Nanostructured YAG:Ce3+ and Y2O3:Eu3+ were synthesized by low temperature (320°C) aerosol synthesis-LTAS and high temperature (900°C) aerosol synthesis-HTAS, respectively. The synthesis included aerosol generation from a nitrate precursor solution by an ultrasonic atomizer (1.3 MHz). The obtained aerosol was introduced into a tubular flow reactor, using air as the carrier gas, where successively, on a droplet level, evaporation/drying, precipitation and thermolysis occurred. The obtained powders were collected and thermally treated at different temperatures (900-1200°C). The phase development and the morphology were investigated by the X-ray powder diffraction method (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Structural refinement was performed using the Rietveld method with the Fullprof and Koalariet programs. The average crystallite size for the Y2O3:Eu system was calculated using the Profit program. It was shown that 89 wt.% of Y3Ai5Oi2:Ce was obtained by annealing (1000°C/6 h) the as prepared, amorphous powder, synthesized by the low temperature aerosol method (LTAS). High temperature spray pyrolysis (HTAS) at 900°C led to the formation of the targeted cubic phase of Y2O3:Eu3+. The microstructural parameters of the asprepared samples of the Y2O3:Eu3+ system indicate the formation of nanostructures with crystallite size smallest than 20 nm. The substitution of luminescent centers (Ce3+, Eu3+) into a host lattice (YAG, Y2O3, respectively) was confirmed by changes in the crystal lattice parameters. Also, it was shown in both systems that good morphological characteristics (non-a­gglomerated, spherical, submicron particles) were obtained enabling improved luminescent characteristics.

This paper discusses social robotics as a hybrid knowledge space that encourages interaction and collaboration among many different disciplines: engineering, computer science, the social sciences and humanities, design, the arts, etc. Such collaboration in the design of socio-culturally situated artifacts poses many challenges, occassioned by differences in conceptual frameworks, methods for conducting research, and even daily work practices. By approaching these challenges in a spirit of friendship across the sciences, it is possible to achieve transdisciplinary understanding and reap the benefits of applying different, yet complementary, forms of expertise to social robot design. In this paper, we use insights and lessons learned from our own collaborative experiences to discuss how social as well as technical and design issues are addressed in the construction and evaluation of social robots and how the boundaries between the social, natural, and applied sciences are challenged, redefined, and traversed.

This roadmap is the result of several workshops, meetings and discussions-both formal and informal. The following list contains the names of those who-in one way or another-have contributed to the contents of this robotics roadmap. Apologies are due to those who may feel their names are missing.