Mechatronics and Embedded Systems

With the supports for sustainable development of autonomous and intelligent systems, mechatronics and embedded systems are becoming one hot research area. In this special issue, we select 18 papers among a large number of submissions. The selected papers cover several key technology areas in mechatronics and embedded systems and can be divided into the following six categories.

Three papers are related to cutting-edge techniques in robotics. In the paper titled “Path tracking control of a mobile robot by using dual estimation algorithm,” a novel dual estimation algorithm is proposed to overcome the slip limitations in the path tracking control of skid-steered mobile robots. In the paper titled “Self-assembling for swarm modular robots using MIMO fuzzy control,” a set of fuzzy logic rules and theorems are developed and applied in the controller design of swarm modular robots. In the paper titled “Development of lifting and propulsion mechanism for biped robot inspired by basilisk lizards,” the authors developed the lifting and propulsion mechanism of a novel biped robot inspired by the basilisk lizard's water-walking function.

Three papers discuss vision-based obstacle avoidance, navigation, and tracking in robotics. The paper titled “A hybrid architecture for vision-based obstacle avoidance” presents a new obstacle avoidance method using a single monocular vision camera as the only sensor. In the paper titled “Autonomous vehicle navigation using vision and mapless strategies: a survey,” the authors survey the existing state of knowledge related to vision-based mobile robots, especially including their background and history and current trends in mapless navigation. In the paper titled “A scale adaptive mean-shift tracking algorithm for robot vision,” the authors propose a vision tracking algorithm that is well adaptive to scale changing and robust to partial occlusion, and the tracking speed is fast enough for real-time tracking applications in robot vision.

Three papers focus on developing optimization algorithms and frameworks in mechatronics and embedded systems. In the paper titled “Study on the algorithm for train operation adjustment based on ordinal optimization,” a railway transportation dispatch optimization mechanism is developed to automatically compile train operation adjustment plan so as to ensure safe, fast, and punctual running of trains. The paper titled “Extended-maxima transform watershed segmentation algorithm for touching corn kernels” presents a modified watershed segmentation algorithm that can effectively improve recognition accuracy in corn seed vitality tests. In the paper titled “A general framework of mechatronic modular architecture,” the authors propose a framework with the focus on module reuse for modular mechatronic system design.

Three papers target at applications in mechatronics and embedded systems. In the paper titled “Assessment of the kinematic parameters of distant noncooperative objects,” the authors propose a method that can assess the kinematic parameters of noncooperative objects. The paper titled “IPv6-based smart metering network for monitoring building electricity” presents a smart electricity monitoring system that can reliably and accurately measure and transfer data using ZigBee and IPv6. In the paper titled “Research on the detection of metal debris with microplane inductance sensor,” a system is designed to simulate and analyze metal debris.

Three papers present FPGA optimization and implantation techniques in mechatronics and embedded systems. In the paper titled “Optimal partial reconfiguration for permanent fault recovery on SRAM-based FPGAs in space mission,” the authors propose a technique to maximize the lifetime of SRAM-based FPGAs in space mission.

The paper titled “FPGA implementation of real-time Ethernet for motion control” presents an implementation of real-time Ethernet named CASNET, which modifies the Ethernet medium access control (MAC) to achieve the real-time requirement for motion control. In the paper titled “Research on optimization for motion control bus based on Ethernet,” the authors propose an optimization technique to enhance efficiency and reliability of motion control bus of the Ethernet physical layer.

Three papers provide system development in mechatronics and embedded systems. In the paper titled “Development of a smart residential fire protection system,” the authors present the development of a smart residential fire detection and extinguishing system. The paper titled “A force-position control system based on soft tissue under large deformation” introduces an extension of the mass-spring model that can reflect the mechanical properties of human tissue. In the paper titled “Look-ahead algorithm with whole s-curve acceleration and deceleration,” an algorithm is proposed to increase the smoothness of feed rate profile and machining efficiency of continuous short line and circle machining in CNC systems.

Yong TaoJindong TanZili ShaoHongxing Wei