Robotics

In the field of automobile production, automation has been implemented since the nineteen-seventies. In logistics, however, robotics has only been used to automate logistics processes with low complexity. These include processes with a high repetition rate and a highly standardized goods portfolio. In cooperation with EASY-ROB, BIBA has developed a new strategy for an intuitive programming of robotics that might be used to fulfill rather complex tasks. The operator defines the process type and important parameters via a common tracking system. Based on this data, a simulation tool calculates the movement of the robot and executes a collision control. Finally, the simulation tool generates the corresponding machine code and the robot starts its process. The intuitive programming excels at a favorably cost-benefit ratio. A demonstrator, focusing on the unloading of pallets has been presented on the CeMAT 2011. After a very brief introduction, interested visitors were able to operate the ...

To expand capabilities of robots in manufacturing and service but also to meet needs in the ever-increasing desire for a flexible and changeable production, a new class of robots is required. These robots have to be able to independently react to changes - so called autonomous systems which do not have to be programmed for any task, butreact to the changed situation and new tasks autonomously, according to their sensory perception .On the basis of two current examples from industry-related research in this paper the possibilities for the use of systems with an autonomous path planning are presented. This is a mobile robot for automated inspection of material flow systems and an industrial robot, equipped with a new sensor system for bin picking.

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.