Robotics

Car terminals might well prove to be a future test ground for autonomous security and inventory robots. Equipped with navigation, RFID, communication and sensor modules the robots cooperate with each other and a central mission control. Continuously patrolling the terminal vehicles are identified while passing them (using RFID), their position established (using GPS or Galileo) and security relevant anomalies are recorded and transmitted (using cameras, sensors). The design of the robots provides for both active and passive damage prevention.

Robots should be able to act as flexibly as possible in different environments and contexts of action. In order to realise this goal, learning algorithms are developed which permit learning following nature’s example. If a machine that learns in this way causes damage, the question arises as to who is responsible for it. A grey area between manufacturer and owner responsibility may arise. Starting from criteria of replace ability, a firm suggestion is made as to how this grey area could be handled.

In 2000, KUKA Schweißanlagen GmbH and KUKA Roboter GmbH together with several suppliers of automation equipment formed the KUKA control web initiative. The goal of this initiative is to develop an alternative control concept for automotive body shop applications characterized by higher functionality and improved cost to function relationship. With a prototype system for car door production, running since 2001, the PC- and internet based technology is tested in practice. This paper provides an overview about the technology, the experiences and the future targets.

Robots comprise programmable devices mobile in multiple axis, equipped with tools and sensors, and performing tasks in production and service. On the one hand, industrial robots are already used as standard modules in automation within multiple production fields and play an important economic factor. On the other hand, service robots representing future ideas and chances within society are at the verge of coming on the market.