Abstract
This article proposes a feature-rich, open hardware, open software inexpensive robot based on a Waveshare AlphaBot 2. The proposal uses a Raspberry Pi and a chrome plated light bulb as a mirror to produce a robot with an omnidirectional vision (catadioptric) system. The system also tackles boot and network issues to allow for monitor-less programming and usage, thus further reducing usage costs. The OpenCV library is used for image processing and obstacles are identified based on their brightness and saturation in contrast to the ground. Our solution achieved acceptable framerates and near perfect object detection up to 1.5-m distances. The robot is usable for simple robotic demonstrations and educational purposes for its simplicity and flexibility.

Abstract
In recent years robots have been used as a tool for teaching purposes, motivating the development of fully virtual environments for combined real/simulated robotics teaching. The AlphaBot2 Raspberry Pi (RPi), a robot used for education, has no currently available simulator. A Gazebo simulator was produced and a ROS framework was implemented for hardware abstraction and control of low-level modules facilitating students control of the robot's physical behaviours in the real and simulated robot, simultaneously. For the demonstration of the basic model operation, an algorithm for detection of obstacles and lines was implemented for the IR sensors, however, some discrepancies in a line track timed test were detected justifying the need for further work in modelling and performance assessment. Despite that, the implemented ROS structure was verified to be functional in the simulation and the real AlphaBot2 for its motion control, through the input sensors and camera.

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Abstract

Abstract
There are more than one million people, each year, that will suffer a lower limb amputation. This condition occurs as a result of a wide range of diseases: diabetes, trauma or malignant tumors. An amputation means disability and a poor quality of life. The major challenge in the development of a prosthesis lies in restoring the missing human function, i.e. locomotion while maintaining the biomechanical requirements of the ankle joint. Thus, this work addresses the field of the artificial devices that replace the ankle-foot. The goal of this work is to sketch a 3D model of a transtibial prosthesis, and to find and implement a dynamic model of human ankle joint motion, in order to be used in a future control system strategy. Thereby, this work represents the first steps towards the development of a transtibial prosthesis. © 2018 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Abstract
Each year thousands of people suffer from lower limb amputation, mainly due to three causes: wars, accidents and vascular diseases. The development of lower limb prosthesis is crucial to restore people’s mobility, improving the quality of life of millions of people. This contribution presents a gait events detector algorithm capable of detecting all the events of the human walking. Results show the correct transition between phases during several gait cycles for a human model walking in flat terrain. © 2018 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.