Image-based full body 3D reconstruction for tele-immersive applications generates large amount of data points, which have to be sent through the network in real-time. In this paper we introduce a skeleton-based compression method using motion estimation where kinematic parameters of the human body are extracted from the point cloud data in each frame. First we address the issues regarding the d...

In the bilateral hydraulic servo control system of a construction tele-robot with in-situ force sensing, the p-f type force feedback architecture is liable to result in an impact on the operator hand, and its high amplitude will cause the control unstable. In order to solve this problem an improved force feedback control method with the feature of a T-S fuzzy feedback coefficient, which could b...

This paper presents the technical description, mechanical design, electronic components, software implementation and possible applications of a tele-operated mobile robot designed as an assisted living tool. This robotic concept has been named Assistant Personal Robot (or APR for short) and has been designed as a remotely telecontrolled robotic platform built to provide social and assistive ser...

This paper describes the case of the National Assembly of Wales and the relevance of information and communications technology (ICT) to supporting its internal and external democratic processes. We review a number of tele-democracy initiatives from around the world and develop a case study of tele-democracy as it impacts upon a recent attempt to introduce a form of devolved government in the UK...

In this paper the European Cities Platform for Online Transaction Services (EURO-CITI) project is presented. The EURO-CITI project aims to specify, develop and demonstrate a common architecture and related services targeting the public sector. The proposed services include tele-voting, electronic submission of forms and tele-consulting. Tele-voting will be used for opinion polls petitions that ...

In emergency situations, rescue teams combined of humans and robots in place, as well as tele-operators to coordinate the activities from a remote location need to complement each other. This contribution addresses specific aspects of the tele-operator to remotely control the robots. Aspects to be analyzed are related to remote sensor data acquisition, as well as to data transfer in the distrib...

This article is an attempt to promote R&D methodology that is actionoriented in order to improve the development of tele-learning environments and software artefacts fully adapted to learning activities. First we start by presenting an overview of the two main phases of action-oriented research, stressing the importance of control methods. Secondly, we describe difficulties in applying these me...