FZI Presents Mobile Robotics on the Day of German Unity
At the celebrations for the Day of German Unity in Schwerin, the walking robot Spot is the focus of the presentation in the Baden-Württemberg Pavilion
Research Focus: Applied Artificial Intelligence
On the occasion of the celebrations for the Day of German Unity from October 2 to 4, 2024, the FZI is represented in the Baden-Württemberg Pavilion in Schwerin and showcases innovative research results in mobile robotics. Under the motto “The Länd of Forschung & Hightech” (State of Research & Hightech) and “The Länd – Innovation und künstliche Intellligenz” (State of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence), the FZI presents current results from applied cutting-edge research in Germany.
Walking robot Spot impresses with practical applications for the construction industry
At the center of the FZI presentation is the walking robot Spot, designed for a wide range of practical applications. Equipped with an integrated arm and gripper, the system can be used flexibly for various tasks. The FZI demonstrates how to harness this flexibility for construction sites using Artificial Intelligence. The robot autonomously recognizes objects on a construction site, collects them independently, and brings them to the operator or secures the workplace to reduce hazards. The robot can climb stairs, walk over cables or pallets, lift 11 kilograms, or even pull 25 kilograms over the ground. These features hold enormous potential, particularly in the construction industry.
Some of the results shown are from the i-SAMLR project funded by the Baden-Wuerttemberg Foundation. The project investigates how craftsmen can control robots on construction sites efficiently and intuitively using voice commands. Object recognition and autonomous gripping are essential for executing the commands. The technologies developed in the project aim to make the use of robotics in the construction industry fit for the future.
High-ranking guests are expected at the Baden-Württemberg Pavilion during the event, including Thomas Strobl, the Baden-Württemberg Minister of the Interior, and Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Dr.-Ing. Georg Heppner, Head of the FZI Living Lab Service Robotics in the FZI’s Intelligent Systems and Production Engineering research division, emphasizes: “The use of robotics on construction sites opens up entirely new possibilities for the construction industry. Our work on the i-SAMLR project shows how robots can become a productive partner on the construction site thanks to intelligent systems. Such technologies not only strengthen competitiveness, but also contribute to retaining skilled workers. Naturally, the results are also transferable to other applications!”
About the FZI
As a central research institution in Baden-Württemberg and Germany, the FZI plays a vital role in developing and implementing technological innovations. With its cutting-edge research, it not only promotes the competitiveness of local companies but also makes a valuable contribution to the training of qualified personnel, for instance, in the field of Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
