ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a general theory for the analytic design of intelligent machines and robotic systems. It provides more details for the design, implementation, and testing of the supervisor level. The book deals with the skill-based level e.g., knowledge capture issues and examines locomotion systems as well as multifingered robot arms. It also presents a construction method of complicated robotic systems based on cells i.e., on functional elements used to build a robotic system from the viewpoint of biometrics. The book discusses the fundamental issue of how much manipulator dynamics information must be included in the dynamic model for controlling a robot using a proportional-plus-derivative controller. It includes a discussion of several supporting technology developments in artificial intelligence planning, control, human-machine interface, and computer architecture.
