The Robots of the Future Work Together
October 5, 2018 | DTUEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
In the future, robots will not only work together with humans, but will also cooperate with each other on solving increasingly complex tasks.
Associate Professor Ole Ravn of DTU Electrical Engineering is head of DTU’s research within robot technology. He has worked with robots and autonomous systems for the past 20 years, and through the years he has witnessed how research results are crossing the border into the real world at increasing speed.
“The technologies of our research from a decade ago are only just now being fully utilized, for example in self-driving cars. But I expect to see our current research in collaborative robots implemented in the industry within just a few years,” says Ole Ravn.
Ole Ravn’s research group is currently developing software for an advanced collaboration between flying and driving robots in connection with an international robot competition—The Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge—where only the world’s best universities are invited.
At the competition, the participating teams will show how they get the robots on the ground and the drones in the air to work together to solve various types of practical tasks—e.g. finding a valve on a box, assessing the size of the nut, choosing the right tool, and, finally, unscrewing it.
“In our latest robotics research, we have managed to code the robots, so they are able not only to read and recognize their surroundings, but also to handle changes, for example if something has been moved or has changed colour or shape. At the same time, the robots are able to communicate and coordinate their work with other robots,” says Ole Ravn.
Underwater Robot
Remora is another example. It is a research project working to develop a flexible modular robot that can be operated under water. The need for such a robot is great, e.g. for monitoring and repairing the foundations of offshore wind turbines and oil rigs.
“Others are working on similar projects, but our robot differs in one key area. It is modular—which means that each individual part of the robot is able to work alone—or together with other modules. Working in unison, the robots can draw on each other’s functions, thereby becoming fully autonomous. For example, if a robot has problems with his propeller, it can connect with a second module and move using its propeller. The same applies to many other areas—for example in relation to having sufficient battery performance,” explains Associate Professor Roberto Galeazzi, who runs the project.
Robot technology and autonomous systems are one of the themes in focus at the High Tech Summit hosted by DTU on 10 and 11 October. At the summit, you can, among other things, attend a presentation by Ole Ravn or participate in the debate on the future use of robot technology.
Suggested Items
Koh Young Showcases Award-winning Inspection Solutions at SMTconnect with SmartRep in Hall 4A.225
04/25/2024 | Koh Young TechnologyKoh Young Technology, the industry leader in True 3D measurement-based inspection solutions, will showcase an array of award-winning inspection and measurement solutions at SMTconnect alongside its sales partner, SmartRep, in booth 4A.225 at NürnbergMesse from June 11-13, 2023. The following offers a glimpse into what Koh Young will present at the tradeshow:
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Plasmatreat: Innovative Surface Preparation Solutions
04/25/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn this interview, Editor Nolan Johnson speaks with Hardev Grewal, CEO and president of Plasmatreat, a developer of atmospheric plasma solutions. Plasmatreat uses clean compressed air and electricity to create plasma, offering environmentally friendly methods for surface preparation. Their technology measures plasma density for process optimization and can remove organic micro-contamination. Nolan and Hardev also discuss REDOX-Tool, a new technology for removing metal oxides.
Nanotechnology Market to Surpass $53.51 Billion by 2031
04/25/2024 | PRNewswireSkyQuest projects that the nanotechnology market will attain a value of USD 53.51 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 36.4% over the forecast period (2024-2031).
Cadence, TSMC Collaborate on Wide-Ranging Innovations to Transform System and Semiconductor Design
04/25/2024 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence Design Systems, Inc. and TSMC have extended their longstanding collaboration by announcing a broad range of innovative technology advancements to accelerate design, including developments ranging from 3D-IC and advanced process nodes to design IP and photonics.
SMC Korea 2024 to Highlight Semiconductor Materials Trends and Innovations on Industry’s Path to $1 Trillion
04/24/2024 | SEMIWith Korea a major consumer of semiconductor materials and advanced materials a key driver of innovation on the industry’s path to $1 trillion, industry leaders and experts will gather at SMC (Strategic Materials Conference) Korea 2024 on May 29 at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to provide insights into the latest materials developments and trends. Registration is open.