Robotic Systems
Manipulators
Conflicting goals inevitably arise during the development of motion devices. The holistic model-based development and design of robotic systems and algorithms delivers application-specific optimized results.
For the automation of processes, freely available solutions are often not sufficient or not optimal for the given application. The IGMR develops optimal solutions for various subsectors of robotics through the model-based development of robotic systems.
Motivation
As a rule, a wide variety of motion devices are required for the automation of processes. Nowadays, these often include robotic systems, as they offer great flexibility in terms of the motion task that can be implemented. Systems that are freely available on the market are often used for this purpose. However, since these have been developed for a wide range of customers and varied possible applications, they rarely represent an optimal solution. As a result, they usually have a higher power capacity and thus higher energy consumption than required for the intended task, have a larger space requirement than necessary, or do not offer the interfaces and control options on the software side that are needed to implement the intended process.
Goal
The goal is to develop robotic systems for the automation of processes. For any given application, an optimal solution is developed that meets the requirements in terms of performance, space requirements, costs and software.
Approach
This is achieved through the model-based kinematic and dynamic optimization and design of robotic systems as well as the software-based development of algorithms. Mechanical design, manufacturing, assembly, and initial operation complete the development process of physical hardware. The functionality of the developed systems and algorithms can be tested and validated as needed either in simulation environments, in the laboratory or application-oriented at industrial partners.
Indoor Sensor Data Processing
Motivation
Environmental perception is a much-researched topic in robotics. In contrast to most approaches, we rely on efficient and lightweight methods to solve various perceptual tasks.
Goal
In contrast to most approaches, we use efficient and leightweight methods to solve various perceptual tasks. Our goal is to enable new applications without establishing increased demands on the hardware. With this basic idea in mind, we apply localization and tracking to our research and industry partners, as well as to our research network, the Deutsches Rettungsrobotik Zentrum.
Approach
We primarily develop radar methodology for use in extreme scenarios. So far, approaches for localization, SLAM and leg pair tracking have been developed. Also, in contrast to the rough applications in construction and rescue robotics, we develop efficient methods for fine positioning and navigation in confined spaces, among others with our industrial partner, Trapo AG.
Rough Applications
Harsh environments require robust and flexible robotic systems. This can free people from dangerous, repetitive and unhealthy tasks.
The boundaries of automation technology are constantly shifting, enabling new applications outside the industrial environment. These include the construction industry, crafts and civil security. In this context, the IGMR develops robotic systems, which in their mechatronic design as well as the implemented behavior meet the harsh and highly flexible environmental conditions.
Motivation
In numerous industries and professions, humans are not yet supported or relieved by robotic systems in their daily work. Professions in the construction industry, skilled trades and civil security are particularly physically demanding. This is due to the loads to be moved, the repetitive activities and various harmful environmental influences such as dust, noise and heat. These stresses are making these professions increasingly unattractive to skilled workers, further exacerbating the shortage of skilled labor. Apart from relieving the burden on people, the construction industry and the skilled trades in particular have a large share in the production of climate-damaging greenhouse gases, which are caused by fluctuating quality, a high proportion of waste and the use of CO2-intensive materials.
Goal
The main goal is to free people from repetitive, dangerous and harmful jobs in construction, trades and civil security. This is intended to make jobs more attractive again to young skilled workers. Similarly, while maintaining or increasing quality and productivity, the climate-damaging footprint is to be reduced.
Approach
The goals are achieved through an environment-specific development of robust robotic systems and the implementation of associated behavior. This includes the kinematic and dynamic design of special robtot kinematics, their design and manufacturing as well as assembly. The development is based on a holistic, model-based approach that takes into account the connected processes as well as interacting humans. The function of the demonstrators developed in this way can be validated in simulation, in the laboratory and on test construction sites at RWTH Aachen University.