This text presents a collection of 23 contributions that cover a well-selected repertory of topics within the autonomous systems field. Intelligent autonomous systems (IAS) are finding new applications in industrial production, health-care service and other sectors of modern life. The book is divided into three distinct parts: general concepts, architectures and technologies; mobile, walking and snake-like robots; and applications. The first part contains seven chapters dealing with the requirements, architectures and implementation of intelligent/sensor-based autonomous systems and robots, while part two presents 11 contributions covering the design, path-planning, navigation, and motion-planning and control of mobile robots including legged robots and snake-like robots. Finally, part three involves five important applications, namely cellular manufacturing, robotic wheelchairs, robotic excavators, robotic explorers and autonomously controlled vehicles on the highway.
