Robotics and Mechatronics

 

In the Robotics and Mechatronics group, research is conducted into the target-oriented development and optimal operation of robotic systems. In the focus of system development, methods for the application-specific design of serial, parallel and hybrid manipulators are developed. Analytical and numerical models are set up to ensure the best possible desired system behavior by means of mathematical optimization. In addition to industrial manipulators, applications in rough environments of civil engineering and firefighting are implemented. Mastering the unstructured environment is a particular challenge in this regard. The research topic of indoor sensor data processing completes the focus of system development through the capabilities of semantic perception.

Optimal operation of robotic systems includes the research focus on task and motion planning. Task planning aims at general modeling strategies to best exploit the potential of multi-agent systems. Motion planning subsequently completes the planning by determining appropriate paths and trajectories. Depending on the requirements, motion planning is performed model-based, by means of optimization, or online.

The research focus of human-robot collaboration can also be attributed to the optimal operation of robotic systems. In particular, algorithms for interaction and proxemics are further developed on the basis of human models. In addition, research in the area of gripper technology using continuum robotics usefully complements this focus.