@article{FerreinSteinbauer2016,
  author    = {Ferrein, Alexander and Steinbauer, Gerald},
  title     = {20 Years of RoboCup - A Subjective Retrospection},
  series = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz},
  volume    = {30},
  journal   = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz},
  number    = {3},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Berlin},
  issn      = {1610-1987},
  doi       = {10.1007/s13218-016-0449-5},
  pages     = {225 -- 232},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {This summer, RoboCup competitions were held for the 20th time in Leipzig, Germany. It was the second time that RoboCup took place in Germany, 10 years after the 2006 RoboCup in Bremen. In this article, we give an overview on the latest developments of RoboCup and what happened in the different leagues over the last decade. With its 20th edition, RoboCup clearly is a success story and a role model for robotics competitions. From our personal view point, we acknowledge this by giving a retrospection about what makes RoboCup such a success.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{FerreinSchifferBooysenetal.2016,
  author    = {Ferrein, Alexander and Schiffer, Stefan and Booysen, T. and Stopforth, R.},
  title     = {Why it is harder to run RoboCup in South Africa: Experiences from German South African collaborations},
  series = {International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems},
  volume    = {13},
  journal   = {International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems},
  number    = {5},
  issn      = {1729-8806},
  doi       = {10.1177/1729881416662789},
  pages     = {1 -- 13},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Robots are widely used as a vehicle to spark interest in science and technology in learners. A number of initiatives focus on this issue, for instance, the Roberta Initiative, the FIRST Lego League, the World Robot Olympiad and RoboCup Junior. Robotic competitions are valuable not only for school learners but also for university students, as the RoboCup initiative shows. Besides technical skills, the students get some project exposure and experience what it means to finish their tasks on time. But qualifying students for future high-tech areas should not only be for students from developed countries. In this article, we present our experiences with research and education in robotics within the RoboCup initiative, in Germany and South Africa; we report on our experiences with trying to get the RoboCup initiative in South Africa going. RoboCup has a huge support base of academic institutions in Germany; this is not the case in South Africa. We present our 'north-south' collaboration initiatives in RoboCup between Germany and South Africa and discuss some of the reasons why we think it is harder to run RoboCup in South Africa.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HaagZontarSchleupenetal.2014,
  author    = {Haag, S. and Zontar, D. and Schleupen, Josef and M{\"u}ller, T. and Brecher, C.},
  title     = {Chain of refined perception in self-optimizing assembly of micro-optical systems},
  series = {Journal of sensors and sensor systems},
  volume    = {3},
  journal   = {Journal of sensors and sensor systems},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Copernicus Publ.},
  address   = {G{\"o}ttingen},
  issn      = {2194-878X},
  doi       = {10.5194/jsss-3-87-2014},
  pages     = {87 -- 95},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Today, the assembly of laser systems requires a large share of manual operations due to its complexity regarding the optimal alignment of optics. Although the feasibility of automated alignment of laser optics has been shown in research labs, the development effort for the automation of assembly does not meet economic requirements - especially for low-volume laser production. This paper presents a model-based and sensor-integrated assembly execution approach for flexible assembly cells consisting of a macro-positioner covering a large workspace and a compact micromanipulator with camera attached to the positioner. In order to make full use of available models from computer-aided design (CAD) and optical simulation, sensor systems at different levels of accuracy are used for matching perceived information with model data. This approach is named "chain of refined perception", and it allows for automated planning of complex assembly tasks along all major phases of assembly such as collision-free path planning, part feeding, and active and passive alignment. The focus of the paper is put on the in-process image-based metrology and information extraction used for identifying and calibrating local coordinate systems as well as the exploitation of that information for a part feeding process for micro-optics. Results will be presented regarding the processes of automated calibration of the robot camera as well as the local coordinate systems of part feeding area and robot base.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LeingartnerMaurerFerreinetal.2016,
  author    = {Leingartner, Max and Maurer, Johannes and Ferrein, Alexander and Steinbauer, Gerald},
  title     = {Evaluation of Sensors and Mapping Approaches for Disasters in Tunnels},
  series = {Journal of Field Robotics},
  volume    = {33},
  journal   = {Journal of Field Robotics},
  number    = {8},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {1556-4967},
  doi       = {10.1002/rob.21611},
  pages     = {1037 -- 1057},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Ground or aerial robots equipped with advanced sensing technologies, such as three-dimensional laser scanners and advanced mapping algorithms, are deemed useful as a supporting technology for first responders. A great deal of excellent research in the field exists, but practical applications at real disaster sites are scarce. Many projects concentrate on equipping robots with advanced capabilities, such as autonomous exploration or object manipulation. In spite of this, realistic application areas for such robots are limited to teleoperated reconnaissance or search. In this paper, we investigate how well state-of-the-art and off-the-shelf components and algorithms are suited for reconnaissance in current disaster-relief scenarios. The basic idea is to make use of some of the most common sensors and deploy some widely used algorithms in a disaster situation, and to evaluate how well the components work for these scenarios. We acquired the sensor data from two field experiments, one from a disaster-relief operation in a motorway tunnel, and one from a mapping experiment in a partly closed down motorway tunnel. Based on these data, which we make publicly available, we evaluate state-of-the-art and off-the-shelf mapping approaches. In our analysis, we integrate opinions and replies from first responders as well as from some algorithm developers on the usefulness of the data and the limitations of the deployed approaches, respectively. We discuss the lessons we learned during the two missions. These lessons are interesting for the community working in similar areas of urban search and rescue, particularly reconnaissance and search.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchifferFerreinLakemeyer2015,
  author    = {Schiffer, Stefan and Ferrein, Alexander and Lakemeyer, Gerhard},
  title     = {Abstracting Away Low-Level Details in Service Robotics with Fuzzy Fluents},
  series = {Model-Driven Knowledge Engineering for Improved Software Modularity in Robotics and Automation. Workshop at European Robotics Forum 2015 Vienna, Austria, March 11-13, 2015.},
  journal   = {Model-Driven Knowledge Engineering for Improved Software Modularity in Robotics and Automation. Workshop at European Robotics Forum 2015 Vienna, Austria, March 11-13, 2015.},
  pages     = {1 -- 4},
  year      = {2015},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KlingeOttoMuehl2015,
  author    = {Klinge, Uwe and Otto, Jens and M{\"u}hl, Thomas},
  title     = {High Structural Stability of Textile Implants Prevents Pore Collapse and Preserves Effective Porosity at Strain},
  series = {BioMed Research International},
  volume    = {2015},
  journal   = {BioMed Research International},
  issn      = {2314-6133 (Print)},
  doi       = {10.1155/2015/953209},
  pages     = {7 pages},
  year      = {2015},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BragardvanHoekDeDoncker2012,
  author    = {Bragard, Michael and van Hoek, H. and De Doncker, R. W.},
  title     = {A major design step in IETO concept realization that allows overcurrent protection and pushes limits of switching performance},
  series = {IEEE transactions on power electronics},
  volume    = {27},
  journal   = {IEEE transactions on power electronics},
  number    = {9},
  publisher = {IEEE},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0885-8993},
  doi       = {10.1109/TPEL.2012.2189136},
  pages     = {4163 -- 4171},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {This paper presents the latest prototype of the integrated emitter turn-off thyristor concept, which potentially ranks among thyristor high-power devices like the gate turn-off thyristor and the integrated gate-commutated thyristor (IGCT). Due to modifications of the external driver stage and mechanical press-pack design optimization, this prototype allows for full device characterization. The turn-off capability was increased to 1600 A with an active silicon area of 823mm2 . This leads to a transient peak power of 672.1kW/cm² . Within this paper, measurements and concept assessment are presented and a comparison to state-of-the-art IGCT devices is provided.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BragardConradvanHoeketal.2011,
  author    = {Bragard, Michael and Conrad, M. and van Hoek, H. and De Doncker, R. W.},
  title     = {The integrated emitter turn-off thyristor (IETO) : an innovative thyristor-based high power semiconductor device using MOS assisted turn-off},
  series = {IEEE transactions on industry applications},
  volume    = {47},
  journal   = {IEEE transactions on industry applications},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {IEEE},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0093-9994},
  doi       = {10.1109/TIA.2011.2161432},
  pages     = {2175 -- 2182},
  year      = {2011},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BragardSoltauThomasetal.2010,
  author    = {Bragard, Michael and Soltau, N. and Thomas, S. and De Doncker, R. W.},
  title     = {The balance of renewable sources and user demands in grids : power electronics for modular battery energy storage systems},
  series = {IEEE transactions on power electronics},
  volume    = {25},
  journal   = {IEEE transactions on power electronics},
  number    = {12},
  publisher = {IEEE},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0885-8993},
  doi       = {10.1109/TPEL.2010.2085455},
  pages     = {3049 -- 3056},
  year      = {2010},
  abstract  = {The continuously growing amount of renewable sources starts compromising the stability of electrical grids. Contradictory to fossil fuel power plants, energy production of wind and photovoltaic (PV) energy is fluctuating. Although predictions have significantly improved, an outage of multi-MW offshore wind farms poses a challenging problem. One solution could be the integration of storage systems in the grid. After a short overview, this paper focuses on two exemplary battery storage systems, including the required power electronics. The grid integration, as well as the optimal usage of volatile energy reserves, is presented for a 5- kW PV system for home application, as well as for a 100- MW medium-voltage system, intended for wind farm usage. The efficiency and cost of topologies are investigated as a key parameter for large-scale integration of renewable power at medium- and low-voltage.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KoellenspergerBragardPlumetal.2009,
  author    = {K{\"o}llensperger, P. and Bragard, Michael and Plum, T. and De Doncker, R. W.},
  title     = {The dual GCT : new high-power device using optimized GCT technology},
  series = {IEEE transactions on industry applications},
  volume    = {45},
  journal   = {IEEE transactions on industry applications},
  number    = {5},
  issn      = {0093-9994},
  doi       = {10.1109/TIA.2009.2027364},
  pages     = {1754 -- 1762},
  year      = {2009},
  language  = {en}
}