bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurs as authentic leaders: impact on employees' attitudes
Authors: Jensen Susan M. , Luthans Fred 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe leadership of entrepreneurs/business founders, as perceived by their employees, has received limited research attention. Using the Authentic Leadership Model as a guiding framework, this study seeks to provide an exploratory examination of the linkage between employees' perception of the business founder as an authentic leader and the employees' attitudes and happiness.Design/methodology/approachParticipants are employees (n=179) of 62 newer, smaller businesses. Each business represented in the study had been founded by a single owner still active in the daily operations of the company. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze the two levels of data (individual and business level) gathered in the study.FindingsAs hypothesized, the employees' perception of authentic leadership serves as the strongest single predictor of employee job satisfaction (t=6.453, p=0.000), organizational commitment (t=6.665, p=0.000), and work happiness (t=5.488, p=0.000).Research limitations/implicationsA convenience sampling method limits the generalizability of results. Experimental and longitudinal future research is needed to assess issues of causality as well as the strength and duration of relationships noted. Future research should focus on how the authentic leadership of the founder/entrepreneur impacts not only employee attitudes, but also the performance and long‐term viability of the emerging organization.Originality/valueThis exploratory study offers the first application of the Authentic Leadership Model within the context of entrepreneurial ventures, and provides new insights into the relationship between entrepreneur/leader behavior and employee attitudes. Findings indicate that if employees in newer, small organizations view their founder/entrepreneur as an authentic leader, it can have a positive impact on their work‐related attitudes and happiness.
Individual differences in servant leadership: the roles of values and personality
Authors: Washington Rynetta R. , Sutton Charlotte D. , Feild Hubert S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to address the lack of empirical research on servant leadership by investigating relationships between servant leadership and four individual differences – values of empathy, integrity, and competence and the five‐factor model's personality factor of agreeableness.Design/methodology/approachDennis and Winston's servant leadership scale (a revision of Page and Wong's servant leadership instrument), Braithwaite and Law's Goal and Mode Values Inventories, Mayer and Davis' integrity scale, and Costa and McCrae's NEO Five‐Factor Inventory were used with 288 followers and 126 leaders in three organizations in order to measure relationships between followers' ratings of leaders' servant leadership, followers' ratings of leaders' values of empathy, integrity, and competence and leaders' ratings of their own agreeableness.FindingsFollowers' ratings of leaders' servant leadership were positively related to followers' ratings of leaders' values of empathy, integrity, and competence. Followers' ratings of leaders' servant leadership were also positively related to leaders' ratings of their own agreeableness.Research limitations/implicationsCommon method bias is a potential limitation due to respondents' tendency toward consistency in responses.Practical implicationsOrganizations embracing servant leadership may benefit from selecting leaders partly on the basis of certain personal attributes such as those investigated in the present study. Furthermore, in order to maintain a servant leadership culture and to retain leaders in a servant leadership organization, recruiters and trainers in servant leadership organizations would likely benefit from communicating accurate information about attributes valued in a servant leadership culture – e.g. attributes explored in the present research.Originality/valueThe study extends our understanding of servant leadership research by offering support for individual attributes related to the practice of servant leadership.
Scalpel please, robot: Penelope's debut in the operating room
Authors: Kochan Anna 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to demonstrate how robot technology, machine vision, voice recognition and artificial intelligence can be applied to creating an automated surgeon's assistant that is functional and cost‐effective.Design/methodology/approachPresents the development process that led to the construction of the Penelope Surgical Instrument Server (SIS), outlines the mechanical design of the robot, describes the control strategy and reports on the first real live implementation in an operating room. Machine vision, voice recognition and artificial intelligence are combined to create a robot assistant that is able to anticipate a specific surgeon's needs for a specific surgical procedure.FindingsFinds that a robot can manage an array of surgical instruments and present the right one to the surgeon at the right time.Practical implicationsA robot for assisting a surgeon can relieve support staff in hospital operating rooms of repetitive tasks and thereby improve patient care.Originality/valueIntroduces the concept of a robot for assisting surgeons in operating rooms and freeing up scarce financial and human resources to provide for better nursing coverage in patient care areas.
Japanese prototype service robot R&D trends and examples
Authors: Ranky Gregory N. , Ranky Paul G. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeOffers a broad overview on Japanese prototype service robot R&D trends and examples.Design/methodology/approachDisplays two examples of service robotics: the forestry robot WOODY‐1, and the android presenter and entertainer/informer/guide Repliee Q1.FindingsMore and more frequently robotics usage has expanded into more diverse areas that involve work outside the confines of the factory floor. The paper highlights interesting Japanese service robot prototypes, as well as identifies some new R&D trends and requirements.Research limitations/implicationsThe potential for new service robotics applications is enormous, ranging from childcare and nursing, to forestry.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the increased diversity of service robotics will reduce human workload and environmental strain.Originality/valueReveals examples of innovation in service robot design and application.
Ford welds a winner
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo report on the design and development of a robotic automobile aluminium frame welding system.Design/methodology/approachThe customer contracted with a team of suppliers, each with unique skills and products necessary for welding thin aluminium framing. The team employed simulation to help in the design process to avoid problems and to speed the time to complete.FindingsCareful planning, detailed simulation and attention to details helped insure that working production systems was in service to meet a tight deadline.Practical implicationsCompanies looking to develop welding systems for structures from aluminium or other materials can learn from the benefits of a team approach to complex application development. As the auto industry moves to more use of lightweight materials such as alumnus, successful automation of its welding will be ever widely appreciated.Originality/valueAny user planning an automated aluminium frame welding system can learn from the success of Ford Motor and its welding system design partners. Careful planning and teamwork can help in meeting production and timetable goals.
Flexible full‐body tactile sensor of low cost and minimal output connections for service robot
Authors: Pan Zengxi , Zhu Zhenqi 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to design a new full‐body tactile sensor which is essential for the application of personal service robot similar to human skin.Design/methodology/approachThe largest difficulty for designing a full‐body tactile sensor is the huge number of output connections. The sensor introduced in this paper is a special multi‐layer structure, which could minimize the output connections while sensing both the position and force information. Since it is made of conductive and non‐conductive textiles, the sensor could be used to cover the curved surface of robot body.FindingsWith better structure design, output connectors and signal measurement times could be dramatically reduced.Research limitations/implicationsSensor area and performance are limited by the sensitivity of the measurement circuits.Originality/valueIntroduces an innovate design of full‐body tactile sensor.
SOHO security with mini self‐balancing robots
Authors: Ko Albert , Lau H.Y.K. , Lau T.L. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo present the design and control of a low cost, two‐wheeled, self‐balancing robot for detecting and reporting fire and intruders in a small home/office setting.Design/methodology/approachImplement an intelligent control system to make up for instabilities of low‐cost components.FindingsBiologically inspired suppression system can effectively eliminate undesired sensor noises.Research limitations/implicationsImproving self‐balancing robots' tolerant to impulsive forces from the sides allows them to be designed with smaller front‐prints.Practical implicationsInherited high maneuverability together with miniature design enables self‐balancing robots to navigate smoothly through tight space.Originality/valueDemonstrates the control of a dynamically unstable system can be controlled using a simple suppression mechanism.
Robot‐by‐voice: experiments on commanding an industrial robot using the human voice
Authors: Norberto Pires J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper reports a few results of an ongoing research project that aims to explore ways to command an industrial robot using the human voice. This feature can be interesting with several industrial, laboratory and clean‐room applications, where a close cooperation between robots and humans is desirable.Design/methodology/approachA demonstration is presented using two industrial robots and a personal computer (PC) equipped with a sound board and a headset microphone. The demonstration was coded using the Microsoft Visual Basic and C#.NET 2003 and associated with two simple robot applications: one capable of picking‐and‐placing objects and going to predefined positions, and the other capable of performing a simple linear weld on a work‐piece. The speech recognition grammar is specified using the grammar builder from the Microsoft Speech SDK 5.1. The paper also introduces the concepts of text‐to‐speech translation and voice recognition, and shows how these features can be used with applications built using the Microsoft.NET framework.FindingsTwo simple examples designed to operate with a state‐of‐the‐art industrial robot manipulator are then built to demonstrate the applicability to laboratory and industrial applications. The paper is very detailed in showing implementation aspects enabling the reader to explore immediately from the presented concepts and tools. Namely, the connection between the PC and the robot is explained in detail since it was built using a RPC socket mechanism completely developed from the scratch.Practical implicationsFinally, the paper discusses application to industrial cases where close cooperation between humans and robots is necessary.Originality/valueThe presented code and examples, along with the fairly interesting and reliable results, indicate clearly that the technology is suitable for industrial utilization.
Robots help label before molding
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSeeks to review how a relatively new technology, in mold labelling of injection moulded items, can be achieved in a cost‐effective way with robots.Design/methodology/approachA custom‐designed robot combined with a custom‐designed end‐of‐arm unit, both applies labels in the mold before the injection process and removes finished items. A vision system checks for label placement and quality. A second robot packs finished items into shipping cartons.FindingsThe automated system can produce tens of millions of items per year in a very cost‐effective manner.Practical implicationsUsers need to turn to robotic system designers who can combine several operations within one robotic cycle and apply emerging technologies. Custom designed end‐of‐arm units and reviewing even the shipping carton may provide critical answers.Originality/valueCombining new technologies with custom robotics can help users meet many production goals with one solution.
Science crew operations and utility testbed
Authors: Rochlis J. , Delgado F. , Graham J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe goal of this research has been to design and field test a multi‐use planetary rover vehicle. SCOUT has been developed to test advanced rover hardware and software technologies and to enable the development and demonstration of mission operations concepts applicable to future planetary rover vehicle development activities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a description of the SCOUT vehicle capabilities and the results of the remote field testing conducted recently in Meteor Crater, AZ. These tests included (among others) onboard driving by suited crewmembers, remote teleoperation, autonomous point‐to‐point navigation, obstacle avoidance, human tracking and following, gesture recognition and onboard suit‐recharge.FindingsSCOUT was successfully tested in all three driving modes (onboard by two suited crewmembers, teleoperation and autonomous) and additional capabilities verified over the course of the testing period.Research limitations/impilicationsVarious tests experienced periodic telemetry drop‐outs to the vehicle. Future research should improve upon the communications architecture to minimize the loading on system bandwidth.Practical implicationsA multi‐use planetary rover will prove very useful on future Lunar and Martian exploration missions on an assortment of activities. In addition to equipment transport, riding on the rover will allow crewmembers to cover more surface area while conserving important extravehicular activity suit consumables.Originality/valueSeveral new concepts for rover technologies are presented here including on‐board suit recharge, stereo‐vision human tracking and following, gesture recognition and autonomous driving and navigation.
Automated robot programming based on sensor fusion
Authors: Zhang Hui , Chen Heping , Xi Ning 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to demonstrate how an automated robot program generation method can be developed and implemented.Design/methodology/approachA visual and force servoing method to automatically generate robot paths and robot programs, based on position, force and vision sensor fusion, was developed.FindingsBy using a hybrid control algorithm the robot is controlled to follow the feature on a surface with position and orientation control.Originality/valueThe developed method can be applied to generate tool paths for many manufacturing tasks automatically, which can greatly reduce the robot programming time and decrease the manufacturing cost.
Mobile robot sensor and networking design to enable cooperative behavior
Authors: Ranky Gregory N. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeOffers an example of mobile robot networking and sensors.Design/methodology/approachDisplays an example of a prototype mobile robot called M‐Tran III.FindingsTeams of simple, modular robots can assume a wide variety of shapes to allow movement and cooperative behavior.Research limitations/implicationsThe ability for modular robots to network through physical and electronic means allows more adaptable teams and systems.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of improved mobile robot sensors, both internal and external, will allow greater adaptability and intelligence for exploration and construction.Originality/valueReveals innovations in mobile robot communication and re‐configurability.
BMW creates production “triangle” in the UK to manufacture the new Mini
Authors: Mortimer John 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how BMW in the UK has put together a production “triangle” that brings together three of its four manufacturing plants in Britain to produce the latest version of the Mini passenger car.Design/methodology/approachDescribes the major production line techniques that are used in the manufacture of the body‐in‐white (BIW) structure as well as the functions of painting and final assembly of the vehicle. The BIW techniques include logistics, spot‐welding and adhesives, as well as optical and laser inspection.FindingsOver the space of the last three or four years, the management of BMW Group has come to realize the importance of integrating three of its four manufacturing units in the UK with purpose of achieving greater utilization of its existing capacity, and improving productivity.Research limitations/implicationsThe BMW Group continually assesses all of the functions involved in the manufacture of a motor vehicle, and in this context is working both with its own plants as well as with suppliers of equipment and components to enhance production and quality processes. This includes all of the processes of joining steel and other materials using spot welding and adhesives. There is also much to be gained from the interchange of information between the various plants in the group worldwide with a view to implementing continuous improvement. The benefits achieved from one process in one particular plant are quickly communicated to other facilities, again with the object of improving quality and productivity.Practical implicationsIt is likely that arising out of greater plant integration and utilization, the management of BMW Group will be able to further increase the capacity of its Mini production units to be in a position to move to the next stage of expansion, namely to reach a target of 300,000 units a year.Originality/valueThis is the first time in the UK that BMW has integrated three of its production facilities with those of three major component suppliers to produce a finished vehicle. There is a heavy concentration of KUKA robots within the BIW and sub‐assembly manufacturing facilities.
Automation of welding face shaping process for tubular structures
Authors: Oysu Cuneyt 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a low cost fully automatic computer controlled oxy‐fuel cutting system for tubular members. Operation of the system should be easy even for unskilled technicians.Design/methodology/approachThe robot consists of one revolute axis and two linear axes. As the pipe rotates, two cutting torches move linearly at both ends of the pipe to complete the cutting process in one rotation. Both torch's cutting paths are calculated in a computer offline. Tool paths are then loaded in a micro control unit for each cutting. When the pipe is attached to the system, the whole cutting process can be completed automatically. The mathematical method for calculation of the geometry of intersecting cylinders is also explained in this paper.FindingsThe automation of oxy‐fuel cutting process brings enhancement in the final product quality, considerable increase of repeatability, reduction of rework and reduction of the cutting time.Originality/valueThe use of this automated flame cutting system proved to be extremely viable. Although, there are commercial devices for cutting tubular members, the product shown here is completely different than the previous systems. This device can be called a CNC system due to its capability of being completely programmable and automatically carrying through all cutting activities. This is the first system cutting both sides of pipe simultaneously to reduce cutting time.
A multi‐stage matching algorithm for mobile robot navigation
Authors: Hou Jian , Qi Nai M. , Zhang Hong 
Published: January 2007

PurposeStereo vision is an attractive perception technique for mobile robots navigation. Stereo matching is a crucial part of stereo vision and its precision dominates the precision of reconstruction. Based on a geometry constraint applicable to natural terrain, the purpose of this paper is to present a multi‐stage stereo matching algorithm to improve matching accuracy.Design/methodology/approachIn the multi‐stage matching algorithm, points with larger intensity gradient are matched in earlier stages. Using several constraints and statistical means, information from earlier stages is utilized to assist in matching of later stages to improve matching accuracy.FindingsThe multi‐stage matching algorithm improves the matching accuracy of stereo pairs of natural terrain in various conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThe algorithm demonstrates advantages over area‐matching algorithm both in matching accuracy and computation efficiency. However, if used for real‐time navigation, it still needs the assistance of specialized hardware or window selection technique.Practical implicationsThe algorithm is able to produce dense disparity maps of natural terrain with fairly high accuracy and can be used for the navigation of planetary rover or other outdoor mobile robots.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new approach to produce accurate and dense disparity maps of natural terrain, which laid the foundation for its use in outdoor mobile robots navigation.
Head gesture recognition for hands‐free control of an intelligent wheelchair
Authors: Jia Pei , Hu Huosheng H. , Lu Tao , Yuan Kui 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper presents a novel hands‐free control system for intelligent wheelchairs (IWs) based on visual recognition of head gestures.Design/methodology/approachA robust head gesture‐based interface (HGI), is designed for head gesture recognition of the RoboChair user. The recognised gestures are used to generate motion control commands to the low‐level DSP motion controller so that it can control the motion of the RoboChair according to the user's intention. Adaboost face detection algorithm and Camshift object tracking algorithm are combined in our system to achieve accurate face detection, tracking and gesture recognition in real time. It is intended to be used as a human‐friendly interface for elderly and disabled people to operate our intelligent wheelchair using their head gestures rather than their hands.FindingsThis is an extremely useful system for the users who have restricted limb movements caused by some diseases such as Parkinson's disease and quadriplegics.Practical implicationsIn this paper, a novel integrated approach to real‐time face detection, tracking and gesture recognition is proposed, namely HGI.Originality/valueIt is an useful human‐robot interface for IWs.