The Kessler syndrome describes the self-sustaining cascade of collisions that could render orbital regions unusable (see Kessler and Cour-Palais (1978)). To mitigate this threat, two key strategies have emerged: Active Debris Removal (ADR) and In-Orbit Servicing (IOS). ADR focuses on the active removal of defunct satellites and fragments, while IOS extends the operational lifetime of active satellites through tasks such as refueling, repair, and upgrading, as explained in Flores-Abad et al. (2014); Shan et al. (2016). Space robots represent a promising solution for both ADR and IOS. The design of a coordinated controller for this kind of systems, requiring autonomous capabilities in space environment, is complex due to the dynamic couplings between the spacecraft and the robotic arm. For this reason, they have been studied for many years, starting from the pioneering work of Papadopoulos and Dubowsky (1991) up to the most recent works of Giordano et al. (2020) and Giordano et al. (2019). The inherent complexity of robotic system is also due to the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances, which can be mitigated using robust control techniques. The works of Dubanchet et al. (2015) and Faure et al. (2022) represent the state of the art in the context of H

This paper introduces a novel approach that integrates future closest point predictions into the distance constraints of a collision avoidance controller, leveraging convex hulls with closest point distance calculations. By addressing abrupt shifts in closest points, this method effectively reduces collision risks and enhances controller performance. Applied to an Image Guided Therapy robot and validated through simulations and user experiments, the framework demonstrates improved distance prediction accuracy, smoother trajectories, and safer navigation near obstacles.

On Tuesday, Microsoft announced a slew of accessibility updates for Xbox players on consoles and PCs. These include keyboard key remapping using controllers, easier-to-get-to accessibility shortcuts and a new section in the Microsoft Store. In a reminder that inclusive design can help everyone, one of the new features will let anyone set up a new controller without getting up to press a pair button on the console. Wireless controller pairing no longer requires direct console contact. "From the comfort of a couch, wheelchair, hospital bed, etc., players can now put their console into pairing mode using an Xbox media remote, digital assistant voice command, or previously paired controller to connect a new controller to their console," the company wrote today in a blog post.

The last console generation was all about black plastic rectangles. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 looked like sleek, futuristic VCRs. It was not an exciting or inspired vibe. This console generation, Sony and Microsoft are leaning into their respective aesthetics. Microsoft's Xbox Series X is bigger and squarer than ever before. The PlayStation 5 is more radical.

Microsoft's new gaming console controller does not look like the previous Xbox One controller. Heck, it does not even look like any other video game controllers out on the market. But there's a good explanation why Microsoft designed its Adaptive Controller the way it looks now. Microsoft's Adaptive Controller is targeted at a market comprising people with disabilities. People who can't use the regular Xbox One controller for reasons pertaining to their physical limitations will find Microsoft's new controller the perfect peripheral for their gaming sessions. The motivation that drove Microsoft and partner AbleGamers to come up with the Adaptive Controller has to do with the demand for a peripheral that offers the right user experience at a price point that's not going to break the bank.

Microsoft stumbled into the accessibility market about three years ago, with the launch of the Xbox One Elite controller. The Elite wasn't designed to help people with disabilities play video games -- in fact, it was built for hardcore players who wanted more mapping options by adding rear paddle buttons, more sensitive triggers and interchangeable analog sticks to the classic dual-grip Xbox gamepad. It just so happened these features were also in high demand at organizations like AbleGamers, whose goal is to make gaming accessible to anyone with disabilities via education, community support and the creation of custom controllers. Around this time, Xbox's inclusive lead for product research and accessibility, Bryce Johnson, reached out to AbleGamers with a proposal. Johnson and a small team of developers had just submitted a prototype of an accessibility-focused controller to the annual Xbox hackathon, and they wanted feedback on the design.

From virtual reality to a new smart-home speaker, Google is showing off just how pervasive it has become even as it's squeezed by its biggest competitors -- Facebook, Apple and Amazon. Google showed off a VR system called Daydream, along with plans for headsets that will compete with Facebook's Oculus Rift. And in a jab at Amazon, the company announced Google Home, an internet-connected speaker that listens for your voice commands to play music or control lights and thermostats in the home. It is reminiscent of Amazon's Echo and will be available later this year for a yet-unannounced price. In an attempt to outshine Apple, Google is also adding features to its Android operating system, including the ability to run apps without actually installing apps.

The new PS4 Pro will come with a new controller (with lightbar on the trackpad) and support 4K and HDR. Sony took the stage today in New York City to improve upon their Playstation 4 lineup. The video game console maker announced updates to their PS4 console: a newer, slimmer PS4 and the PS4 Pro. Unlike a PS3 to PS4-like jump, the new PS4 and PS4 Pro will support current generation games. But while the smaller PS4 offers the same guts inside a new casing, there are some improvements to be found in the PS4 Pro model.