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In this paper, a vision-based obstacle avoiding path generation problem is considered for autonomous mobile robots under a top-view workspace. The collision-free path planning problem is converted to a convex optimization problem that can be solved numerically using linear matrix inequalities (LMI). A new optimal (shortest) path cost formulation is given for LMI optimization using a novel Line of Sight Meshing (LSM) method. As compared to the traditional meshing algorithms such as Voronoi and Delaunay, the LSM generates fewer mesh cells which results in reduced computation time. A virtual path diagram (VPD), consisting of all collision-free piecewise straightline paths, is then found for robot navigation. The LMI optimization method is then used to find the optimal (shortest) collision-free path from the VPD set. In addition to distance, other constraints, such as terrain condition and curvature of the path can be incorporated in the cost function for constrained optimal solution. Finally, a rapid prototyping (RP) environment has been developed, which is used for hardware implementation of the algorithm. The generated paths are then converted to motion commands, which are sent wirelessly from a base-station to mobile robots for motion control.

Due to increasing urbanization in Bangkok, Thailand, it is observed that there are an increasing number of people who have moved into high-density apartment/condominium complexes. One common service that is provided at such complexes is the provision of public coin operated washing machines that allow tenants to do their laundry at a reasonable price. This has led to a new set of challenges, one of which is that the number of public coin operated washing machines is usually inadequate during peak hours, leading to long waits in queues for the tenants. The development of smart public coin operated washing machines has improved the quality of life of the tenants. This research proposes a smart public coin operated washing machine platform by extending the usefulness and convenience of existing washing machines using IoT applications. The infrastructure, the proposed application features, and the vacancy state detection of the new washing machine platform are discussed. Using the proposed platform, tenants using public coin operated washing machines can better plan when to do their laundry even during peak hours, improving their quality of life.

This paper describes a research study for the development and implementation of a prototype remote-controlled robotic assistant to doctors (Tele-Doc) for telemedicine applications. The development considers implementation issues concerning real-time and continuous patient monitoring and diagnosis, as well as tele-control interfacing techniques, mobile robot motion controller, reprogrammable embedded processing system, and internet-based robotic control centre. The paper also describes bio-data measurement techniques, as well as simple system architecture and its implementation.