bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational knowledge creation practice
Authors: Hoon Song Ji , Uhm Daiho , Won Yoon Seung 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a measurement tool for assessing organizational knowledge creation practices based on the socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization (SECI) processes of the knowledge creation theory.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a sample of 455 knowledge workers from four Korean for‐profit organizations, utilizing a systematic procedure, which includes: initial item and domain development based on a comprehensive literature review, reliability assessment and item deduction, and construct validity and psychometric property assessment.FindingsResults show that 17 items related to individual and team members' practices of acquiring and sharing knowledge in organizational contexts measure the four domains of SECI knowledge creation practices.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough samples from Korean business settings indicate a limited generalizability, this study's theory‐grounded item specification and systematic procedure of scale development (i.e. descriptive statistics, reliability and inter‐correlation analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using the random split method) can be replicated in future similar studies or scale development research.Originality/valueScores at the individual, group, or firm level can be utilized for comparison or development purposes to promote the collaborative knowledge creation practices in organizations.
ABLE: a standing style transfer system for a person with disabled lower limbs (improvement of stability when traveling)
Authors: Mori Y. , Maejima K. , Inoue K. , Shiroma N. , Fukuoka Y. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a standing style transfer system, ABLE, designed to enable a person with disabled lower limbs to do daily‐life activities without special infrastructure. Actually, ABLE is mainly intended for use by people who have spinal cord injuries and who cannot move hip joints and lower extremities: the level of spinal cord injury is L1.Design/methodology/approachABLE comprises three modules: a powered lower extremity orthosis, a pair of telescopic crutches, and a pair of mobile platforms. When traveling in a standing position, the user wears the powered lower extremity orthosis to fix his posture, and rides on the mobile platforms. The user uses crutches to keep his body stable. These telescopic crutches also play an important role of power assistance in standing‐up and sitting‐down motions, or going up/down a step. The user can enter narrow spaces, although stability is emphasized in wide spaces because it is possible to alter the contact points of the crutches freely.FindingsMotions are discussed in a standing position: traveling and rotating, and the chair and step motions. Experimental results related to these motions confirm the design's effectiveness. The authors improve previously developed mobile platforms for better operationality and stability. An ultrasonic motor was used for steering the mobile platform instead of the prior DC motor. The benefits of the ultrasonic motor enable the new platform to reduce its backlash in steering. A supporting plate and an active ankle joint attached to each mobile platform contribute stability when traveling in the standing position. The authors show the experimental results using new mobile platforms.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates novelty and originality of ABLE in its composition, which enables a person with disabled lower limbs to travel in a standing position on a pair of small mobile platforms. This system is regarded as a biped‐type leg‐wheeled robot system that has high energy efficiency and good mobility for steps because of its wheels and legs; moreover, it has a pair of crutches for stability.
Development of omnidirectional vehicle on water (O‐VOW) using information of inclination of the vehicle
Authors: Takesue Naoyuki , Imaeda Akira , Fujimoto Hideo 
Published: May 2011

PurposeA lot of unique transportation devices on the ground have been developed. On the other hand, on water, there are a few personal devices, which sometimes need paddling to get around. If the personal mobility that make it possible to move intuitively and quickly on water is realized, it will be useful for survey of rivers and ponds, rescue, amusement and so on. Therefore, in this study, an omnidirectional vehicle on water (O‐VOW) is proposed which is controlled according to information of the inclination based on a rider's balance.Design/methodology/approachA prototype of O‐VOW consists of a boarding part, three thrusters and a control unit. The control unit includes a three‐axes accelerometer, a microcomputer and batteries. The inclination of O‐VOW is calculated from the information given by the accelerometer. The control rule for O‐VOW is described in matrix form and is implemented into the microcomputer. The microcomputer commands three thrusters according to the inclination. The preliminary and riding tests are conducted on water.FindingsThe authors have developed a prototype of O‐VOW whose propulsion is controlled according to the inclination. The control scheme for O‐VOW was described in matrix form. The preliminary and riding tests are conducted on water and the effectiveness of O‐VOW was experimentally shown. O‐VOW can run, stop and adjust the course in all directions on water by the rider's balance.Originality/valueIn this paper, a novel transportation system that uses intuitive control on water has been developed. Since it moves in all directions, the rider can operate it even at a narrow channel without turning. It will assist in human activities such as survey, rescue, amusement in rivers, lakes, swimming pools and at sea.
Development of fish‐like robot with elastic fin
Authors: Takesue Naoyuki , Hata Youichi , Sekiya Tatsuhiko 
Published: May 2011

PurposeUnderwater robots are one of the effective solutions for underwater exploration. Fish's swimming motion is more effective and efficient than propeller screw propulsion which is more popular for underwater vehicles. So far, a lot of fish‐like robots that have several actuated joints have been developed. They realize arbitrary motion by controlling the joint angles simultaneously. On the other hand, using an elastic fin may reduce the number of actuated joints and the total energy consumption. The purpose of this paper is to develop a fish‐like robot driven by a single actuator with an elastic tail fin.Design/methodology/approachSince an elastic plate appropriately bends due to the interaction to the surrounding fluid, a robot with the elastic fin can swim smoothly even though it has only a single actuated joint. However, in order to improve the swimming performances, it is required to optimize the shape of fin (width, thickness, distribution, etc.). Although computational fluid dynamics technique is one of the methods to assess the effectiveness of a certain shape of fin, it may take longer to obtain the results. Therefore, in this study, a simplified simulator is constructed and a better shape of fin is explored.FindingsFour types of fin shape were prepared and the swimming experiments were conducted. The swimming velocity changed according to the frequency and the shape of fin. In order to find the optimal shape of fin, the simulator of five‐link model surrounded by fluid is constructed. The differences of velocity can be found according to the parameters of fin shape. The simulation showed the similar trend as the experiments although the absolute values of velocity did not correspond. It is thought that the developed simulator can estimate the relative performance of fins.Originality/valueMost fish robots that have been developed so far consist of rigid links and multi‐actuated joints, which can realize arbitrary motion by controlling the joint angles simultaneously. On the other hand, using an elastic plate as a tail fin may reduce the number of actuated joints and the total energy consumption although it is not easy to realize arbitrary attitude. In this paper, a fish‐like robot driven by a single actuator with an elastic tail fin was developed. This technique makes the mechanism of a fish‐like robot simple.
Neurobiologically‐based control system for an adaptively walking hexapod
Authors: Lewinger William A. , Quinn Roger D. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeBiological systems such as insects have often been used as a source of inspiration when developing walking robots. Insects' ability to nimbly navigate uneven terrain, and their observed behavioral complexity have been a beacon for engineers who have used behavioral data and hypothesized control systems to develop some remarkably agile robots. The purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to implement models of relatively recent discoveries of the stick insect's local control system (its thoracic ganglia) for hexapod robot controllers.Design/methodology/approachWalking control based on a model of the stick insect's thoracic ganglia, and not just observed insect behavior, has now been implemented in a complete hexapod able to walk, perform goal‐seeking behavior, and obstacle surmounting behavior, such as searching and elevator reflexes. Descending modulation of leg controllers is also incorporated via a head module that modifies leg controller parameters to accomplish turning in a role similar to the insect's brain and subesophageal ganglion.FindingsWhile many of these features have been previously demonstrated in robotic subsystems, such as single‐ and two‐legged test platforms, this is the first time that the neurobiological methods of control have been implemented in a complete, autonomous walking hexapod.Originality/valueThe methods introduced here have minimal computation complexity and can be implemented on small robots with low‐capability microcontrollers. This paper discusses the implementation of the biologically grounded insect control methods and descending modulation of those methods, and demonstrates the performance of the robot for navigating obstacles and performing phototaxis.
Walking and crawling with ALoF: a robot for autonomous locomotion on four legs
Authors: Remy C. David , Baur Oliver , Latta Martin , Lauber Andi , Hutter Marco , Hoepflinger Mark A. , Pradalier Cédric , Siegwart Roland 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the robotic quadrupedal platform ALoF that is designed to aid research on perception in legged locomotion.Design/methodology/approachA well‐balanced size and complexity of the robot results in a robust platform that is easy to handle, yet able to perform complex maneuvers as well as to carry sophisticated 3D sensors. A very large range of motion allows the robot to actively explore its surroundings through haptic interaction, and to choose between a wide range of planning options.FindingsThis robot was employed and tested in the lunar robotics challenge organized by the European Space Agency, for which the authors also developed a novel crawling gait, in which the weight of the robot is alternately supported by scaled plates under the main body and the four shank segments. This allowed for stable locomotion in steep terrain with very loose soil.Originality/valueThe paper describes how a very large range of motion allows the robot to actively explore its surroundings through haptic interaction, and to choose between a wide range of planning options. The paper describes how the authors developed a novel crawling gait, in which the weight of the robot is alternately supported by scaled plates under the main body and the four shank segments.
Epi.q‐TG: mobile robot for surveillance
Authors: Quaglia Giuseppe , Bruzzone Luca , Bozzini Giorgio , Oderio Riccardo , Razzoli Roberto P. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a robot for surveillance able to move in structured and unstructured environments and able to overcome obstacles with high energetic efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed Epi.q‐TG hybrid robot combines wheeled and legged locomotion. It is equipped with four three‐wheeled locomotion units; traction is generated by the two forecarriage units, while the two rear ones have same geometry but are idle. Each front unit is actuated by a single motor with the interposition of an epicyclical gearing, accurately designed in order to suitably switch between wheeled and legged motion. The robot changes locomotion mode from rolling on wheels (advancing mode) to stepping on legs (automatic climbing mode) according to local friction and dynamic conditions.FindingsThe experimental results confirm the design objectives. In advancing mode, the robot behaves like a four‐wheeled vehicle, with high speed and energetic efficiency. In automatic climbing mode, the robot can walk on uneven and soft terrains and overcome steps with remarkable height with respect to its dimensions (up to 84 per cent of the locomotion unit height).Practical implicationsBesides surveillance, Epi.q‐TG can be successfully used in many tasks in which it is useful to combine the advantages of wheeled and legged locomotion, e.g. unmanned inspection of nuclear and chemical sites, minesweeping, and intervention in disaster zones.Originality/valueThe core of the project is the epicyclical mechanism of the locomotion unit, which switches between advancing mode and automatic climbing mode without control action. This solution limits the control and actuation complexity and consequently the robot cost, widening the range of possible applications.
A coaxial couple wheeled robot with T‐S fuzzy equilibrium control
Authors: Li Chaoquan , Gao Xueshan , Huang Qiang , Dai Fuquan , Shao Jie , Bai Yang , Li Kejie 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a high load capacity coaxial couple wheeled robot (CCWR) and investigate a simple structure but effective fuzzy equilibrium controller based on (Takagi‐Sugeno) T‐S for balance control in wide‐angle range.Design/methodology/approachBy selecting the robot inclination angle and angular rate as input variables and the DC motors' rotation speed as output variables, a T‐S fuzzy controller (FC) is established.FindingsSimplified robot dynamic equilibrium equations are feasible; the robot balance in wide‐angle range could be controlled by the T‐S FC. Despite the existence of small vibrations near the equilibrium position, the system can return to equilibrium within 3 s, showing strong robustness.Practical implicationsThe robot can achieve self‐balance and pivot around, moreover, it provides a new way for balance control of CCWR in wide‐angle range. And at the same time, the robot can achieve its work in semi‐autonomous and tele‐operated mode.Originality/valueThe paper shows that designing the controller based on static analysis is feasible; simple structure T‐S fuzzy control way is introduced to balance control for CCWR in a wide angle scale; the development target is to provide a kind of robot platform for testing control algorithms or a personal transporter, and the project is supported by the High Technology Research and Development Program of China.
Ring on the hook: placing a ring on a moving and pendulating hook based on visual input
Authors: Kjær‐Nielsen Anders , Glent Buch Anders , Emil Kryger Jensen Andreas , Møller Bent , Kraft Dirk , Krüger Norbert , Gordon Petersen Henrik , Ellekilde Lars‐Peter 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a robot vision system which put rings on hooks that are moving freely on a conveyor belt. The hook can show a significant swinging which can be well approximated by a pendulum movement. The problem is of large relevance for many industrial applications and the challenge is to compute a 3D pose that is sufficiently precise to allow for successful placements of the rings.Design/methodology/approachThis requires a fast and precise tracking and a compensation for latencies connected to the processing of visual information as well as the actual robot action.FindingsThe authors achieve this through a precise pose estimation in a high‐resolution stereo setup, as well as a modeling of the hook movement as a combination of a translational and a pendulum movement.Originality/valueThe paper shows that under normal conditions close to 100 percent success can be achieved such that this technology now can be transferred into industrial systems.
Path planning for mobile robot in a 2.5‐dimensional grid‐based map
Authors: Gu Jiajun , Cao Qixin 
Published: May 2011

PurposeTwo and one half‐dimensional (2.5D) grid maps are useful for navigation in outdoor environment or on non‐flat surface. However, little attention has been given to how to find an optimal path in a 2.5D grid map. The purpose of this paper is to develop a path‐planning method in a 2.5D grid map, which aims to provide an efficient solution to robot path planning no matter whether the robot is equipped with the prior knowledge of the environment.Design/methodology/approachA 2.5D grid representation is proposed to model non‐flat surface for mobile robots. According to the graph extracted from the 2.5D grid map, an improved searching approach derived from A* algorithm is presented for the shortest path planning. With reasonable assumption, the approach is improved for the path planning in unknown environment.FindingsIt is confirmed by experiments that the proposed planning approach provide a solution to the problem of optimal path planning in 2.5 grid maps. Furthermore, the experiment results demonstrate that our 2.5D D* method leads to more efficient dynamic path planning for navigation in unknown environment.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a path‐planning approach in a 2.5D grid map which is used to represent a non‐flat surface. The approach is capable of efficient navigation no matter whether the global environmental information is available at the beginning of exploration.
A hybrid model of competitive capabilities
Authors: Hallgren Mattias , Olhager Jan , Schroeder Roger G. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and test a new model for competitive capabilities. Traditionally, a cumulative model has been viewed as having one sequence of building competitive capabilities in a firm in support of market needs, including quality, delivery, cost efficiency and flexibility. Although appealing as a conceptual model, empirical testing has not been able to fully support the cumulative model. This paper acknowledges the need for a hybrid approach to managing capability progression. It brings together the literature on trade‐offs, cumulative capabilities, and order winners and qualifiers.Design/methodology/approachA new hybrid approach for modelling competitive capabilities is tested empirically using data from the high performance manufacturing (HPM) study, round 3, including three industries and seven countries – a total of 211 plants.FindingsThe hybrid model shows significantly better fit with the data from the sample than the cumulative models suggested by previous literature. Empirical support is found for the traditional perception that a high level of quality is a prerequisite for a high level of delivery performance. However, cost efficiency and flexibility do not exhibit a cumulative pattern. Instead, the results show that they are developed in parallel. The findings suggest that a balance between cost efficiency and flexibility is built upon high levels of quality and delivery performance.Research limitations/implicationsSince we limit the empirical investigation to three industries and seven countries, it would be interesting to extend the testing of this model to more industries and countries. This research shows that combining perspectives and insights from different research streams – in this case, trade‐off theory and the concepts of cumulative capabilities, and order winners and qualifiers – can be fruitful.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper provides managers with guidelines concerning the configuration of competitive capabilities. First, a qualifying level of quality needs to be attained, followed by a qualifying level of delivery. Then, a balance between potential order winners, i.e. cost efficiency and flexibility, needs to be attained.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new approach to modelling competitive capabilities that synthesises previous research streams and perspectives from cumulative capabilities, contesting capabilities (trade‐offs), and order winners and qualifiers.
Exploring the impact of national culture on investments in manufacturing practices and performance
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Fynes Brian , Pagell Mark , de Búrca Seán 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess how differences in national culture influence the impact of investments in manufacturing practices on operational performance. The paper addresses the following research question: does national culture affect the efficacy of investments in manufacturing practices?Design/methodology/approachHofstede's model of national culture is used to test whether there are operational performance differences when organisations in different cultural contexts invest in identical manufacturing practices. The research question is explored and answered by assessing the moderating role of national culture using ordinary least square analysis.FindingsThe results suggest that some dimensions of national culture significantly moderate the impact of investments in manufacturing practices on manufacturing performance.Originality/valueThis study represents a comprehensive attempt to explain differences in the impact of manufacturing practices investments on operational performance improvements in terms of cultural differences.
Operations strategy for the effective delivery of integrated industrial product‐service offerings
Authors: Priya Datta Partha , Roy Rajkumar 
Published: May 2011

PurposeAs enterprises focus on offering integrated product/service bundles, performance‐based contracts become ever so important in ensuring effective delivery. Performance‐based contracts fall under the result‐oriented category of industrial product service systems (PSSs). The paper aims to present a conceptual framework for operations strategy in performance‐based industrial PSSs that will help manufacturing companies configure their operations to support effective delivery of integrated product/service offering.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first develops a conceptual framework for operations strategy in performance‐based contracts by identifying the key elements after a detailed systematic review of literature. A major shift in support and maintenance logistics for complex engineering systems over the past few years has been observed in the defence and aerospace industries. Availability contracting, a special type of performance‐based contracts, is replacing traditional service procurement practices. Two exploratory case studies involving defence availability contracts are conducted for making inferences regarding the operations strategy.FindingsThe important findings of this research are a set of elements of operations strategy guiding the development of a conceptual framework, a set of operating principles and processes supporting effective delivery of performance‐based service contracts.Originality/valueThe true value of this research is to open up the novel area of result‐oriented industrial PSSs operations strategy by capturing the key characteristics of operations using both literature and empirical evidence.