Abstract
A laser scanner is a popular sensor widely used in industry and mobile robots applications that measures the distance to the sensor on a slice of the plan. This sensor can be used in mobile robots localization task. In this paper, a low cost laser scanner sensor is modelled so that it can be implemented in a simulation environment. The simulation reflects the laser model properties such as target colour dependences, noise, limits and time constraints. A correction of the laser scanner nonlinearities is proposed. The noise spectrum is also addressed.

Abstract
The fast development in the field of Robotics has become more and more notorious throughout the past years. Nowadays technology in general and robotics in particular search for modular and flexible applications in order to answer the demands of a wide range of problems in an efficient manner. However there are several robotic solutions already implemented and some still available to be implemented that do not use modular tools. The Robotic Operative System (ROS) appears to be the unifying tool to connect all software developers allowing any developer in both education and professional areas to be able to develop complex software using small iterations of simple software. Still, despite of the several robotic solutions available, there are several robots that do not use the Robotic Operative System (ROS) and have limitations in terms of autonomously correct errors during their tasks. Moreover when developing new robots and software to the robotic area there is an important aspect to be consider: the selection of the methodology to be used. In this paper, it will be presented a challenge propose to college students using the ROS framework in a common robotic problem, the pick and place operations. The main aim for this challenge is to show how to produce software in a modular and flexible way using ROS can prompt the rapid development in all robotic applications. Moreover the challenge had one particular real end, the European Robotics Challenges (EUROC) - a challenge aiming to develop a robot for shop floor logistics and manipulation. Furthermore this challenge was based in the three tiers paradigm: 1 recognition/sensing tier, 2-effector tier and 3-the control tier and was built using the ROS framework. Another advantage of our proposed pick and place approach is the ability to have a robot safely and efficiently inserted in an unknown environment. This is possible due to the insertion of an adaptive control tier in our methodology. The proposed approach can be valuable in the field of robotics and can be potentially applied in multiple tasks and it has already allowed us to advance to the next stage of EUROC. Based on this information, the challenge propose to the students will primarily reinforce the need for modular and flexible software while showing how the ROS framework can be a simple tool for present and future developments.

Abstract
Purpose - Streamlining automated processes is currently undertaken by developing optimization methods and algorithms for robotic manipulators. This paper aims to present a new approach to improve streamlining of automatic processes. This new approach allows for multiple robotic manipulators commonly found in the industrial environment to handle different scenarios, thus providing a high-flexibility solution to automated processes. Design/methodology/approach - The developed system is based on a spatial discretization methodology capable of describing the surrounding environment of the robot, followed by a novel path-planning algorithm. Gazebo was the simulation engine chosen, and the robotic manipulator used was the Universal Robot 5 (UR5). The proposed system was tested using the premises of two robotic challenges: EuRoC and Amazon Picking Challenge. Findings - The developed system was able to identify and describe the influence of each joint in the Cartesian space, and it was possible to control multiple robotic manipulators safely regardless of any obstacles in a given scene. Practical implications - This new system was tested in both real and simulated environments, and data collected showed that this new system performed well in real- life scenarios, such as EuRoC and Amazon Picking Challenge. Originality/ value - The new proposed approach can be valuable in the robotics field with applications in various industrial scenarios, as it provides a flexible solution for multiple robotic manipulator path and motion planning.

Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to address a mobile robot localization system that avoids using a dedicated laser scanner, making it possible to reduce implementation costs and the robot's size. The system has enough precision and robustness to meet the requirements of industrial environments. Design/methodology/approach - Using an algorithm for artificial beacon detection combined with a Kalman Filter and an outlier rejection method, it was possible to enhance the precision and robustness of the overall localization system. Findings - Usually, industrial automatic guide vehicles feature two kinds of lasers: one for navigation placed on top of the robot and another for obstacle detection (security lasers). Recently, security lasers extended their output data with obstacle distance (contours) and reflectivity. These new features made it possible to develop a novel localization system based on a security laser. Research limitations/implications - Once the proposed methodology is completely validated, in the future, a scheme for global localization and failure detection should be addressed. Practical implications - This paper presents a comparison between the presented approach and a commercial localization system for industry. The proposed algorithms were tested in an industrial application under realistic working conditions. Social implications - The presented methodology represents a gain in the effective cost of the mobile robot platform, as it discards the need for a dedicated laser for localization purposes. Originality/value - This paper presents a novel approach that benefits from the presence of a security laser on mobile robots (mandatory sensor when considering industrial applications), using it simultaneously with other sensors, not only to guarantee safety conditions during operation but also to locate the robot in the environment. This paper is also valuable because of the comparison made with a commercialized system, as well as the tests conducted in real industrial environments, which prove that the approach presented is suitable for working under these demanding conditions.

Abstract
This paper addresses the development of a new localization system based on a security laser presented on most AGVs for safety reasons. An enhanced artificial beacons detection algorithm is applied with a combination of a Kalman filter and an outliers rejection method in order to increase the robustness and precision of the system. This new robust approach allows to implement such system in current AGVs. Real results in industrial environment validate the proposed methodology.

Abstract
Self-localization of a robot in an indoor plant is one of the most important requirement in mobile robotics. This paper addresses the application and improvement of a well known localization algorithm used in Robocup Midsize league competition in real service and industrial robots. This new robust approach is based on modeling the quality of several measures and minimizing the maching error. The presented innovative work applies the robotic football knowledge to other fields with high accuracy. Real and simulated results allow to validate the proposed methodology.