Recent results are highly efficient localization and map-building algorithms that allow reliable autonomous navigation in office environments. Current research activities are aiming on multi-modal human robot interaction and will be presented during the Robotics exhibition at expo.02. On the other hand, we pursue research aimed to design robots and systems that best adapt to their environment. The main focus is in system design, in order to realize optimal solutions for a given task and environment. Recent results are wheeled locomotion systems that passively adapt to rough terrain and perceive their environment with tactile sensors, stereo vision and various other on-board sensors.
Possible applications are include planetary exploration, all-terrain wheel chairs or construction.
Besides our main research field concentrating on autonomous mobile robots and systems, we aim for very high speed and precision manipulators and spindles combining direct drive motors with air-bearing technology. Due to the absence of friction, such systems enable sub-micrometer positioning accuracy while allowing high speed and acceleration. Applications lie in the field of micro-assembly and spindles for optical devices and hard disk drives. Within a third research field, the Pioneers Place, we focus on smart product design. The Pioneers Place helps to create, to develop and to built innovative ideas and products and finally brings them to the market.