Search results for "Automation"
showing 10 items of 1181 documents
Applications of the vehicle routing problem with trailers and transshipments
2013
Abstract The vehicle routing problem with trailers and transshipments (VRPTT) is a recent and challenging extension of the well-known vehicle routing problem. The VRPTT constitutes an archetypal representative of the class of vehicle routing problems with multiple synchronization constraints (VRPMSs). In addition to the usual task covering constraints, VRPMSs require further synchronization between vehicles, concerning spatial, temporal, and load aspects. VRPMSs possess considerable practical relevance, but limited coverage in the scientific literature. The purpose of the present paper is to describe how several important types of VRPMSs, such as multi-echelon location-routing problems and …
Conflict and segregation in networks: An experiment on the interplay between individual preferences and social influence
2016
We examine the interplay between a person's individual preference and the social influence others exert. We provide a model of network relationships with conflicting preferences, where individuals are better off coordinating with those around them, but where not all have a preference for the same action. We test our model in an experiment, varying the level of conflicting preferences between individuals. Our findings suggest that preferences are more salient than social influence, under conflicting preferences: subjects relate mainly with others who have the same preferences. This leads to two undesirable outcomes: network segregation and social inefficiency. The same force that helps peopl…
Automatic variable selection for exposure-driven propensity score matching with unmeasured confounders.
2020
Multivariable model building for propensity score modeling approaches is challenging. A common propensity score approach is exposure-driven propensity score matching, where the best model selection strategy is still unclear. In particular, the situation may require variable selection, while it is still unclear if variables included in the propensity score should be associated with the exposure and the outcome, with either the exposure or the outcome, with at least the exposure or with at least the outcome. Unmeasured confounders, complex correlation structures, and non-normal covariate distributions further complicate matters. We consider the performance of different modeling strategies in …
Achieving Unbounded Resolution inFinitePlayer Goore Games Using Stochastic Automata, and Its Applications
2012
Abstract This article concerns the sequential solution to a distributed stochastic optimization problem using learning automata and the Goore game (also referred to as the Gur game in the related literature). The amazing thing about our solution is that, unlike traditional methods, which need N automata (where N determines the degree of accuracy), in this article, we show that we can obtain arbitrary accuracy by recursively using only three automata. To be more specific, the Goore game (GG) introduced in Tsetlin (1973) has the fascinating property that it can be resolved in a completely distributed manner with no inter-communication between the players. The game has recently found applicati…
Robust Mean Field Games
2015
Recently there has been renewed interest in large-scale games in several research disciplines, with diverse application domains as in the smart grid, cloud computing, financial markets, biochemical reaction networks, transportation science, and molecular biology. Prior works have provided rich mathematical foundations and equilibrium concepts but relatively little in terms of robustness in the presence of uncertainties. In this paper, we study mean field games with uncertainty in both states and payoffs. We consider a population of players with individual states driven by a standard Brownian motion and a disturbance term. The contribution is threefold: First, we establish a mean field syste…
Dynamic Demand and Mean-Field Games
2017
Within the realm of smart buildings and smart cities,\ud dynamic response management is playing an ever-increasing\ud role thus attracting the attention of scientists from different\ud disciplines. Dynamic demand response management involves a\ud set of operations aiming at decentralizing the control of loads\ud in large and complex power networks. Each single appliance\ud is fully responsive and readjusts its energy demand to the\ud overall network load. A main issue is related to mains frequency\ud oscillations resulting from an unbalance between supply and\ud demand. In a nutshell, this paper contributes to the topic by\ud equipping each signal consumer with strategic insight. In particu…
Advanced stochastic control systems with engineering applications
2014
1 School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China 2 School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia 3 Department of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Agder, 4898 Grimstad, Norway 4 Institute of Automation and Complex Systems, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany 5 College of Automation, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Fatigue crack growth in welds based on a V-notch model for the short crack propagation at the toe
2018
Abstract This work presents a new fatigue crack growth prediction model for non-load-carrying fillet welded steel joints. For this joint configuration the fatigue cracks will emanate from the weld toe region. Due to the presence of a V-notch in this region the crack initiation point becomes a point of singularity for the stress field. This may in many cases make it difficult to determine the Stress Intensity Factor Range (SIFR) for small cracks by conventional methods based on Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). The present approach solves this problem by using the Energy Release Rate (ERR) to determine the SIFR in the small crack growth regime. The model is fitted to crack growth cur…
CyProF – Insights from a Framework for Designing Cyber-Physical Systems in Production Environments
2016
Abstract There is little experience in integrating cyber-physical systems (CPS) in production environments nowadays. A coordinated framework with reference architecture, methodology and procedural model can support the adaption of CPS by providing a pre-defined structure and guidelines. This paper describes such a framework, named CyProF, for designing CPS-based solutions in production environments. Engineers are supported by this framework in handling the complexity during the design phase. Additionally, this paper explains how the framework was used in a use case to reduce engineering efforts for a CPS-based demonstrator.
Selecting industrial robots for milling applications using AHP
2017
Abstract Industrial robots are usually used for pick-and-place applications, which require only point-to-point motion control. However, the recent developments, both in robot technology and in Computer Automated Machining (CAM) software, allow the use of these equipment in applications which require continuous path control, such as multi-axis milling processes. However, the producers do not offer robots specifically developed for this kind of application, thus the user has to choose the most appropriate robot for this goal from a wide range of general purpose robot types. This research work proposes a method based upon Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for selecting the industrial robot for …