The book focuses on the role of the Leonardo da Vinci projects and inventions, specifically the interdisciplinarity of his studies that represents perhaps the first example of the paradigm of complex systems engineering. The projects are characterized within a modern conception of his thinking, looking at the main motivations behind his machines. The book also proposes a set of experimental realizations of the models made mainly in wood, using the actual concept of automatic control and microcontroller technology emphasizing that the Leonardo machines can be seen in agreement with modern current technology.The remote control of each machine is considered and the behavior of each monitored. Machines are revisited based on the transmission principle that adopts microcontrollers and bluetooth devices, studying the equipment behind the actuation of the systems. Thus, the paradigm of each machine is maintained unaltered while the latest technologies show the relevance of such inventions in the modern era. The study also stimulated more applications and future projects that can start from the original Leonardo projects and then proceed to the next centuries, providing readers simple and efficient ideas to innovate his projects using modern low-cost microcontrollers.

This insightful Handbook emphasizes the unique contribution that Futures Studies offers when understanding and managing current situations. Contributing authors argue that by learning to examine the future in the present, individuals and organizations can expand their abilities to analyze, assess and ultimately make better decisions. This title contains one or more Open Access chapters.

Robotics and VR systems are uniquely suited to provide functional assistance with mobility and activities of daily living, especially for patients with motor and sensory disorders of the central nervous system, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. Compiling both current knowledge and key challenges of robotic rehabilitation in one convenient text, Robotics in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow resource on robotic and VR systems in all areas of medical rehabilitation. - Covers the impact of robotics and artificial intelligence on all aspects of health care delivery. - Focuses on the key technologies in developing robotics for a wide range of medical rehabilitation activities, including neuroprosthesis applications of robotic exoskeletons and brain-controlled assistive robotics and prosthetics. - Addresses artificial intelligence, medical robotics in acute care medicine, and robots on the battlefield and in space travel. - Contains chapters on the economics of the robotic industry and the future of robots in medicine. - Ideal for physiatrists and PM&R residents and fellows; clinicians in orthopaedics, sports medicine, spinal cord injury, and occupational therapy; and specialists working with orthotics and prosthetics.

How much can innovation contribute to the quality of life? How can innovation be used to develop and market commercial products? These are two major questions considered by an international symposium of active researchers from the USA and Europe in the fields of industrial innovation which was held at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. The scope of the papers is extensive and embraces the whole process of innovation, from invention through development to commercialisation and diffusion. Some papers cover broad general issues such as the social and economic consequences of innovation and government policies towards innovation and research and development. Others provide highly specific and pragmatic advice upon the management of innovation and the development of marketing strategies to promote the speedy acceptance of new products and processes. Despite the diversity of the contributions, a number of clear themes emerge. These include the importance, for successful innovation, of clearly identifying user needs and the need for total immersion in the detail of an industry or market in order to understand the diffusion of an innovation. In short, there is something in this book for anyone who is concerned with the impact and influence of technological innovation on our future.

A celebration of one of the world's most creative minds, this book recreates da Vinci's original notes, drawings and inventions.

Building better organisations, with a clear sense of purpose, is a common challenge faced by many entrepreneurs and executives in industry. A fully integrated corporate sustainability strategy can help organisations to better manage risks, to win business opportunities and to ultimately strengthen reputation. Building on the experience of renowned strategists, sustainability, finance and academic experts, this book offers practical tools and approaches that can be used to develop and implement fully integrated corporate sustainability strategies.

An accessible source of winning technology managementstrategies In Management of Technology and Operations Ray Gehani reveals thebasic principles and best practices applied by toptechnology-driven organizations in the intensely competitive globalmarketplace. Using a model that technologists can relate to --ahigh-performance V-6 engine --he pinpoints the six sources ofcompetitive advantage that determine both short-term survival andmarket leadership over the long term. Then, with the help ofreal-life examples from leading technology-driven organizations, hedemonstrates how these global winners integrate project managementand pioneering leadership to exploit the full potential of each ofthese sources: * Research and development * Production automation and engineering * Information integration * Customer trust and market understanding * Reliability and quality promise * Building the best people. For working engineers and managers in technology-drivenorganizations of any size, this book provides a commonunderstanding of the goals and methods of managing technology andoperations. It is also an excellent text for upper-levelundergraduate and graduate students in science, engineering, andbusiness.

From newborns switched in the nursery to medication mix-ups and hospital-acquired infections, we are all familiar with the horror stories about hospital safety, and unfortunately, the statistics say we aren‘t exaggerating. The safety issue in U.S. hospitals has become so profound and embedded, that we cannot hope to fix it without a paradigm shift

Innovation has revolutionized the world economy, yet it remains often misunderstood. This textbook seeks to elucidate the nature and impact of innovation for both undergraduate and graduate students. Innovation and Technology examines the impact of innovation on both economic theory and the real world. It addresses the topic at the level of policy and also drills down to provide analysis of firms. This book moves beyond the plethora of specialized studies on the subject and formulates a unified and comprehensive approach, encompassing the topic’s huge breadth and scope. Issues such as innovation, knowledge, incentives, information and regulation are featured. Designed for MBA, Economics and Business students, this textbook will be useful to those interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and the economics of technology.