Search Results (52)

This paper introduces a unified and systematic design methodology for robotic systems that is generalizable across a wide range of applications. It integrates rigorous mathematical formalisms such as kinematics, dynamics, control theory, and optimization with advanced simulation tools, ensuring that each design decision is grounded in provable theory. The approach defines clear phases, including mathematical modeling, virtual prototyping, parameter optimization, and theoretical validation. Each phase builds on the previous one to reduce unforeseen integration issues. Spanning from conceptualization to deployment, it offers a blueprint for developing mathematically valid and robust robotic solutions while streamlining the transition from design intent to functional prototype. By standardizing the design workflow, this framework reduces development time and cost, improves reproducibility across projects, and enhances collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. Such a generalized approach is essential in today’s fast-evolving robotics landscape where rapid innovation and cross-domain applicability demand flexible yet reliable methodologies. Moreover, it provides a common language and set of benchmarks that both novice and experienced engineers can use to evaluate performance, facilitate knowledge transfer, and future-proof systems against emerging application requirements. Full article

This article describes the use of 3D printing as a tool for the design of a dosing device for intramuscular injections by nursing professionals. A device that is safer against accidental punctures, easy to use, and functional. After the analysis of the problem by a multidisciplinary team, which included nurses and engineers, a first basic prototype has been built for testing. In the process, software for solid modeling has been used; functional prototypes have been developed from the virtual models by rapid prototyping using fused deposition modeling technology (FDM), in Polylactic Acid (PLA) material, and have been tested to verify their mechanical properties and suitability for function. The project has developed a functional design that has been patented, and is in the clinical trials phase. This study demonstrates the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies to expedite the design process and build low-cost functional prototypes. The dosing and needle-protection mechanisms are driven by compression springs; the forces needed for both mechanisms were initially estimated through theoretical calculations and verified through empirical testing. Full article

Industrialized construction faces persistent fragmentation challenges that negatively impact project performance. Although there is consensus on the importance of integration, its effective adoption in industrialized construction, particularly for modular timber building companies, remains underexplored. This study examines how intra-organization fragmentation and stakeholder integration influence project performance through a combined empirical case study and theoretical simulation analysis. This study adopted a computational modeling strategy based on the Virtual Design Team (VDT) approach to simulate the organizational structure and process in a real-world industrialized timber building company. The VDT’s baseline results reveal significant rework from inadequate early integration among specialties and functional departments, increasing the project schedule. A revised scenario introduces horizontal and vertical integration by co-locating design and manufacturing team members and reducing the decision-making level. These adjustments substantially reduced rework in design phases and shortened the project duration below the original plan. The critical role of early collaborative involvement of all disciplines emphasizes that integrated organizational structures and processes are essential for ensuring reliable project outcomes in industrialized timber building companies. This research provides empirically grounded insights highlighting the strategic importance of integration in industrialized construction and establishes a validated modeling basis to guide practical interventions and future research on integration-driven improvements. Full article

This paper explores the evolving relationship between Digital Twins (DT) and the Metaverse, two foundational yet often conflated digital paradigms in digital architecture. While DTs function as mirrored models of real-world systems—integrating IoT, BIM, and real-time analytics to support decision-making—Metaverses are typically fictional, immersive, multi-user environments shaped by social, cultural, and speculative narratives. Through several research projects, the team investigate the divergence between DTs and Metaverses through the lens of their purpose, data structure, immersion, and interactivity, while highlighting areas of convergence driven by emerging technologies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR).This study aims to investigate the convergence of DTs and the Metaverse in digital architecture, examining how emerging technologies—such as AI, XR, and Large Language Models (LLMs)—are blurring their traditional boundaries. By analyzing their divergent purposes, data structures, and interactivity modes, as well as hybrid applications (e.g., data-integrated virtual environments and AI-driven collaboration), this study seeks to define the opportunities and challenges of this integration for architectural design, decision-making, and immersive user experiences. Our research spans multiple projects utilizing XR and AI to develop DT and the Metaverse. The team assess the capabilities of AI in DT environments, such as reality capture and smart building management. Concurrently, the team evaluates metaverse platforms for online collaboration and architectural education, focusing on features facilitating multi-user engagement. The paper presents evaluations of various virtual environment development pipelines, comparing traditional BIM+IoT workflows with novel approaches such as Gaussian Splatting and generative AI for content creation. The team further explores the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) in both domains, such as virtual agents or LLM-powered Non-Player-Controlled Characters (NPC), enabling autonomous interaction and enhancing user engagement within spatial environments. Finally, the paper argues that DTs and Metaverse’s once-distinct boundaries are becoming increasingly porous. Hybrid digital spaces—such as virtual buildings with data-integrated twins and immersive, social metaverses—demonstrate this convergence. As digital environments mature, architects are uniquely positioned to shape these dual-purpose ecosystems, leveraging AI, XR, and spatial computing to fuse data-driven models with immersive and user-centered experiences. Full article

Background/Objectives: Community–academic partnerships offer unique opportunities to leverage expertise and resources to modify structural factors that address community priorities. However, few in-depth examples of successful partnerships in rural communities to improve food security are available. This manuscript describes the process of building a partnership to reduce food insecurity in a rural Kentucky community. Methods: The research team worked with Cooperative Extension to form a community advisory board (CAB) representative of diverse sectors of the community who had interest in food security, agriculture, and/or nutrition. The CAB convened regularly, in-person or virtually, to review community assessment information and identify, select, and adapt relevant multi-level interventions. CAB members were invited to complete two surveys and participate in a listening session to provide feedback on working with academic partners. Results: Over the first two years of the project, 17 people served on the CAB. Early in the project, the CAB prioritized interventions for working families, relatives raising children, and lower income households. Some ideas were able to come to fruition (e.g., family cooking social classes, raised garden beds), while others were explored but were unable to gain momentum (e.g., mobile market) due to challenges with feasibility, organizational capacity, and/or interest. CAB members reported high engagement and strong communication between community and academic partners. Conclusions: Full exploration of potential solutions suggested by CABs may build trust between community and academic partners and could provide a strategic selection process for multi-level, evidence-based interventions deemed feasible for addressing complex issues such as food insecurity and nutritional health outcomes. Full article

This paper investigates the integration of cognitive agents powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to reinforce software project management. By deploying virtual agents in simulated software environments, this study explores their potential to fulfill fundamental roles in IT project development, thereby optimizing project outcomes through intelligent automation. Particular emphasis is placed on the adaptability of these agents to Agile methodologies and their transformative impact on decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration dynamics. The research leverages the CogniSim ecosystem, a platform designed to simulate real-world software engineering challenges, such as aligning technical capabilities with business objectives, managing interdependencies, and maintaining project agility. Through iterative simulations, cognitive agents demonstrate advanced capabilities in task delegation, inter-agent communication, and project lifecycle management. By employing natural language processing to facilitate meaningful dialogues, these agents emulate human roles and improve the efficiency and precision of Agile practices. Key findings from this investigation highlight the ability of LLM-powered cognitive agents to deliver measurable improvements in various metrics, including task completion times, quality of deliverables, and communication coherence. These agents exhibit scalability and adaptability, ensuring their applicability across diverse and complex project environments. This study underscores the potential of integrating LLM-powered agents into Agile project management frameworks as a means of advancing software engineering practices. This integration not only refines the execution of project management tasks but also sets the stage for a paradigm shift in how teams collaborate and address emerging challenges. By integrating the capabilities of artificial intelligence with the principles of Agile, the CogniSim framework establishes a foundation for more intelligent, efficient, and adaptable software development methodologies. Full article

Collaborative learning (CL) is the instructional use of small groups in such a way that students work together to maximize their own and others’ learning. In this study, the aim was to implement online collaborative learning (OCL) using the Microsoft Teams (MT) platform and to analyze the students’ preferences regarding presential or online learning. Material and Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 students from the Degree in Dentistry. Four groups were created with MT and clinical cases or problems were uploaded for online discussion with each group. Additionally, as part of the course program, the students were divided into the same groups for to carry out Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in person. Afterwards, students completed a project assessment and satisfaction survey. Results: The survey revealed that the students found participation in this project to be useful or very useful. Their experiences with MT were rated as positive or very positive. However, a significant portion of the students (42.6%) preferred conventional face-to-face (FF) problem-solving, while 27.9% preferred using online tools. Based on the execution of this project and the open feedback on the use of MT, we have outlined a series of recommendations to enhance the use of this platform. Conclusions: MT is a highly useful platform for online teaching, offering multiple tools to promote learning in a virtual and asynchronous manner. However, when comparing CL through PBL conducted FF versus online, students still prefer in-person teaching to virtual methods. Full article

In large-scale pile foundation drilling projects, the absence of digital work area management hampers dynamic construction management, affecting efficiency. This article explores multi-work area management during pile foundation drilling using a BIM parameterized model, focusing on informatization. The results indicate the following: (i) A dynamic zoning method for pile foundation construction using BIM models was developed to support information management systems and address resource allocation challenges amid dynamic construction team changes. (ii) Adaptive zoning methods were proposed, incorporating the dynamic adjustment of construction work areas, including the division of virtual work areas and adaptive adjustment of pile foundation partition parameters. (iii) Work area modeling and zoning were applied on site, with pile foundation modeling aligning with engineering design distribution, and work area zoning accurately reflecting the on-site construction status. (iv) This method enables adaptive synchronization between pile foundation model attributes and work area information, integrating zoning management into the information system to enhance the construction unit’s information management system and digital management level. Full article

This study presents the creation of a virtual reality experience for the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi e Zona Archeologica (hence Balzi Rossi Museum) commemorating the centenary of Prince Albert I Grimaldi’s archaeological work at the site. The project aims to preserve and convey the site’s heritage through advanced VR technology. Photogrammetry was used for 3D reconstruction of the entire Balzi Rossi coastal cliffs, including the notable “Caviglione” and “Florestano” caves, known for their upper Paleolithic rock engravings. Two subsequent development phases produced the final public VR experience, incorporating Nanite technology for enhanced visual fidelity. This advancement resulted in a more detailed and immersive VR experience, presenting the Balzi Rossi cliffs across different historical periods, including the Würm glaciation. Key to this phase was optimizing the VR experience for performance, focusing on stable frame rates and minimizing motion sickness, and integrating a multi-lingual interface for broader accessibility. Since November 2023, the VR setup at Balzi Rossi Museum has been an educational and interactive feature enabling visitors to virtually explore the site’s history. This study aims to describe a process for optimizing and enabling the creation of VR experiences while maintaining a high polygon count within the context of small teams. Full article

The recent past has witnessed a growing interest in technologies for creating chatbots. Advances in Large Language Models for natural language processing are underpinning rapid progress in chatbot development, and experts predict revolutionary changes in the labour market as many manual tasks are replaced by virtual assistants in a range of business functions. As the new technology becomes more accessible and advanced, more companies are exploring the possibilities of implementing virtual assistants to automate routine tasks and improve service. This article reports on qualitative inductive research undertaken within a chatbot development team operating in a major international enterprise. The findings identify critical success factors for chatbot projects, and a model is developed and validated to support the planning and implementation of chatbot projects. The presented model can serve as an exemplary guide for researchers and practitioners working in this field. It is flexible and applicable in a wide range of business contexts, linking strategic business goals with execution steps. It is particularly applicable for teams with no experience in chatbot implementation, reducing uncertainty and managing decisions and risks throughout the project lifecycle, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success. Full article

The project, developed by a team of Una Quantum, consists of the digital renovation of the Archaeological Civic Museum of the Municipality of Collelongo (AQ) through the realisation of its website. The action plan aimed to highlight the essential role of open software and open workflow in the field of cultural heritage research and management, focusing on the use of programmes for 3D reconstruction, the creation of virtual tours and GIS (geographical information system) and WebGIS software (LeafletJS V.1.7.1). The website is structured using a modern and dynamic user-friendly interface which is subdivided into three main sections: the virtual tour, the online catalogue and web maps. Full article

In the field of technological construction tools, 360-degree panorama provides a panoramic virtual reality capable of representing the construction environment in great detail. While there are many studies on their pedagogical and safety applications, few studies address the benefits of their use in construction monitoring and control. For this reason, the present research aims to explore its application and benefits for monitoring and control, the research for which begins with a literature review of the application of 360-degree panoramas in construction, where the authors identified the main benefits. In the second stage, the authors analyzed two case studies of its application: the first is based on the construction of a retail project, and the second is based on an infrastructure project. After the implementation, the researchers conducted interviews with the team members responsible for implementing 360-degree panorama. The main benefits of 360-degree panorama are as follows: a complete overview of the construction site situation, verification of the distribution of the space used, documentation of the current project situations, as well as progress control and quality control. These results will hopefully help to improve the understanding of this tool’s current state of the art in the construction field and open the door to future investigations on cost–benefit analysis that facilitate the application of this tool in construction sites. Full article

IT projects are becoming increasingly complex due to rapidly advancing technologies, the need to tackle more difficult problems, and the involvement of a larger variety of experts with different backgrounds and experiences from different countries and cultures. It is also common for these teams to often work remotely in virtual settings. In this context, besides conflicts between IT project team members, cross-functional and cross-hierarchical organizational conflicts might emerge as well. These conflicts can vary in terms of their origin, nature, and intensity. This paper is a qualitative study focused on understanding interpersonal communication-based conflicts in multicultural and multidisciplinary IT project teams. The purpose is to find a common approach that can mitigate and eventually resolve these conflicts, aiming to promote shared knowledge and ultimately reduce the gap in understanding and the likelihood of conflicts. Both secondary research (a literature survey) and primary research (involving experienced managers and experts from project teams in the Romanian IT industry) were conducted in order to reach the objectives, besides sets of lessons learned and recommendations, to develop a framework for systematic conflict analysis and to propose a practice for a transcultural framework of common team vocabulary. To achieve these, a number of conflicts were investigated in IT project teams and corresponding cases. Based on the research findings, the authors concluded that a more formal approach is needed to address the problem of conflicts. From a theoretical standpoint, this paper suggests the concept of management diversity and provides a typology of organizational conflicts. Nevertheless, the framework for systematic analysis of conflict typology (FACT) and the framework of common team vocabulary in the multicultural environment of IT organizational project teams, as well as the sets of lessons learned and recommendations, might be useful and inspiring for both scholars and managers, not only in the IT sector. Full article

In 2022, the National Museum of Australia launched an immersive virtual exhibition of Australian Aboriginal art: Connection: Songlines from Australia’s First Peoples, which was created and produced by Grande Experiences, the same team that produced the multisensory experience Van Gogh Alive. The exhibition employs large-scale projections and cutting-edge light and sound technology to offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the intricate network of Australian Aboriginal art, which is an ancient pathway of knowledge that traverses the continent. Serving as the gateway to the Songlines universe, the exhibition invites visitors to delve into the profound spiritual connections with the earth, water, and sky, immersing them in a compellingly rich and thoroughly captivating narrative with a vivid symphony of sound, light, and color. This article examines Connection as a digital storytelling platform by exploring the Grande Experiences company’s approach to the digital replication of Australian Aboriginal art, with a focus on the connection between humans and nature in immersive exhibition spaces. Full article

In today’s digital era, where communication is primarily conducted using computers and other technological devices, an agile mindset is not enough to be sustainable. Given the significant influence of human behaviour in agile environments, it is common for emotions to come into play among team members, particularly when they seek to assert their opinions or perspectives. Having digital emotional intelligence (DEQ) is crucial for agile team members in the current digital age, as it allows them to comprehend the emotions of their fellow team members using digital tools and technologies. This study focused on determining the reciprocal influence for team members between DEQ and an agile mindset in an agile environment. Qualitative research was implemented using semi-structured interviews. The identified participants were industry agnostic and were the team members working in agile projects, transitioning to agile and working in hybrid projects. The findings revealed that the intersection of agile mindset and DEQ is self-awareness. Self-awareness includes psychological empowerment, communication and collaboration, and respect. Possessing an agile mindset and DEQ in an agile environment has advantages, including improved virtual collaboration, faster adaptation to new technologies, better management of digital distractions, enhanced customer focus in digital channels, and improved data literacy. Full article