Abstract
Omni-directional robots are becoming more and more common in recent robotic applications. They offer improved ease of maneuverability and effectiveness at the expense of increased complexity. Frequent applications include but are not limited to robotic competitions and service robotics. The goal of this work is to find a precise dynamical model in order to predict the robot behavior. Models were found for two real world omni-directional robot configurations and their parameters estimated using a prototype that can have 3 or 4 wheels. Simulations and experimental runs are presented in order to validate the presented work.

Abstract
This paper describes a joint trajectory optimized controller for a humanoid robot simulator following the real robot characteristics. As simulation is a powerful tool for speeding up the control software development, the proposed accurate simulator allows to fulfill this goal. The simulator, based on the Open Dynamics Engine and GLScene graphics library, provides instant visual feedback. The proposed simulator, with realistic dynamics, allows to design and test behaviours and control strategies without access to the real hardware in order to carry out research on robot control without damaging the real robot in the early stages of the development. The joints controller techniques, such as acceleration, speed and energy consumption minimization are discussed and experimental results are presented in order to validate the proposed simulator.

Abstract
This paper describes a robust localization system, similar to the used by the teams participating in the Robocup Small size league (SLL). The system, developed in Object Pascal, allows real-time localization and control of an autonomous onmidirectional mobile robot. The localization algorithm is done resorting to odometry and global vision data fusion, applying an extended Kalman filter.

Abstract
This paper presents a nonlinear model-based predictive controller (NMPC) for trajectory tracking of a four-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot. Methods of numerical optimization to perform real-time nonlinear minimization of the cost function are used. The cost function penalizes the robot's position error, the robot's orientation angle error, and the control effort. Experimental results of the trajectories following and the performances of the methods of optimization are presented. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract
Moored ship behavior inside harbors and, therefore, the operational and security conditions at a port terminal does not have a straightforward relationship with local environmental conditions. Due to the diversity and complexity of the phenomena involved it is important to use a methodology that combines physical model tests with numerical simulations, taking advantage of potential synergies. Results of prototype measurements are also a key element to making the validation and calibration of both physical and numerical models possible. This paper focuses on studying the behavior of moored tankers using combined methodology. Aspects related with the inclusion in the numerical models of shallow water effects, non-linear characteristics of mooring lines and fenders, the influence of harbor boundaries and viscous damping are analyzed and discussed. The role of physical modeling as a tool to address/quantify some of the conditions and to provide data for the calibration of numerical models is presented, as well as the methodology defined for the study of the operational conditions at an existing berth. This methodology includes the development of a computer vision system to measure ship motion at the port terminal (prototype). Actual operational conditions at the berth are also described in the paper.

Abstract
This paper describes a humanoid robot simulator supporting joint trajectory optimization, following accurately the real robot characteristics. The simulator, based on a rigid body simulator (Open Dynamics Engine) and an OpenGL based graphics librmy (GLScene), provides instant visual feedback and realistic dynamics. It allows to design and test behaviours and control methods without access to the real hardware, preventing damages in the real robot in the earlier stages of development. Having in mind the energy consumption minimization, the low level trajectory planning is discussed and experimental results are presented. The proposed methods arc shown to minimize the total energy assuming two intervals of constant acceleration. Copyright © 2008 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.