ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates several applications of fuzzy logic in the context of intelligent or soft automation. The subject of automation intelligence primarily deals with the technology of incorporating intelligence into an automated process. The representation and processing of knowledge plays a key role in implementing intelligence for process automation. The use of autonomous robot systems has tremendous advantages, particularly in space applications, with regard to accuracy, repeatability, flexibility, speed, and minimal intervention of crew members. In multiple-sensor fusion several sensors acquire the same information, and thereby increase the reliability and accuracy of the information through a systematic process of combination of the sensory data obtained from different sources. The chapter also focuses on the development of an integrated approach for the fusion of multiple sensors and actuators so as to reach the performance of distributed sensors and actuators. Mechatronics is a new discipline which concerns the integrated design, manufacture, and control of smart electromechanical products.
