Generally newcomers are sceptical about robotics. They just have a vision of robotics as two wheeled or two legged robot which can move or do some specific tasks. To provide them the information and a clear vision of what robotics is and in which field they can work under robotics, RWB will give them the option of choosing among all the fields where robotics play a major role. For example :

A. Space Robotics

The research area Space Robotics deals with the development of intelligent robots for extraterrestrial exploration focusing on:

• Development of robot systems for unstructured, uneven terrain based on biologically inspired innovative locomotion concepts
• Development of multi-functional robot teams usable for different tasks ranging from in-situ examinations to the organisation and maintenance of infrastructure
• Reconfigurable systems for planetary exploration
• AI-based methods for autonomous navigation and mission planning on unknown terrains
• Image evaluation, object recognition and terrain modelling
• AI-based support systems for scientific experiments

B.Underwater Robotics

This area deals with the development and realization of Artificial Intelligence methods in underwater systems. Main points of research are:

The research area Space Robotics deals with the development of intelligent robots for extraterrestrial exploration focusing on:

• Development of systems for user support in remote-controlled underwater vehicles employing virtual immersion methods
• Design of methods for autonomous manipulation and mission planning of robot arms in underwater applications, particularly with state-of-the-art sensor technology, such as "Visual Servoing"
• Image evaluation and object recognition with modular and intelligent underwater cameras
• Design of control methods for next-generation autonomous underwater vehicles
• Development of biologically inspired and energy-efficient methods of transport for underwater vehicles, such as oscillating systems

C.Autobotics

In the field of electric mobility we are testing concepts for electric vehicles, battery charge technologies, and the collection of vehicle data. We are creating models for intelligent, environmentally sound and integrated urban mobility. Our research focuses around:

• Development and demonstration of innovative vehicle concepts
• Design of new approaches to application support, technology integration,mobility and traffic control.
• Data collection by fleet tests with technologically different electric vehicles.
• Virtualization of the model region, simulation of future, larger vehicle fleets, and predictions of the effects on the model region in terms of traffic volume, infrastructure needs, environmental pollution, and economic efficiency.
• Creating a foundation for new business models and traffic concepts on the basis of the data previously collected.

D.Logistics, Production and Consumer (LPC)

In the area Logistics, Production and Consumer (LPC) new systems are developed which will improve handling and scheduling tasks by using methods of Artificial Intelligence and innovative mechatronic concepts:

• Fast, self-learning image recognition and classification to identify production faults.
• "Visual Servoing"-methods to sort piece goods.
• Intelligent production memory based on RFID chips in logistic chains.
• Handling of deformable piece goods.

E.Search and Rescue (SAR) & Security Robotics

In this area, robots will be developed to support rescue and security personnel. Main points of our research are:

• Development of highly mobile platforms for indoor and outdoor applications.
• Development of autonomous systems that are able to identify potential victims (SAR) or intruders (Security)
• Development and application of state-of-the-art sensor technology based on radar, laser scanner, and thermal vision to identify objects and persons.
• Embedding of robot systems into existing rescue and security infrastructures
• Autonomous navigation and mission planning

F.Assistance and Rehabilitation Systems

This field deals with robotic systems that can support humans, in complex, exhausting or often repeated tasks. Application areas are helped during activities of everyday life (at home or work) and medical rehabilitation. Support can take place either by using systems the humans’ wear like exoskeletons and orthoses, or by service robots that perform the respective task. Core topics include:

• Concept development, design and construction
• intelligent hardware-system architectures
• software architectures
• embedded biosignal analysis, e.g. using information from:
  • muscle (EMG)
  • eye (eye tracking, EOG)
  • or from brain activity (EEG)
  • fusion of different sensors
• direct online signal processing (hardware and software)
• robust learning systems capable to adapt
• joint communication layers for better human-machine interaction
• (semi) autonomously acting systems
• assist-as-needed

G.Agricultural Robotics (Agribots)

We develop robots for agricultural applications and transfer methods and algorithms from robotics to conventional agricultural machines. Our objective is to increase the performance of machines and processes and to reduce resource consumption at the same time. Our research is focused on technology applications used in the cultivation of land. Primary research topics are:

• Methods for autonomous planning and navigation of outdoor machinery.
• Methods for environmental recognition in agricultural machinery control
• Methods of infield logistics to optimize cooperation and resource consumption between multiple agricultural machines .
• Interoperability at the level of communication, processes and knowledge processing

H.RAAIF R&D labs will be installed at various places. More details will be published soon.