Mikko Heikkilä, Sami Terho, Minna Hirsi, Aarne Halme and Pekka Forsman
This paper seeks to describe how signs can be used as a part of the work task scenarios with service robot.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to describe how signs can be used as a part of the work task scenarios with service robot.
Design/methodology/approach
The signs are used to control a work task of a mobile service robot. Tests are done in real outdoor and non‐structured environments with the WorkPartner robot. In the test scenario the signs are used to define the boundaries of a working area. Two different kinds of signs are tested: passive and active.
Findings
The signs can be used as a simple way to define the parameters of a work task. One of the advantages is usability. For example, the signs can just be carried to the working area and no other actions are needed.
Research limitations/implications
The tests focused only on bounding the working area with signs. Using the signs for pointing a direction, marking a route, or defining a location of a single target will be tested in the future.
Practical implications
Signs are an easy way to configure work tasks of service robots. The concept can be applied to various kinds of mobile robots.
Originality/value
The signs are introduced as an alternative or complementary tool for passing information of the task plan of a work task from the human operator to the service robot.
Details
Keywords
Olli Kuivalainen, Sanna Sundqvist, Sami Saarenketo and Rod McNaughton
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the conceptual frameworks and concepts with which the research on internationalization patterns of small and medium‐sized…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the conceptual frameworks and concepts with which the research on internationalization patterns of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) should be conducted.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive overview of concepts and a conceptual framework to study internationalization patterns of SMEs is offered.
Findings
The complexities of existing definitions and methodologies for researching internationalization patterns are highlighted, and a synthesis of the issues is provided. An integrative model of internationalization pathways, and their antecedents and outcomes is presented.
Research limitations/implications
It is recommended that future research focuses especially on the time dimension of internationalization patterns. Future research can contribute to the literature by adopting a longitudinal approach with larger samples and more detailed cases to capture the dynamics of internationalization.
Practical implications
Practitioners might map their positions, and look for challenges and opportunities with regard to their chosen internationalization pattern. They can also benchmark other firms’ pathways and fine‐tune their own approach to internationalization.
Originality/value
The paper integrates a large body of research in an important research area in international marketing. It also provides guidance on how to conduct future research in the area, and introduces the content of this special issue of the International Marketing Review.