Robotics Research Lab, University of Kaiserslautern
In April of 2003, Professor Dr. Karsten Berns founded what is now known as the Robotics Research Laboratory (RRL) at the University of Kaiserslautern in Germany. Since the lab was established, its research activity focuses mainly on the realization of complex autonomous robotic systems, which includes wheel-driven indoor and outdoor vehicles and also the likes of climbing robots.
At this laboratory, a robotic head is being developed under the lab’s humanoid division in order for them to study the interaction between human and machine.
The laboratory, under the watchful eyes of Dr. Berns, follows a level of algorithmic as well as general control architecture, allowing them to coordinate complex robotic systems using biologically-motivated methodology.
The RRL is also studying innovative computer architectures and electronic concepts in order to develop elaborate machines which requires specific designs and for them to implement strategies for large hardware and software assemblies.
Among the notable projects which the lab has conducted over the past years includes several autonomous mobile systems, climbing and walking robots, human-machine interaction, robot control systems, and the SmartFactory. Their research on autonomous mobile systems has yielded the likes of the Outdoor Platform RAVON, the Indoor Platform MARVIN, the Autonomous Mini-Forklifts, and the Autonomous Transport Platform ARTOS.
At the Robotics Research Lab, one can also find the Cromsci, or Climbing Robot with Multiple Sucking Chambers for Inspection tasks. This climbing robot is being used for the inspection of concrete pylons or in the walls of dams, and is equipped with a system for vacuum chambers allowing this robot to suck itself to the wall.
Researchers at the RRL equipped this robot with three single steerable and driven wheels. The laboratory also developed the fork lift robot back in the winter of 2004-2005. This robot has a camera and various sensors, and can lift, find and transport objects and sort them out based on their colors. A semester later, the robot was modified and managed to display progress.
The Robotics Research Laboratory continuously strives to develop ways to improve tools for the adequate support of the development process over the full cycle of a robotic system.
