablers of organizational phronesis.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the influence of spirituality on the relationship between knowledge sharing and practical wisdom, a comprehensive study was conducted. An online survey was conducted to collect answers from 365 workers, ensuring a diverse and representative sample. Partial least squares structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses.

Findings

This research reveals a significant correlation. Knowledge sharing, when supported by spirituality, enhances workplace efficiency and extends its positive impact beyond the workplace. This underscores the importance of embracing organizational spirituality and knowledge sharing to embody organizational phronesis and achieve a humanized strategy. By fostering this, organizations can promote effective decision-making and problem-solving, thereby enhancing their sustainable performance.

Originality/value

This research breaks new ground by empirically investigating and establishing the previously unexplored effects of knowledge sharing and organizational spirituality on organizational phronesis, thereby contributing to the evolving field of organizational behavior, sustainability and business ethics.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 20 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 13 September 2020

Jacks Bezerra, Fábio Batista Mota, Michele Waltz Comarú, Luiza Amara Maciel Braga, Leonardo Fernandes Moutinho Rocha, Paulo Roberto Carvalho, Luís Alexandre da Fonseca Tinoca and Renato Matos Lopes

During the last few years there has been an increase of interest in work-based learning (WBL), which can be understood as a process of both developing workplace skills and…

285

Abstract

Purpose

During the last few years there has been an increase of interest in work-based learning (WBL), which can be understood as a process of both developing workplace skills and promoting labor force productivity. This paper aims to map the scientific landscape related to WBL research worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

combined bibliometrics and network analysis techniques to analyze data of scientific publications related to WBL indexed at the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection.

Findings

results show an increase of publications over time: Education & Educational Research as the most frequent research area to which the articles were assigned, the UK and Australia as the main countries and Monash University (Australia) and Middlesex University (England) as the main organizations producing knowledge on WBL.

Originality/value

By offering a global scientific landscape of WBL research published so far, the authors aimed to contribute to future academic debates and studies in this field of knowledge.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 27 October 2020

Ana I. Melo and Luís F. Mota

This paper aims to analyse the state of performance management in the Portuguese public sector as part of the efforts towards public administration reform.

740

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the state of performance management in the Portuguese public sector as part of the efforts towards public administration reform.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, the authors took Bouckaert and Halligan's (2008, pp. 35–39) approach into consideration to analyse the adoption of performance management practices. This approach was supplemented by an adaptation of Pollitt and Bouckaert's (2011, p. 33) framework to analyse the context for administrative reforms. The used data analysis techniques include documentary analysis (namely legislation and evaluation reports of reform efforts), secondary data analysis and a survey conducted with 296 Portuguese top public managers.

Findings

The findings show that Portuguese public sector organisations adopted several tools to measure performance over the years, but failed to incorporate performance information into their management practices or to properly use it for either internal or external purposes. Concerning the ideal types proposed by Bouckaert and Halligan (2008, p. 36), Portugal is considered to fit the “performance administration” ideal type, even though it is moving closer to the “managements of performance” ideal type.

Originality/value

This is one of the first comprehensive studies on the state of performance management in Portugal framed within the broader context of public sector reforms. The findings will be of interest both to scholars who study public administration reforms and performance management and to Portuguese policy makers and public managers who are interested in understanding and improving the way performance information is measured, incorporated and used in that sector.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 33 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 30 December 2020

Luís Sanhudo, João Poças Martins, Nuno M.M. Ramos, Ricardo M.S.F. Almeida, Ana Rocha, Débora Pinto, Eva Barreira and M. Lurdes Simões

This paper aims to further the discussion on Building Information Modelling (BIM) legal requirements, providing a framework with key energy parameters capable of supporting the…

845

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to further the discussion on Building Information Modelling (BIM) legal requirements, providing a framework with key energy parameters capable of supporting the Appointing Party in the definition of the Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) for a BIM project appointment. The EIR is described in ISO-19650–1:2018 as a fundamental step in the information delivery cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on the topic of BIM energy analysis was completed to identify current knowledge gaps and support the need for the proposed framework. Afterwards, the framework was established based on the review findings and the authors’ domain knowledge. The applicability of the proposed framework was assessed through a case study, where several energy simulations were performed in three different design stages of the same BIM model.

Findings

This study identified a lack of standards and legislation capable of supporting the Appointing Party in the definition of energy-related BIM requirements. To this end, a new framework is proposed to mediate existing practices, linking prior knowledge with BIM’s new reality. The study showcases the applicability of the framework, identifying that the performance of different energy studies involves distinct Level of Development (LOD) requirements, which in turn have an impact on the modelling time and cost.

Originality/value

A BIM framework for the specification of information requirements in energy-related projects was developed to support the Appointing Party. The framework presents appropriate parameters for energy analysis in each design stage, as well as the suitable LOD for the BIM model.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

1 – 10 of 146
Per page
102050