Fields of Application

Space Robotics: SpaceClimber (Photo: Florian Cordes, DFKI GmbH)

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 in unknown terrain
Image evaluation, object recognition and terrain modelling
AI-based support systems for scientific experiments
Underwater Robotics: CManipulator (Photo: Jan Albiez, DFKI GmbH)



This area deals with the development and realization of Artificial Intelligence methods in underwater
systems. Main points of research are:
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
Electric Mobility: EO smart connecting car (Photo: PR Fotodesign, edited
by: DFKI GmbH)

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 mobility and traffic control, application support, technology
integration
Data collection by fleet tests with technologically different electric vehicles (see E-Mobility
fleet in Research Facilities)
Coordination of the regional project office of the model region Electric Mobility
Bremen/Oldenburg
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
Logistics, Production and Consumer (LPC)

LPC: Robotlady AILA
In the area Logistic, 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
SAR: Advanced Security Guard (Photo: Studio Banck GmbH & Co. KG)
3

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, resp.
Embedding of robot systems into existing rescue and security infrastructures
Autonomous navigation and mission planning
Cognitive Robotics: Capio (Photo: DFKI GmbH)


Our research deals with the development of intelligent agents which learn through interaction
with the surroundings and are capable of collecting information about their environment and of
independently identifying options for acting. Main points of our research are:
Development of adaptable, robust learning architectures
Integration of intelligent materials
Representation of senso-motorical information
Alternative morphologies and mobility concepts
Application of biologically inspired concepts for
Developing the morphology of robots and their learning algorithms
Steering and control algorithms
Development of new concepts for human-robot-interaction through investigation and
development, resp., of common communication paths
Self-evaluation in technical systems
Scaling decision-theoretical planning procedures to heterogeneous multi-robot systems
Deal with continuous, restricted resources in a multi-robot framework
Decision-theoretical planning frameworks
Adaption of biological control concepts for the development of fail-safe, redundant and energy-
efficient control