ALBERT

Description: In this contribution, we approached a new aspect in robotic applications. We investigated human–machine modeling for remote ultrasound scan equipment. While robotic systems for ultrasound scan applications with remote operations have been widely studied, in this research, remote force-feedback control was tested. The goal is for the human operator to receive, as physical input, the correct force perception transmitted by the remote ultrasound scan equipment in analyzing the body of the patient. Two principal aspects were investigated. The first was an artificial body model to receive the control signals from the remote equipment. The second aspect was to study a suitable feedback control law that attempts to compensate for the uncertainty between the artificial body and the patient’s body, while also taking into account the transmission delay. Therefore, the task was to give the operator relevant information while considering the force effect; thus, providing a reliable and efficient platform in order to work in remote conditions with ultrasound scan equipment.

Description: Leonardo da Vinci inventions and projects represent an intriguing starting point to remark the concept that innovation must be considered as a continuous route towards evolution in history. Some of the particular ideas and innovations presented by Leonardo da Vinci led us to formulate a link with automatic control. Selected models of the Leonardo da Vinci machines are presented in this paper, taking strictly into account the original mechanical schemes and working principles, but introducing modern low-cost control equipment, emphasizing the role of automatic control and that of electronic control devices, such as microcontrollers, sensors, and communication devices, to completely automate the Leonardo da Vinci machines. The approach outlined in the paper can be applied not only to other Leonardo machines but also to other mechanical equipment not necessarily designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Moreover, it is useful to remark that the approach followed in this paper can be very important also to introduce students, leading by example, to concepts typical of automation and for assisting in learning, keeping in mind the practical applications of advanced automation principles. The main research task of this paper is proving the efficacy of modern digital control techniques and teleoperation in strongly classical mechanical Leonardo machines, remarking that the projects of Leonardo are prompt to be efficiently controlled. This task could not be explored by Leonardo himself due to the lack of control technology. Moreover, the paper is addressed also to stimulate the young generations of engineers in joining classical mechanics with advanced technology. Therefore, the paper is also devoted to give focus on the fact that the Leonardo machines encompass all the key aspects of modern system engineering.

Description: The huge amount of information coming from remote sensors on satellites has allowed monitoring changes in the planetary environment from about 50 years. These instruments are widely adopted to observe extreme thermal events such as eruptive phenomena in volcanic areas. Although the availability of so many different infrared sensors makes these instruments suitable to observe different kind of thermal phenomena, choosing the right infrared sensor to monitor each thermal event is not straightforward. In fact, the decision should take into account both the main features of the phenomena under investigation, e.g., its size and temperatures, that are often not known a priori, and the instruments specifications, e.g., spatial resolution. Here, a smart decision support system (SDSS) is proposed to address this task. In particular, we used a SDSS to simulate remote sensors responses, collect data coming from three different classes of remote sensors, retrieve information about the main features of the observed thermal event and, consequently, select the most suitable infrared remote sensor for the specific observed phenomena. Results obtained for a real case of study at Etna volcano is shown.