IEEE Galveston Bay Section

Mobile robots are nowadays having an undisputed pervasiveness in modern society. Autonomous driving cars as well as applications of service robots (e.g. cleaning robots, companion robots, intelligent healthcare solutions, tour-guided systems) are becoming more and more popular and a general acceptance is now developing around such systems in modern societies. Nonetheless, one of the major problems in building such applications relies on the capability of autonomous systems to understand their surroundings and then plan proper counteractions. Besides learning-based tools, the classical concepts of metrology, such as standard uncertainty, accuracy, and precision, are still unavoidable for a clear and effective understanding of modern mobile robot applications. In this talk, some fundamental measurement concepts will be revised in this domain. In particular, we will cover the main concepts of the statistical approach to measurements that will then be applied to the positioning, localization, and control of mobile robots. Co-sponsored by: IMEKO, Technical Committee on Robotic Measurement, TC17 Speaker(s): Daniele, Houston, Texas, United States, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/313112

Call for IEEE Volunteers to help chaperon students for the upcoming (https://tryengineeringinstitute.ieee.org/engineering-camp/texas-engineering-camp-at-rice-university/)visit to (https://spacecenter.org/space-center-u/?gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4gCp3_F78sctLQXxIoY-qlMWxi83UkYdyGBlCRKkGMpP4AzQ49-LLBoC6OgQAvD_BwE) on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Your responsibilities will include the following: - Supporting TESI Staff during NASA Visit. - Engaging in STEM conversations with students. - Volunteers are asked to volunteer for the entire time of the visit, lunch will be provided by IEEE. The number of IEEE volunteer slots is limited to a first volunteer, first-serve basis. So don't wait too long to volunteer. We will schedule a conference call a few days before the date to help answer any additional questions from registered volunteers. About IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institue At the TryEngineering Summer Institute (https://tryengineeringinstitute.ieee.org/), you’ll explore various engineering fields, such as electrical, civil, mechanical, and aerospace. Our STEM summer course allows you to meet working engineers and experience VIP tours of engineering companies and centers. Learn new skills and engage in hands-on projects that explore how engineers can solve real-world problems. The TryEngineering Summer Institute is a program from (https://www.ieee.org/), the world’s largest professional association for the advancement of technology. Our more than 417,000 members in 160 countries, including more than 120,000 student members, help us provide the trusted "voice" for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe via highly-cited publications, conferences, and technology standards, and professional and educational activities. Our curriculum is created specifically for this program by IEEE STEM summer specialists. Co-sponsored by: Houston Section Agenda: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: NASA Tour Begins - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: NASA Guest Speaker - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Wrap up visit special tour. Bldg: NASA Space Center Houston, 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, Texas, United States, 77058

The rapid development of smart material technology and hand held devices (for example VR controller, mobile devices) has created high demand for shape changing interfaces in order to provide users with more functions in less space and improved usability. However, the fundamental incompatibility between flexible displays and rigid actuator components has brought a huge barrier for commercialization of this technology. This seminar addresses a flexible and bendable vibrotactile actuator that can be easily applied to shape changing hand-held devices. One of the best-established technologies for flexible vibrotactile actuators is to use electroactive polymers (EAPs). There are two types of EAPs, ionic type and non-ionic type. In an ionic EAP, the movement of ions inside the polymer creates its actuation. Ionic EAPs allow relatively low input voltage, but they require high electric power (high electric current) for operation because high energy is necessary to maintain their deformed shape. Another problem is that their actuation force is not sufficiently strong to allow for clear perception. In contrast, non-ionic EAPs, for example, dielectric EAPs, have been researched with a keen interest for vibrotactile actuators owing to their fast response and high operational efficiency. However, non-ionic EAPs require a pre-stretching or multi- stacking process to be able to create large force enough to stimulate human mechanoreceptors. This strategy brought a new issue for low durability and/or a complex manufacturing process. This seminar addresses a robust and flexible vibrotactile actuator using an electro-active plasticized PVC to solve the problem. Co-sponsored by: IMEKO TC17 Technical Committee on Measurement and Control of Robotiucs. Speaker(s): Sang-Youn, Houston, Texas, United States, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/313673