Since the birth of the first industrial robot in the early 1960s, robotics has often replaced humans for tedious and repetitive tasks in the industrial world. To meet these challenges, industrial robots have needed to become specialized. They have been designed according to the task that needs to be performed. In the early 1980s, the ambition to equip robots with robotic hands with universal capabilities led to the development of robotic grasping research. The emergence of more agile industry and also collaborative robotics requires the development of new generation grippers: more versatile, with not only adaptive grasping capabilities but also dexterous manipulation capabilities. The development of flexible multi-fingered grippers with both adaptive grasping and in-hand manipulation capabilities remains a complex issue for human-like dexterous manipulation. After four decades of research in dexterous manipulation, many robotic hands have been developed. The development of these hands however remains a key challenge, as the dexterity of robot hands is far from human capabilities. The aim of this monograph is, through the evolution of robotics from industrial and manufacturing robotics to service and collaborative robotics, to show the evolution of the grasping function. From industrial grippers to dexterous robot hands, and the stakes inherent today to new robotic applications in open, dynamic environments where humans are likely to evolve.

This book provides state of the art scientific and engineering research findings and developments in the area of mobile robotics and associated support technologies. The book contains peer reviewed articles presented at the CLAWAR 2011 conference. A great deal of interest is vested in the use of robots outside the factory environment. The CLAWAR conference series, established as a high profile international event, acts as a platform for dissemination of research and development findings and supports the trend to address current interest in mobile robotics to meet the needs of mankind in various segments of the society. Field robotics aims to bring technologies that allow autonomous systems to assist and/or replace humans performing tasks that are difficult, repetitive, unpleasant, or take place in hazardous environments. These robotic systems will bring sociological and economic benefits through improved human safety, increased equipment utilisation, reduced maintenance costs and increased production.