Author: J. Michael McCarthy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447145100
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 251
Book Description
21st Century Kinematics focuses on algebraic problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and robots, compliant mechanisms, cable-driven systems and protein kinematics. The specialist contributors provide the background for a series of presentations at the 2012 NSF Workshop. The text shows how the analysis and design of innovative mechanical systems yield increasingly complex systems of polynomials, characteristic of those systems. In doing so, it takes advantage of increasingly sophisticated computational tools developed for numerical algebraic geometry and demonstrates the now routine derivation of polynomial systems dwarfing the landmark problems of even the recent past. The 21st Century Kinematics workshop echoes the NSF-supported 1963 Yale Mechanisms Teachers Conference that taught a generation of university educators the fundamental principles of kinematic theory. As such these proceedings will provide admirable supporting theory for a graduate course in modern kinematics and should be of considerable interest to researchers in mechanical design, robotics or protein kinematics or who have a broader interest in algebraic geometry and its applications.
21st Century Kinematics
Author: J. Michael McCarthy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447145100
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 251
Book Description
21st Century Kinematics focuses on algebraic problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and robots, compliant mechanisms, cable-driven systems and protein kinematics. The specialist contributors provide the background for a series of presentations at the 2012 NSF Workshop. The text shows how the analysis and design of innovative mechanical systems yield increasingly complex systems of polynomials, characteristic of those systems. In doing so, it takes advantage of increasingly sophisticated computational tools developed for numerical algebraic geometry and demonstrates the now routine derivation of polynomial systems dwarfing the landmark problems of even the recent past. The 21st Century Kinematics workshop echoes the NSF-supported 1963 Yale Mechanisms Teachers Conference that taught a generation of university educators the fundamental principles of kinematic theory. As such these proceedings will provide admirable supporting theory for a graduate course in modern kinematics and should be of considerable interest to researchers in mechanical design, robotics or protein kinematics or who have a broader interest in algebraic geometry and its applications.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447145100
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 251
Book Description
21st Century Kinematics focuses on algebraic problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and robots, compliant mechanisms, cable-driven systems and protein kinematics. The specialist contributors provide the background for a series of presentations at the 2012 NSF Workshop. The text shows how the analysis and design of innovative mechanical systems yield increasingly complex systems of polynomials, characteristic of those systems. In doing so, it takes advantage of increasingly sophisticated computational tools developed for numerical algebraic geometry and demonstrates the now routine derivation of polynomial systems dwarfing the landmark problems of even the recent past. The 21st Century Kinematics workshop echoes the NSF-supported 1963 Yale Mechanisms Teachers Conference that taught a generation of university educators the fundamental principles of kinematic theory. As such these proceedings will provide admirable supporting theory for a graduate course in modern kinematics and should be of considerable interest to researchers in mechanical design, robotics or protein kinematics or who have a broader interest in algebraic geometry and its applications.
21st Century Kinematics
Author: J. Michael McCarthy
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9781447145110
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
21st Century Kinematics focuses on algebraic problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and robots, compliant mechanisms, cable-driven systems and protein kinematics. The specialist contributors provide the background for a series of presentations at the 2012 NSF Workshop. The text shows how the analysis and design of innovative mechanical systems yield increasingly complex systems of polynomials, characteristic of those systems. In doing so, it takes advantage of increasingly sophisticated computational tools developed for numerical algebraic geometry and demonstrates the now routine derivation of polynomial systems dwarfing the landmark problems of even the recent past. The 21st Century Kinematics workshop echoes the NSF-supported 1963 Yale Mechanisms Teachers Conference that taught a generation of university educators the fundamental principles of kinematic theory. As such these proceedings will provide admirable supporting theory for a graduate course in modern kinematics and should be of considerable interest to researchers in mechanical design, robotics or protein kinematics or who have a broader interest in algebraic geometry and its applications.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9781447145110
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
21st Century Kinematics focuses on algebraic problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and robots, compliant mechanisms, cable-driven systems and protein kinematics. The specialist contributors provide the background for a series of presentations at the 2012 NSF Workshop. The text shows how the analysis and design of innovative mechanical systems yield increasingly complex systems of polynomials, characteristic of those systems. In doing so, it takes advantage of increasingly sophisticated computational tools developed for numerical algebraic geometry and demonstrates the now routine derivation of polynomial systems dwarfing the landmark problems of even the recent past. The 21st Century Kinematics workshop echoes the NSF-supported 1963 Yale Mechanisms Teachers Conference that taught a generation of university educators the fundamental principles of kinematic theory. As such these proceedings will provide admirable supporting theory for a graduate course in modern kinematics and should be of considerable interest to researchers in mechanical design, robotics or protein kinematics or who have a broader interest in algebraic geometry and its applications.
Computational Kinematics
Author: Andrés Kecskeméthy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642019471
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 394
Book Description
Computational kinematics is an enthralling area of science with a rich spectrum of problems at the junction of mechanics, robotics, computer science, mathematics, and computer graphics. The present book collects up-to-date methods as presented during the Fifth International Workshop on Computational Kinematics (CK2009) held at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. The covered topics include design and optimization of cable-driven robots, analysis of parallel manipulators, motion planning, numerical methods for mechanism calibration and optimization, geometric approaches to mechanism analysis and design, synthesis of mechanisms, kinematical issues in biomechanics, balancing and construction of novel mechanical devices, detection and treatment of singularities, as well as computational methods for gear design. The results should be of interest for practicing and research engineers as well as Ph.D. students from the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, and computer graphics.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642019471
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 394
Book Description
Computational kinematics is an enthralling area of science with a rich spectrum of problems at the junction of mechanics, robotics, computer science, mathematics, and computer graphics. The present book collects up-to-date methods as presented during the Fifth International Workshop on Computational Kinematics (CK2009) held at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. The covered topics include design and optimization of cable-driven robots, analysis of parallel manipulators, motion planning, numerical methods for mechanism calibration and optimization, geometric approaches to mechanism analysis and design, synthesis of mechanisms, kinematical issues in biomechanics, balancing and construction of novel mechanical devices, detection and treatment of singularities, as well as computational methods for gear design. The results should be of interest for practicing and research engineers as well as Ph.D. students from the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, and computer graphics.
Modern Robotics
Author: Kevin M. Lynch
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107156300
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 545
Book Description
A modern and unified treatment of the mechanics, planning, and control of robots, suitable for a first course in robotics.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107156300
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 545
Book Description
A modern and unified treatment of the mechanics, planning, and control of robots, suitable for a first course in robotics.
Geometric Design of Linkages
Author: J. Michael McCarthy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441978925
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
This book is an introduction to the mathematical theory of design for articulated mechanical systems known as linkages. The focus is on sizing mechanical constraints that guide the movement of a work piece, or end-effector, of the system. The function of the device is prescribed as a set of positions to be reachable by the end-effector; and the mechanical constraints are formed by joints that limit relative movement. The goal is to find all the devices that can achieve a specific task. Formulated in this way the design problem is purely geometric in character. Robot manipulators, walking machines, and mechanical hands are examples of articulated mechanical systems that rely on simple mechanical constraints to provide a complex workspace for the end- effector. The principles presented in this book form the foundation for a design theory for these devices. The emphasis, however, is on articulated systems with fewer degrees of freedom than that of the typical robotic system, and therefore, less complexity. This book will be useful to mathematics, engineering and computer science departments teaching courses on mathematical modeling of robotics and other articulated mechanical systems. This new edition includes research results of the past decade on the synthesis of multi loop planar and spherical linkages, and the use of homotopy methods and Clifford algebras in the synthesis of spatial serial chains. One new chapter on the synthesis of spatial serial chains introduces numerical homotopy and the linear product decomposition of polynomial systems. The second new chapter introduces the Clifford algebra formulation of the kinematics equations of serial chain robots. Examples are use throughout to demonstrate the theory.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441978925
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
This book is an introduction to the mathematical theory of design for articulated mechanical systems known as linkages. The focus is on sizing mechanical constraints that guide the movement of a work piece, or end-effector, of the system. The function of the device is prescribed as a set of positions to be reachable by the end-effector; and the mechanical constraints are formed by joints that limit relative movement. The goal is to find all the devices that can achieve a specific task. Formulated in this way the design problem is purely geometric in character. Robot manipulators, walking machines, and mechanical hands are examples of articulated mechanical systems that rely on simple mechanical constraints to provide a complex workspace for the end- effector. The principles presented in this book form the foundation for a design theory for these devices. The emphasis, however, is on articulated systems with fewer degrees of freedom than that of the typical robotic system, and therefore, less complexity. This book will be useful to mathematics, engineering and computer science departments teaching courses on mathematical modeling of robotics and other articulated mechanical systems. This new edition includes research results of the past decade on the synthesis of multi loop planar and spherical linkages, and the use of homotopy methods and Clifford algebras in the synthesis of spatial serial chains. One new chapter on the synthesis of spatial serial chains introduces numerical homotopy and the linear product decomposition of polynomial systems. The second new chapter introduces the Clifford algebra formulation of the kinematics equations of serial chain robots. Examples are use throughout to demonstrate the theory.
Theorizing STEM Education in the 21st Century
Author: Kehdinga George Fomunyam
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 1789857015
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
Theorising STEM Education in the 21st Century is a book that captures the essence of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the intricacies of STEM education in the contemporary society. It explores STEM as an interdisciplinary field as well as the individual disciplines that make up STEM. This ensures the field of STEM as a whole is theorised. The book provides critical insight on STEM education from Cairo to Cape Town or from America to Indonesia. With a team of authors from universities across the world, the book is a vital contribution to critical scholarship on STEM education in contemporary times.
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 1789857015
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
Theorising STEM Education in the 21st Century is a book that captures the essence of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the intricacies of STEM education in the contemporary society. It explores STEM as an interdisciplinary field as well as the individual disciplines that make up STEM. This ensures the field of STEM as a whole is theorised. The book provides critical insight on STEM education from Cairo to Cape Town or from America to Indonesia. With a team of authors from universities across the world, the book is a vital contribution to critical scholarship on STEM education in contemporary times.
An Introduction to Theoretical Kinematics
Author: J. M. McCarthy
Publisher: MIT Press (MA)
ISBN: 9780262132527
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 130
Book Description
Introduction to Theoretical Kinematics provides a uniform presentation of the mathematical foundations required for studying the movement of a kinematic chain that makes up robot arms, mechanical hands, walking machines, and similar mechanisms. It is a concise and readable introduction that takes a more modern approach than other kinematics texts and introduces several useful derivations that are new to the literature. The author employs a unique format, highlighting the similarity of the mathematical results for planar, spherical, and spatial cases by studying them all in each chapter rather than as separate topics. For the first time, he applies to kinematic theory two tools of modern mathematics - the theory of multivectors and the theory of Clifford algebras - that serve to clarify the seemingly arbitrary nature of the construction of screws and dual quaternions. The first two chapters formulate the matrices that represent planar, spherical, and spatial displacements and examine a continuous set of displacements which define a continuous movement of a body, introducing the "tangent operator." Chapter 3 focuses on the tangent operators of spatial motion as they are reassembled into six-dimensional vectors or screws, placing these in the modern setting of multivector algebra. Clifford algebras are used in chapter 4 to unify the construction of various hypercomplex "quaternion" numbers. Chapter 5 presents the elementary formulas that compute the degrees of freedom or mobility, of kinematic chains, and chapter 6 defines the structure equations of these chains in terms of matrix transformations. The last chapter computes the quaternion form of the structure equations for ten specific mechanisms. These equations define parameterized manifolds in the Clifford algebras, or "image spaces," associated with planar, spherical, and spatial displacements. McCarthy reveals a particularly interesting result by showing that these parameters can be mathematically manipulated to yield hyperboloids or intersections of hyperboloids.
Publisher: MIT Press (MA)
ISBN: 9780262132527
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 130
Book Description
Introduction to Theoretical Kinematics provides a uniform presentation of the mathematical foundations required for studying the movement of a kinematic chain that makes up robot arms, mechanical hands, walking machines, and similar mechanisms. It is a concise and readable introduction that takes a more modern approach than other kinematics texts and introduces several useful derivations that are new to the literature. The author employs a unique format, highlighting the similarity of the mathematical results for planar, spherical, and spatial cases by studying them all in each chapter rather than as separate topics. For the first time, he applies to kinematic theory two tools of modern mathematics - the theory of multivectors and the theory of Clifford algebras - that serve to clarify the seemingly arbitrary nature of the construction of screws and dual quaternions. The first two chapters formulate the matrices that represent planar, spherical, and spatial displacements and examine a continuous set of displacements which define a continuous movement of a body, introducing the "tangent operator." Chapter 3 focuses on the tangent operators of spatial motion as they are reassembled into six-dimensional vectors or screws, placing these in the modern setting of multivector algebra. Clifford algebras are used in chapter 4 to unify the construction of various hypercomplex "quaternion" numbers. Chapter 5 presents the elementary formulas that compute the degrees of freedom or mobility, of kinematic chains, and chapter 6 defines the structure equations of these chains in terms of matrix transformations. The last chapter computes the quaternion form of the structure equations for ten specific mechanisms. These equations define parameterized manifolds in the Clifford algebras, or "image spaces," associated with planar, spherical, and spatial displacements. McCarthy reveals a particularly interesting result by showing that these parameters can be mathematically manipulated to yield hyperboloids or intersections of hyperboloids.
Mastering Kinematics
Author:
Publisher: Cybellium Ltd
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 152
Book Description
Unveil the Secrets of Motion and Mechanisms In the realm of engineering and mechanics, understanding the principles of kinematics is paramount to designing and analyzing moving systems. "Mastering Kinematics" is your comprehensive guide to unraveling the complexities of motion, empowering you to comprehend, model, and optimize mechanical systems with precision. About the Book: As technology advances and mechanical systems become more intricate, kinematics emerges as a foundational discipline for engineers and designers. "Mastering Kinematics" offers an in-depth exploration of kinematic principles—a fundamental aspect of mechanics. This book caters to both newcomers and experienced practitioners aiming to excel in kinematic analysis, design, and implementation. Key Features: Kinematic Fundamentals: Begin by understanding the core principles of kinematics. Learn about displacement, velocity, acceleration, and the laws that govern motion. Planar and Spatial Mechanisms: Dive into the mechanics of mechanisms. Explore planar and spatial motion, understanding how mechanisms work and interact. Kinematic Analysis: Grasp the art of analyzing the motion of mechanical systems. Learn how to use equations, graphs, and software tools to study kinematic behavior. Forward and Inverse Kinematics: Explore techniques for solving forward and inverse kinematic problems. Learn how to determine end effector positions and joint configurations. Robotics Kinematics: Understand the significance of kinematics in robotics. Learn how to model and analyze the motion of robotic manipulators and end effectors. Kinematic Design: Delve into the realm of kinematic design. Explore how to optimize linkages, mechanisms, and robotic systems for desired motion. Real-World Applications: Gain insights into how kinematics is applied across industries. From robotics to automotive engineering, discover the diverse applications of kinematic principles. Why This Book Matters: In a world driven by innovation and engineering excellence, mastering kinematics offers a competitive edge. "Mastering Kinematics" empowers engineers, designers, robotics enthusiasts, and technology adopters to leverage kinematic principles, enabling them to design, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems with precision and efficiency. Unravel the Mysteries of Motion: In the landscape of mechanics and engineering, kinematics is the key to understanding motion. "Mastering Kinematics" equips you with the knowledge needed to leverage kinematic principles, enabling you to comprehend, model, and optimize the behavior of mechanical systems. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or new to the world of kinematics, this book will guide you in building a solid foundation for effective motion analysis and design. Your journey to mastering kinematics starts here. © 2023 Cybellium Ltd. All rights reserved. www.cybellium.com
Publisher: Cybellium Ltd
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 152
Book Description
Unveil the Secrets of Motion and Mechanisms In the realm of engineering and mechanics, understanding the principles of kinematics is paramount to designing and analyzing moving systems. "Mastering Kinematics" is your comprehensive guide to unraveling the complexities of motion, empowering you to comprehend, model, and optimize mechanical systems with precision. About the Book: As technology advances and mechanical systems become more intricate, kinematics emerges as a foundational discipline for engineers and designers. "Mastering Kinematics" offers an in-depth exploration of kinematic principles—a fundamental aspect of mechanics. This book caters to both newcomers and experienced practitioners aiming to excel in kinematic analysis, design, and implementation. Key Features: Kinematic Fundamentals: Begin by understanding the core principles of kinematics. Learn about displacement, velocity, acceleration, and the laws that govern motion. Planar and Spatial Mechanisms: Dive into the mechanics of mechanisms. Explore planar and spatial motion, understanding how mechanisms work and interact. Kinematic Analysis: Grasp the art of analyzing the motion of mechanical systems. Learn how to use equations, graphs, and software tools to study kinematic behavior. Forward and Inverse Kinematics: Explore techniques for solving forward and inverse kinematic problems. Learn how to determine end effector positions and joint configurations. Robotics Kinematics: Understand the significance of kinematics in robotics. Learn how to model and analyze the motion of robotic manipulators and end effectors. Kinematic Design: Delve into the realm of kinematic design. Explore how to optimize linkages, mechanisms, and robotic systems for desired motion. Real-World Applications: Gain insights into how kinematics is applied across industries. From robotics to automotive engineering, discover the diverse applications of kinematic principles. Why This Book Matters: In a world driven by innovation and engineering excellence, mastering kinematics offers a competitive edge. "Mastering Kinematics" empowers engineers, designers, robotics enthusiasts, and technology adopters to leverage kinematic principles, enabling them to design, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems with precision and efficiency. Unravel the Mysteries of Motion: In the landscape of mechanics and engineering, kinematics is the key to understanding motion. "Mastering Kinematics" equips you with the knowledge needed to leverage kinematic principles, enabling you to comprehend, model, and optimize the behavior of mechanical systems. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or new to the world of kinematics, this book will guide you in building a solid foundation for effective motion analysis and design. Your journey to mastering kinematics starts here. © 2023 Cybellium Ltd. All rights reserved. www.cybellium.com
Mechanism and Machine Science
Author: Xianmin Zhang
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9811028753
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1515
Book Description
These proceedings collect the latest research results in mechanism and machine science, intended to reinforce and improve the role of mechanical systems in a variety of applications in daily life and industry. Gathering more than 120 academic papers, it addresses topics including: Computational kinematics, Machine elements, Actuators, Gearing and transmissions, Linkages and cams, Mechanism design, Dynamics of machinery, Tribology, Vehicle mechanisms, dynamics and design, Reliability, Experimental methods in mechanisms, Robotics and mechatronics, Biomechanics, Micro/nano mechanisms and machines, Medical/welfare devices, Nature and machines, Design methodology, Reconfigurable mechanisms and reconfigurable manipulators, and Origami mechanisms. This is the fourth installment in the IFToMM Asian conference series on Mechanism and Machine Science (ASIAN MMS 2016). The ASIAN MMS conference initiative was launched to provide a forum mainly for the Asian community working in Mechanism and Machine Science, in order to facilitate collaboration and improve the visibility of activities in the field. The series started in 2010 and the previous ASIAN MMS events were successfully held in Taipei, China (2010), Tokyo, Japan (2012), and Tianjin, China (2014). ASIAN MMS 2016 was held in Guangzhou, China, from 15 to 17 December 2016, and was organized by the South China University under the patronage of the IFToMM and the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (CMES). The aim of the Conference was to bring together researchers, industry professionals and students from the broad range of disciplines connected to Mechanism Science in a collegial and stimulating environment. The ASIAN MMS 2016 Conference provided a platform allowing scientists to exchange notes on their scientific achievements and establish new national and international collaborations concerning the mechanism science field and its applications, mainly but not exclusively in Asian contexts.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9811028753
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1515
Book Description
These proceedings collect the latest research results in mechanism and machine science, intended to reinforce and improve the role of mechanical systems in a variety of applications in daily life and industry. Gathering more than 120 academic papers, it addresses topics including: Computational kinematics, Machine elements, Actuators, Gearing and transmissions, Linkages and cams, Mechanism design, Dynamics of machinery, Tribology, Vehicle mechanisms, dynamics and design, Reliability, Experimental methods in mechanisms, Robotics and mechatronics, Biomechanics, Micro/nano mechanisms and machines, Medical/welfare devices, Nature and machines, Design methodology, Reconfigurable mechanisms and reconfigurable manipulators, and Origami mechanisms. This is the fourth installment in the IFToMM Asian conference series on Mechanism and Machine Science (ASIAN MMS 2016). The ASIAN MMS conference initiative was launched to provide a forum mainly for the Asian community working in Mechanism and Machine Science, in order to facilitate collaboration and improve the visibility of activities in the field. The series started in 2010 and the previous ASIAN MMS events were successfully held in Taipei, China (2010), Tokyo, Japan (2012), and Tianjin, China (2014). ASIAN MMS 2016 was held in Guangzhou, China, from 15 to 17 December 2016, and was organized by the South China University under the patronage of the IFToMM and the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (CMES). The aim of the Conference was to bring together researchers, industry professionals and students from the broad range of disciplines connected to Mechanism Science in a collegial and stimulating environment. The ASIAN MMS 2016 Conference provided a platform allowing scientists to exchange notes on their scientific achievements and establish new national and international collaborations concerning the mechanism science field and its applications, mainly but not exclusively in Asian contexts.
Technology Developments: the Role of Mechanism and Machine Science and IFToMM
Author: Marco Ceccarelli
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400713002
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 474
Book Description
This is the first book of a series that will focus on MMS (Mechanism and Machine Science). This book also presents IFToMM, the International Federation on the Promotion of MMS and its activity. This volume contains contributions by IFToMM officers who are Chairs of member organizations (MOs), permanent commissions (PCs), and technical committees (TCs), who have reported their experiences and views toward the future of IFToMM and MMS. The book is composed of three parts: the first with general considerations by high-standing IFToMM persons, the second chapter with views by the chairs of PCs and TCs as dealing with specific subject areas, and the third one with reports by the chairs of MOs as presenting experiences and challenges in national and territory communities. This book will be of interest to a wide public who wish to know the status and trends in MMS both at international level through IFToMM and in national/local frames through the leading actors of activities. In addition, the book can be considered also a fruitful source to find out “who’s who” in MMS, historical backgrounds and trends in MMS developments, as well as for challenges and problems in future activity by IFToMM community and in MMS at large.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400713002
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 474
Book Description
This is the first book of a series that will focus on MMS (Mechanism and Machine Science). This book also presents IFToMM, the International Federation on the Promotion of MMS and its activity. This volume contains contributions by IFToMM officers who are Chairs of member organizations (MOs), permanent commissions (PCs), and technical committees (TCs), who have reported their experiences and views toward the future of IFToMM and MMS. The book is composed of three parts: the first with general considerations by high-standing IFToMM persons, the second chapter with views by the chairs of PCs and TCs as dealing with specific subject areas, and the third one with reports by the chairs of MOs as presenting experiences and challenges in national and territory communities. This book will be of interest to a wide public who wish to know the status and trends in MMS both at international level through IFToMM and in national/local frames through the leading actors of activities. In addition, the book can be considered also a fruitful source to find out “who’s who” in MMS, historical backgrounds and trends in MMS developments, as well as for challenges and problems in future activity by IFToMM community and in MMS at large.