Autor: Otthein Herzog

Applications such as mobile or industrial robotics gain increasing autonomous capabilities. Autonomous systems can adapt dynamically to user goals, perceive the environment and solve complex tasks without human intervention. During operation, unsafe system states may occur in a priori unknown scenarios, which can lead to an impairment or a safety risk. Self-healing is an inherent and necessary property of these systems. In this article, we present an architecture of self-healing systems. Using the example of an autonomous mobile robot, we present the results and possible application in a smart factory.

The new Collaborative Research Centre “Autonomous Cooperating Logistic Processes: A Paradigm Shift and its Limitations”, funded by the German Research Foundation, started on January 1st, 2004 at the University of Bremen. The objective of the new Collaborative Research Centre is systematic and broad investigation and application of “autonomy” as a new paradigm for logistic processes. For this, appropriate concepts and models as well as methods and tools are being researched and developed in twelve scientific sub-projects. In a later phase of the Collaborative Research Centre, the results of this research will be transferred into real logistic applications.

This contribution explains the concept of „Wearable Computing“ and the underlying ideas and technologies. These include, among others, the application of wearable computers and mobile input and output devices for a “casual” use: By means of sensors, the system gathers context information in order to reduce the necessary interaction for the user and to present the right information at the right time, and at the right location. A crucial fea- ture of such a solution is that it is an intelligent assistant system supporting the qualified user on site during his mobile work. Areas of application include the maintenance of large indus-trial plants, health care, and tourism. In the present contribution, the focus is on industrial innovation.