@inproceedings{LeingartnerMaurerSteinbaueretal.2013, author = {Leingartner, Max and Maurer, Johannes and Steinbauer, Gerald and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Evaluation of sensors and mapping approaches for disasters in tunnels}, series = {IEEE International Symposium on Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics : SSRR : 21-26 Oct. 2013, Linkoping, Sweden}, booktitle = {IEEE International Symposium on Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics : SSRR : 21-26 Oct. 2013, Linkoping, Sweden}, organization = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers}, isbn = {978-1-4799-0879-0}, pages = {1 -- 7}, year = {2013}, language = {en} } @incollection{KallweitGottschalkWalenta2016, author = {Kallweit, Stephan and Gottschalk, Michael and Walenta, Robert}, title = {ROS based safety concept for collaborative robots in industrial applications}, series = {Advances in robot design and intelligent control : proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region (RAAD). (Advances in intelligent systems and computing ; 371)}, booktitle = {Advances in robot design and intelligent control : proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region (RAAD). (Advances in intelligent systems and computing ; 371)}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, organization = {International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region <24, 2015, Bucharest>}, isbn = {978-3-319-21289-0 (Print) ; 978-3-319-21290-6 (E-Book)}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-21290-6_3}, pages = {27 -- 35}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The production and assembly of customized products increases the demand for flexible automation systems. One approach is to remove the safety fences that separate human and industrial robot to combine their skills. This collaboration possesses a certain risk for the human co-worker, leading to numerous safety concepts to protect him. The human needs to be monitored and tracked by a safety system using different sensors. The proposed system consists of a RGBD camera for surveillance of the common working area, an array of optical distance sensors to compensate shadowing effects of the RGBD camera and a laser range finder to detect the co-worker when approaching the work cell. The software for collision detection, path planning, robot control and predicting the behaviour of the co-worker is based on the Robot Operating System (ROS). A first prototype of the work cell shows that with advanced algorithms from the field of mobile robotics a very flexible safety concept can be realized: the robot not simply stops its movement when detecting a collision, but plans and executes an alternative path around the obstacle.}, language = {en} } @incollection{GoeckelSchifferWagneretal.2015, author = {Goeckel, Tom and Schiffer, Stefan and Wagner, Hermann and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {The Video Conference Tool Robot ViCToR}, series = {Intelligent Robotics and Applications : 8th International Conference, ICIRA 2015, Portsmouth, UK, August 24-27, 2015, Proceedings, Part II}, booktitle = {Intelligent Robotics and Applications : 8th International Conference, ICIRA 2015, Portsmouth, UK, August 24-27, 2015, Proceedings, Part II}, publisher = {Springer}, isbn = {978-3-319-22876-1}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-22876-1_6}, pages = {61 -- 73}, year = {2015}, abstract = {We present a robotic tool that autonomously follows a conversation to enable remote presence in video conferencing. When humans participate in a meeting with the help of video conferencing tools, it is crucial that they are able to follow the conversation both with acoustic and visual input. To this end, we design and implement a video conferencing tool robot that uses binaural sound source localization as its main source to autonomously orient towards the currently talking speaker. To increase robustness of the acoustic cue against noise we supplement the sound localization with a source detection stage. Also, we include a simple onset detector to retain fast response times. Since we only use two microphones, we are confronted with ambiguities on whether a source is in front or behind the device. We resolve these ambiguities with the help of face detection and additional moves. We tailor the system to our target scenarios in experiments with a four minute scripted conversation. In these experiments we evaluate the influence of different system settings on the responsiveness and accuracy of the device.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KrueckelNoldenFerreinetal.2015, author = {Kr{\"u}ckel, Kai and Nolden, Florian and Ferrein, Alexander and Scholl, Ingrid}, title = {Intuitive visual teleoperation for UGVs using free-look augmented reality displays}, series = {2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), Seattle, WA}, booktitle = {2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), Seattle, WA}, doi = {10.1109/ICRA.2015.7139809}, pages = {4412 -- 4417}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @incollection{NiemuellerReuterEwertetal.2015, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Reuter, Sebastian and Ewert, Daniel and Ferrein, Alexander and Jeschke, Sabina and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {Decisive Factors for the Success of the Carologistics RoboCup Team in the RoboCup Logistics League 2014}, series = {RoboCup 2014: Robot World Cup XVIII}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2014: Robot World Cup XVIII}, publisher = {Springer}, isbn = {978-3-319-18615-3}, pages = {155 -- 167}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FerreinKallweitScholletal.2015, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Kallweit, Stephan and Scholl, Ingrid and Reichert, Walter}, title = {Learning to Program Mobile Robots in the ROS Summer School Series}, series = {Proceedings 6th International Conference on Robotics in Education (RiE 15)}, booktitle = {Proceedings 6th International Conference on Robotics in Education (RiE 15)}, pages = {6 S.}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The main objective of our ROS Summer School series is to introduce MA level students to program mobile robots with the Robot Operating System (ROS). ROS is a robot middleware that is used my many research institutions world-wide. Therefore, many state-of-the-art algorithms of mobile robotics are available in ROS and can be deployed very easily. As a basic robot platform we deploy a 1/10 RC cart that is wquipped with an Arduino micro-controller to control the servo motors, and an embedded PC that runs ROS. In two weeks, participants get to learn the basics of mobile robotics hands-on. We describe our teaching concepts and our curriculum and report on the learning success of our students.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{AlhwarinFerreinGebhardtetal.2015, author = {Alhwarin, Faraj and Ferrein, Alexander and Gebhardt, Andreas and Kallweit, Stephan and Scholl, Ingrid and Tedjasukmana, Osmond Sanjaya}, title = {Improving additive manufacturing by image processing and robotic milling}, series = {2015 IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE), Aug 24-28, 2015 Gothenburg, Sweden}, booktitle = {2015 IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE), Aug 24-28, 2015 Gothenburg, Sweden}, doi = {10.1109/CoASE.2015.7294217}, pages = {924 -- 929}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{Ferrein2015, author = {Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {3D-Mapping von Straßentunneln}, series = {16. Geokinematischer Tag, 07. und 08. Mai 2015 : Tagungsband / Technische Universit{\"a}t Bergakademie Freiberg}, booktitle = {16. Geokinematischer Tag, 07. und 08. Mai 2015 : Tagungsband / Technische Universit{\"a}t Bergakademie Freiberg}, pages = {31 -- 40}, year = {2015}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{NiemuellerFerreinReuteretal.2015, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Ferrein, Alexander and Reuter, Sebastian and Jeschke, Sabina and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {The RoboCup Logistics League as a Holistic Multi-Robot Smart Factory Benchmark}, series = {Proceedings of the IROS 2015 Open forum on evaluation of results, replication of experiments and benchmarking in robotics research}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the IROS 2015 Open forum on evaluation of results, replication of experiments and benchmarking in robotics research}, pages = {3 S.}, year = {2015}, abstract = {With autonomous mobile robots receiving increased attention in industrial contexts, the need for benchmarks becomes more and more an urgent matter. The RoboCup Logistics League (RCLL) is one specific industry-inspired scenario focusing on production logistics within a Smart Factory. In this paper, we describe how the RCLL allows to assess the performance of a group of robots within the scenario as a whole, focusing specifically on the coordination and cooperation strategies and the methods and components to achieve them. We report on recent efforts to analyze performance of teams in 2014 to understand the implications of the current grading scheme, and derived criteria and metrics for performance assessment based on Key Performance Indicators (KPI) adapted from classic factory evaluation. We reflect on differences and compatibility towards RoCKIn, a recent major benchmarking European project.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StopforthFerreinSteinbauer2015, author = {Stopforth, Riaan and Ferrein, Alexander and Steinbauer, Gerald}, title = {Europe and South African collaboration on the Mechatronics and Robotics systems as part of the SA Robotics Center}, series = {ICRA 2015 Developing Countries Forum}, booktitle = {ICRA 2015 Developing Countries Forum}, pages = {3 S.}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Mechatronics consist of the integration of mechanical engineering, electronic integration and computer science/ engineering. These broad fields are essential for robotic systems, yet it makes it difficult for the researchers to specialize and be experts in all these fields. Collaboration between researchers allow for the integration of experience and specialization, to allow optimized systems. Collaboration between the European countries and South Africa is critical, as each country has different resources available, which the other countries might not have. Applications with the need for approval of any restrictions, can also be obtained easier in some countries compared to others, thus preventing the delays of research. Some problems that have been experienced are discussed, with the Robotics Center of South Africa as a possible solution.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BooysenMathewKnoxetal.2015, author = {Booysen, Tracy and Mathew, Thomas and Knox, Greig and Fong, W. K. and St{\"u}ttgen, Marcel and Ferrein, Alexander and Steinbauer, Gerald}, title = {The Scarab Project}, series = {ICRA 2015 Developing Countries Forum}, booktitle = {ICRA 2015 Developing Countries Forum}, pages = {3 S.}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is an active research field in the robotics community. Despite recent advances for many open research questions, these kind of systems are not widely used in real rescue missions. One reason is that such systems are complex and not (yet) very reliable; another is that one has to be an robotic expert to run such a system. Moreover, available rescue robots are very expensive and the benefits of using them are still limited. In this paper, we present the Scarab robot, an alternative design for a USAR robot. The robot is light weight, humanpackable and its primary purpose is that of extending the rescuer's capability to sense the disaster site. The idea is that a responder throws the robot to a certain spot. The robot survives the impact with the ground and relays sensor data such as camera images or thermal images to the responder's hand-held control unit from which the robot can be remotely controlled.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NiemuellerReuterEwertetal.2016, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Reuter, Sebastian and Ewert, Daniel and Ferrein, Alexander and Jeschke, Sabina and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {The Carologistics Approach to Cope with the Increased Complexity and New Challenges of the RoboCup Logistics League 2015}, series = {RoboCup 2015: Robot World Cup XIX}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2015: Robot World Cup XIX}, editor = {Almeida, Luis}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-29339-4}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-29339-4_4}, pages = {47 -- 59}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NiemuellerReuterFerreinetal.2016, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Reuter, Sebastian and Ferrein, Alexander and Jeschke, Sabina and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {Evaluation of the RoboCup Logistics League and Derived Criteria for Future Competitions}, series = {RoboCup 2015: Robot World Cup XIX}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2015: Robot World Cup XIX}, editor = {Almeida, Luis}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-29339-4}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-29339-4_3}, pages = {31 -- 43}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LimpertSchifferFerrein2015, author = {Limpert, Nicolas and Schiffer, Stefan and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {A Local Planner for Ackermann-Driven Vehicles in ROS SBPL}, series = {Proceedings of the International Conference on Pattern Recognition Association of South Africa and Robotics and Mechatronics (PRASA-RobMech), 2015}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on Pattern Recognition Association of South Africa and Robotics and Mechatronics (PRASA-RobMech), 2015}, doi = {10.1109/RoboMech.2015.7359518}, pages = {172 -- 177}, year = {2015}, 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} } @inproceedings{FerreinMaierMuehlbacheretal.2015, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Maier, Christopher and M{\"u}hlbacher, Clemens and Niemueller, Tim and Steinbauer, Gerald and Vassos, Stravros}, title = {Controlling Logistics Robots with the Action-based Language YAGI}, series = {Proceedings of the 2015 IROS Workshop on Workshop on Task Planning for Intelligent Robots in Service and Manufacturing}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2015 IROS Workshop on Workshop on Task Planning for Intelligent Robots in Service and Manufacturing}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NiemuellerReuterFerrein2016, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Reuter, Sebastian and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Fawkes for the RoboCup Logistics League}, series = {RoboCup 2015: Robot World Cup XIX}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2015: Robot World Cup XIX}, editor = {Almeida, Luis}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-29339-4}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-29339-4_31}, pages = {365 -- 373}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FerreinMaierMuehlbacheretal.2016, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Maier, Christopher and M{\"u}hlbacher, Clemens and Niem{\"u}ller, Tim and Steinbauer, Gerald and Vassos, Stravros}, title = {Controlling logistics robots with the action-based language YAGI}, series = {Intelligent Robotics and Applications: 9th International Conference, ICIRA 2016, Tokyo, Japan, August 22-24, 2016, Proceedings, Part I}, volume = {9834}, booktitle = {Intelligent Robotics and Applications: 9th International Conference, ICIRA 2016, Tokyo, Japan, August 22-24, 2016, Proceedings, Part I}, publisher = {Springer}, isbn = {978-3-319-43505-3 (Print)}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-43506-0_46}, pages = {525 -- 537}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @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} } @inproceedings{SchleupenEngemannBagherietal.2017, author = {Schleupen, Josef and Engemann, Heiko and Bagheri, Mohsen and Kallweit, Stephan and Dahmann, Peter}, title = {Developing a climbing maintenance robot for tower and rotor blade service of wind turbines}, series = {Advances in Robot Design and Intelligent Control : Proceedings of the 25th Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region (RAAD16)}, booktitle = {Advances in Robot Design and Intelligent Control : Proceedings of the 25th Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region (RAAD16)}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-49058-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-49058-8_34}, pages = {310 -- 319}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{EngemannWiesenKallweitetal.2018, author = {Engemann, Heiko and Wiesen, Patrick and Kallweit, Stephan and Deshpande, Harshavardhan and Schleupen, Josef}, title = {Autonomous mobile manipulation using ROS}, series = {Advances in Service and Industrial Robotics}, booktitle = {Advances in Service and Industrial Robotics}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-61276-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-61276-8_43}, pages = {389 -- 401}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NiemuellerNeumannHenkeetal.2017, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Neumann, Tobias and Henke, Christoph and Sch{\"o}nitz, Sebastian and Reuter, Sebastian and Ferrein, Alexander and Jeschke, Sabina and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {Improvements for a robust production in the RoboCup logistics league 2016}, series = {RoboCup 2016: Robot World Cup XX. RoboCup 2016.}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2016: Robot World Cup XX. RoboCup 2016.}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-68792-6}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-68792-6_49}, pages = {589 -- 600}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{NiemuellerKarrasFerrein2017, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Karras, Ulrich and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Meisterschaft der Maschinen: Die Industrial Logistic Liga}, series = {C´t Magazin f{\"u}r Computertechnik}, journal = {C´t Magazin f{\"u}r Computertechnik}, number = {26}, year = {2017}, language = {de} } @article{FerreinSteinbauer2016, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Steinbauer, Gerald}, title = {The Interplay of Aldebaran and RoboCup}, series = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, volume = {30}, journal = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1610-1987}, doi = {10.1007/s13218-016-0440-1}, pages = {325 -- 326}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SteinbauerFerrein2016, author = {Steinbauer, Gerald and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {20 Years of RoboCup}, series = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, volume = {30}, journal = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1610-1987}, doi = {10.1007/s13218-016-0442-z}, pages = {221 -- 224}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{FerreinSteinbauer2016, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Steinbauer, Gerald}, title = {Looking back on 20 Years of RoboCup}, series = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, volume = {30}, journal = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1610-1987}, doi = {10.1007/s13218-016-0443-y}, pages = {321 -- 323}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @incollection{NiemuellerZwillingLakemeyeretal.2017, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Zwilling, Frederik and Lakemeyer, Gerhard and L{\"o}bach, Matthias and Reuter, Sebastian and Jeschke, Sabina and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Cyber-Physical System Intelligence}, series = {Industrial Internet of Things}, booktitle = {Industrial Internet of Things}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-42559-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-42559-7_17}, pages = {447 -- 472}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Cyber-physical systems are ever more common in manufacturing industries. Increasing their autonomy has been declared an explicit goal, for example, as part of the Industry 4.0 vision. To achieve this system intelligence, principled and software-driven methods are required to analyze sensing data, make goal-directed decisions, and eventually execute and monitor chosen tasks. In this chapter, we present a number of knowledge-based approaches to these problems and case studies with in-depth evaluation results of several different implementations for groups of autonomous mobile robots performing in-house logistics in a smart factory. We focus on knowledge-based systems because besides providing expressive languages and capable reasoning techniques, they also allow for explaining how a particular sequence of actions came about, for example, in the case of a failure.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StopforthDavrajhFerrein2017, author = {Stopforth, Riaan and Davrajh, Shaniel and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {South African robotics entity for a collaboration initiative}, series = {Pattern Recognition Association of South Africa and Robotics and Mechatronics International Conference (PRASA-RobMech), 2016}, booktitle = {Pattern Recognition Association of South Africa and Robotics and Mechatronics International Conference (PRASA-RobMech), 2016}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-5090-3335-5}, doi = {10.1109/RoboMech.2016.7813144}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{SchifferFerrein2016, author = {Schiffer, Stefan and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Decision-Theoretic Planning with Fuzzy Notions in GOLOG}, series = {International Journal of Uncertainty, Fuzziness and Knowledge-Based Systems}, volume = {24}, journal = {International Journal of Uncertainty, Fuzziness and Knowledge-Based Systems}, number = {Issue Suppl. 2}, publisher = {World Scientific}, address = {Singapur}, issn = {1793-6411}, doi = {10.1142/S0218488516400134}, pages = {123 -- 143}, year = {2016}, abstract = {In this paper we present an extension of the action language Golog that allows for using fuzzy notions in non-deterministic argument choices and the reward function in decision-theoretic planning. Often, in decision-theoretic planning, it is cumbersome to specify the set of values to pick from in the non-deterministic-choice-of-argument statement. Also, even for domain experts, it is not always easy to specify a reward function. Instead of providing a finite domain for values in the non-deterministic-choice-of-argument statement in Golog, we now allow for stating the argument domain by simply providing a formula over linguistic terms and fuzzy uents. In Golog's forward-search DT planning algorithm, these formulas are evaluated in order to find the agent's optimal policy. We illustrate this in the Diner Domain where the agent needs to calculate the optimal serving order.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WalentaSchellekensFerreinetal.2017, author = {Walenta, Robert and Schellekens, Twan and Ferrein, Alexander and Schiffer, Stefan}, title = {A decentralised system approach for controlling AGVs with ROS}, series = {AFRICON, Proceedings}, booktitle = {AFRICON, Proceedings}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-5386-2775-4}, issn = {2153-0033}, doi = {10.1109/AFRCON.2017.8095693}, pages = {1436 -- 1441}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @incollection{NiemuellerLakemeyerReuteretal.2017, author = {Niemueller, T. and Lakemeyer, G. and Reuter, S. and Jeschke, S. and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Benchmarking of Cyber-Physical Systems in Industrial Robotics: The RoboCup Logistics League as a CPS Benchmark Blueprint}, series = {Cyber-Physical Systems: Foundations, Principles and Applications}, booktitle = {Cyber-Physical Systems: Foundations, Principles and Applications}, publisher = {Academic Press}, address = {London}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-803801-7.00013-4}, pages = {193 -- 207}, year = {2017}, abstract = {In the future, we expect manufacturing companies to follow a new paradigm that mandates more automation and autonomy in production processes. Such smart factories will offer a variety of production technologies as services that can be combined ad hoc to produce a large number of different product types and variants cost-effectively even in small lot sizes. This is enabled by cyber-physical systems that feature flexible automated planning methods for production scheduling, execution control, and in-factory logistics. During development, testbeds are required to determine the applicability of integrated systems in such scenarios. Furthermore, benchmarks are needed to quantify and compare system performance in these industry-inspired scenarios at a comprehensible and manageable size which is, at the same time, complex enough to yield meaningful results. In this chapter, based on our experience in the RoboCup Logistics League (RCLL) as a specific example, we derive a generic blueprint for how a holistic benchmark can be developed, which combines a specific scenario with a set of key performance indicators as metrics to evaluate the overall integrated system and its components.}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{NiemuellerNeumannHenkeetal.2017, author = {Niemueller, Tim and Neumann, Tobias and Henke, Christoph and Sch{\"o}nitz, Sebastian and Reuter, Sebastian and Ferrein, Alexander and Jeschke, Sabina and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {International Harting Open Source Award 2016: Fawkes for the RoboCup Logistics League}, series = {RoboCup 2016: RoboCup 2016: Robot World Cup XX. RoboCup 2016}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2016: RoboCup 2016: Robot World Cup XX. RoboCup 2016}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-68792-6}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-68792-6_53}, pages = {634 -- 642}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ZugNiemuellerHochgeschwenderetal.2017, author = {Zug, Sebastian and Niemueller, Tim and Hochgeschwender, Nico and Seidensticker, Kai and Seidel, Martin and Friedrich, Tim and Neumann, Tobias and Karras, Ulrich and Kraetzschmar, Gerhard K. and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {An Integration Challenge to Bridge the Gap Among Industry-Inspired RoboCup Leagues}, series = {RoboCup 2016: Robot World Cup XX. RoboCup 2016.}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2016: Robot World Cup XX. RoboCup 2016.}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-68792-6}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-68792-6_13}, pages = {157 -- 168}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MarcoFerrein2017, author = {Marco, Heather G. and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {AGNES: The African-German Network of Excellence in Science}, series = {Proceedings of the 2nd Developing World Robotics Forum, Workshop at IEEE AFRICON 2017}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2nd Developing World Robotics Forum, Workshop at IEEE AFRICON 2017}, pages = {1 -- 2}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchifferFerrein2017, author = {Schiffer, Stefan and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {A System Layout for Cognitive Service Robots}, series = {Cognitive Robot Architectures. Proceedings of EUCognition 2016}, booktitle = {Cognitive Robot Architectures. Proceedings of EUCognition 2016}, issn = {1613-0073}, pages = {44 -- 45}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NikolovskiLimpertNessauetal.2023, author = {Nikolovski, Gjorgji and Limpert, Nicolas and Nessau, Hendrik and Reke, Michael and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Model-predictive control with parallelised optimisation for the navigation of autonomous mining vehicles}, series = {2023 IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV)}, booktitle = {2023 IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV)}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {979-8-3503-4691-6 (Online)}, doi = {10.1109/IV55152.2023.10186806}, pages = {6 Seiten}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The work in modern open-pit and underground mines requires the transportation of large amounts of resources between fixed points. The navigation to these fixed points is a repetitive task that can be automated. The challenge in automating the navigation of vehicles commonly used in mines is the systemic properties of such vehicles. Many mining vehicles, such as the one we have used in the research for this paper, use steering systems with an articulated joint bending the vehicle's drive axis to change its course and a hydraulic drive system to actuate axial drive components or the movements of tippers if available. To address the difficulties of controlling such a vehicle, we present a model-predictive approach for controlling the vehicle. While the control optimisation based on a parallel error minimisation of the predicted state has already been established in the past, we provide insight into the design and implementation of an MPC for an articulated mining vehicle and show the results of real-world experiments in an open-pit mine environment.}, language = {en} } @article{ChengWollertChenetal.2023, author = {Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Wollert, J{\"o}rg and Chen, Xi and Fapojuwo, Abraham O.}, title = {Guest Editorial : Circuits and Systems for Industry X.0 Applications}, series = {IEEE Journal on Emerging and Selected Topics in Circuits and Systems}, volume = {13}, journal = {IEEE Journal on Emerging and Selected Topics in Circuits and Systems}, edition = {2}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2156-3357 (Print)}, doi = {10.1109/JETCAS.2023.3278843}, pages = {457 -- 460}, year = {2023}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ChavezBermudezCruzCastanonRuchayetal.2022, author = {Chavez Bermudez, Victor Francisco and Cruz Castanon, Victor Fernando and Ruchay, Marco and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Rapid prototyping framework for automation applications based on IO-Link}, series = {Tagungsband AALE 2022}, booktitle = {Tagungsband AALE 2022}, editor = {Leipzig, Hochschule f{\"u}r Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur}, address = {Leipzig}, isbn = {978-3-910103-00-9}, doi = {10.33968/2022.28}, pages = {8 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The development of protype applications with sensors and actuators in the automation industry requires tools that are independent of manufacturer, and are flexible enough to be modified or extended for any specific requirements. Currently, developing prototypes with industrial sensors and actuators is not straightforward. First of all, the exchange of information depends on the industrial protocol that these devices have. Second, a specific configuration and installation is done based on the hardware that is used, such as automation controllers or industrial gateways. This means that the development for a specific industrial protocol, highly depends on the hardware and the software that vendors provide. In this work we propose a rapid-prototyping framework based on Arduino to solve this problem. For this project we have focused to work with the IO-Link protocol. The framework consists of an Arduino shield that acts as the physical layer, and a software that implements the IO-Link Master protocol. The main advantage of such framework is that an application with industrial devices can be rapid-prototyped with ease as its vendor independent, open-source and can be ported easily to other Arduino compatible boards. In comparison, a typical approach requires proprietary hardware, is not easy to port to another system and is closed-source.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DeyElsenFerreinetal.2021, author = {Dey, Thomas and Elsen, Ingo and Ferrein, Alexander and Frauenrath, Tobias and Reke, Michael and Schiffer, Stefan}, title = {CO2 Meter: a do-it-yourself carbon dioxide measuring device for the classroom}, series = {PETRA 2021: The 14th PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments Conference}, booktitle = {PETRA 2021: The 14th PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments Conference}, editor = {Makedon, Fillia}, publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery}, address = {New York}, isbn = {9781450387927}, doi = {10.1145/3453892.3462697}, pages = {292 -- 299}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In this paper we report on CO2 Meter, a do-it-yourself carbon dioxide measuring device for the classroom. Part of the current measures for dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is proper ventilation in indoor settings. This is especially important in schools with students coming back to the classroom even with high incidents rates. Static ventilation patterns do not consider the individual situation for a particular class. Influencing factors like the type of activity, the physical structure or the room occupancy are not incorporated. Also, existing devices are rather expensive and often provide only limited information and only locally without any networking. This leaves the potential of analysing the situation across different settings untapped. Carbon dioxide level can be used as an indicator of air quality, in general, and of aerosol load in particular. Since, according to the latest findings, SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted primarily in the form of aerosols, carbon dioxide may be used as a proxy for the risk of a virus infection. Hence, schools could improve the indoor air quality and potentially reduce the infection risk if they actually had measuring devices available in the classroom. Our device supports schools in ventilation and it allows for collecting data over the Internet to enable a detailed data analysis and model generation. First deployments in schools at different levels were received very positively. A pilot installation with a larger data collection and analysis is underway.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{EichenbaumNikolovskiMuelhensetal.2023, author = {Eichenbaum, Julian and Nikolovski, Gjorgji and M{\"u}lhens, Leon and Reke, Michael and Ferrein, Alexander and Scholl, Ingrid}, title = {Towards a lifelong mapping approach using Lanelet 2 for autonomous open-pit mine operations}, series = {2023 IEEE 19th International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE)}, booktitle = {2023 IEEE 19th International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE)}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {979-8-3503-2069-5 (Online)}, doi = {10.1109/CASE56687.2023.10260526}, pages = {8 Seiten}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Autonomous agents require rich environment models for fulfilling their missions. High-definition maps are a well-established map format which allows for representing semantic information besides the usual geometric information of the environment. These are, for instance, road shapes, road markings, traffic signs or barriers. The geometric resolution of HD maps can be as precise as of centimetre level. In this paper, we report on our approach of using HD maps as a map representation for autonomous load-haul-dump vehicles in open-pit mining operations. As the mine undergoes constant change, we also need to constantly update the map. Therefore, we follow a lifelong mapping approach for updating the HD maps based on camera-based object detection and GPS data. We show our mapping algorithm based on the Lanelet 2 map format and show our integration with the navigation stack of the Robot Operating System. We present experimental results on our lifelong mapping approach from a real open-pit mine.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ViehmannLimpertHofmannetal.2023, author = {Viehmann, Tarik and Limpert, Nicolas and Hofmann, Till and Henning, Mike and Ferrein, Alexander and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {Winning the RoboCup logistics league with visual servoing and centralized goal reasoning}, series = {RoboCup 2022}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2022}, editor = {Eguchi, Amy and Lau, Nuno and Paetzel-Pr{\"u}smann, Maike and Wanichanon, Thanapat}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-28468-7 (Print)}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28469-4_25}, pages = {300 -- 312}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The RoboCup Logistics League (RCLL) is a robotics competition in a production logistics scenario in the context of a Smart Factory. In the competition, a team of three robots needs to assemble products to fulfill various orders that are requested online during the game. This year, the Carologistics team was able to win the competition with a new approach to multi-agent coordination as well as significant changes to the robot's perception unit and a pragmatic network setup using the cellular network instead of WiFi. In this paper, we describe the major components of our approach with a focus on the changes compared to the last physical competition in 2019.}, language = {en} } @article{CollPeralesSchulteTiggesRondinoneetal.2022, author = {Coll-Perales, Baldomero and Schulte-Tigges, Joschua and Rondinone, Michele and Gozalvez, Javier and Reke, Michael and Matheis, Dominik and Walter, Thomas}, title = {Prototyping and evaluation of infrastructure-assisted transition of control for cooperative automated vehicles}, series = {IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems}, volume = {23}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems}, number = {7}, publisher = {IEEE}, issn = {1524-9050 (Print)}, doi = {10.1109/TITS.2021.3061085}, pages = {6720 -- 6736}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Automated driving is now possible in diverse road and traffic conditions. However, there are still situations that automated vehicles cannot handle safely and efficiently. In this case, a Transition of Control (ToC) is necessary so that the driver takes control of the driving. Executing a ToC requires the driver to get full situation awareness of the driving environment. If the driver fails to get back the control in a limited time, a Minimum Risk Maneuver (MRM) is executed to bring the vehicle into a safe state (e.g., decelerating to full stop). The execution of ToCs requires some time and can cause traffic disruption and safety risks that increase if several vehicles execute ToCs/MRMs at similar times and in the same area. This study proposes to use novel C-ITS traffic management measures where the infrastructure exploits V2X communications to assist Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in the execution of ToCs. The infrastructure can suggest a spatial distribution of ToCs, and inform vehicles of the locations where they could execute a safe stop in case of MRM. This paper reports the first field operational tests that validate the feasibility and quantify the benefits of the proposed infrastructure-assisted ToC and MRM management. The paper also presents the CAV and roadside infrastructure prototypes implemented and used in the trials. The conducted field trials demonstrate that infrastructure-assisted traffic management solutions can reduce safety risks and traffic disruptions.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchulteTiggesMatheisRekeetal.2023, author = {Schulte-Tigges, Joschua and Matheis, Dominik and Reke, Michael and Walter, Thomas and Kaszner, Daniel}, title = {Demonstrating a V2X enabled system for transition of control and minimum risk manoeuvre when leaving the operational design domain}, series = {HCII 2023: HCI in Mobility, Transport, and Automotive Systems}, booktitle = {HCII 2023: HCI in Mobility, Transport, and Automotive Systems}, editor = {Kr{\"o}mker, Heidi}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-35677-3 (Print)}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-35678-0_12}, pages = {200 -- 210}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Modern implementations of driver assistance systems are evolving from a pure driver assistance to a independently acting automation system. Still these systems are not covering the full vehicle usage range, also called operational design domain, which require the human driver as fall-back mechanism. Transition of control and potential minimum risk manoeuvres are currently research topics and will bridge the gap until full autonomous vehicles are available. The authors showed in a demonstration that the transition of control mechanisms can be further improved by usage of communication technology. Receiving the incident type and position information by usage of standardised vehicle to everything (V2X) messages can improve the driver safety and comfort level. The connected and automated vehicle's software framework can take this information to plan areas where the driver should take back control by initiating a transition of control which can be followed by a minimum risk manoeuvre in case of an unresponsive driver. This transition of control has been implemented in a test vehicle and was presented to the public during the IEEE IV2022 (IEEE Intelligent Vehicle Symposium) in Aachen, Germany.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MatareSchifferFerrein2019, author = {Matar{\´e}, Victor and Schiffer, Stefan and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {golog++ : An integrative system design}, series = {CogRob 2018. Cognitive Robotics Workshop : Proceedings of the 11th Cognitive Robotics Workshop 2018 co-located with 16th International Conference on Principles of Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KR 2018) Tempe, AZ, USA, October 27th, 2018}, booktitle = {CogRob 2018. Cognitive Robotics Workshop : Proceedings of the 11th Cognitive Robotics Workshop 2018 co-located with 16th International Conference on Principles of Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KR 2018) Tempe, AZ, USA, October 27th, 2018}, editor = {Steinbauer, Gerald and Ferrein, Alexander}, issn = {1613-0073}, pages = {29 -- 35}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{AlhwarinFerreinScholl2019, author = {Alhwarin, Faraj and Ferrein, Alexander and Scholl, Ingrid}, title = {An Efficient Hashing Algorithm for NN Problem in HD Spaces}, series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science}, booktitle = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science}, isbn = {978-303005498-4}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-05499-1_6}, pages = {101 -- 115}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchollBartellaMoluluoetal.2019, author = {Scholl, Ingrid and Bartella, Alex and Moluluo, Cem and Ertural, Berat and Laing, Frederic and Suder, Sebastian}, title = {MedicVR : Acceleration and Enhancement Techniques for Direct Volume Rendering in Virtual Reality}, series = {Bildverarbeitung f{\"u}r die Medizin 2019 : Algorithmen - Systeme - Anwendungen}, booktitle = {Bildverarbeitung f{\"u}r die Medizin 2019 : Algorithmen - Systeme - Anwendungen}, publisher = {Springer Vieweg}, address = {Wiesbaden}, isbn = {978-3-658-25326-4}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-658-25326-4_32}, pages = {152 -- 157}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WiesenEngemannLimpertetal.2018, author = {Wiesen, Patrick and Engemann, Heiko and Limpert, Nicolas and Kallweit, Stephan}, title = {Learning by Doing - Mobile Robotics in the FH Aachen ROS Summer School}, series = {European Robotics Forum 2018, TRROS18 Workshop}, booktitle = {European Robotics Forum 2018, TRROS18 Workshop}, pages = {47 -- 58}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HofmannLimpertMatareetal.2019, author = {Hofmann, Till and Limpert, Nicolas and Matar{\´e}, Viktor and Ferrein, Alexander and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {Winning the RoboCup Logistics League with Fast Navigation, Precise Manipulation, and Robust Goal Reasoning}, series = {RoboCup 2019: Robot World Cup XXIII. RoboCup}, booktitle = {RoboCup 2019: Robot World Cup XXIII. RoboCup}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-35699-6}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-35699-6_41}, pages = {504 -- 516}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HueningStuettgen2021, author = {H{\"u}ning, Felix and St{\"u}ttgen, Marcel}, title = {Work in Progress: Interdisciplinary projects in times of COVID-19 crisis - challenges, risks and chances}, series = {2021 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON)}, booktitle = {2021 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON)}, doi = {10.1109/EDUCON46332.2021.9454006}, pages = {1175 -- 1179}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{UlmerBraunChengetal.2022, author = {Ulmer, Jessica and Braun, Sebastian and Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Dowey, Steve and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Gamification of virtual reality assembly training: Effects of a combined point and level system on motivation and training results}, series = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies}, volume = {165}, journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies}, number = {Art. No. 102854}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1071-5819}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhcs.2022.102854}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Virtual Reality (VR) offers novel possibilities for remote training regardless of the availability of the actual equipment, the presence of specialists, and the training locations. Research shows that training environments that adapt to users' preferences and performance can promote more effective learning. However, the observed results can hardly be traced back to specific adaptive measures but the whole new training approach. This study analyzes the effects of a combined point and leveling VR-based gamification system on assembly training targeting specific training outcomes and users' motivations. The Gamified-VR-Group with 26 subjects received the gamified training, and the Non-Gamified-VR-Group with 27 subjects received the alternative without gamified elements. Both groups conducted their VR training at least three times before assembling the actual structure. The study found that a level system that gradually increases the difficulty and error probability in VR can significantly lower real-world error rates, self-corrections, and support usages. According to our study, a high error occurrence at the highest training level reduced the Gamified-VR-Group's feeling of competence compared to the Non-Gamified-VR-Group, but at the same time also led to lower error probabilities in real-life. It is concluded that a level system with a variable task difficulty should be combined with carefully balanced positive and negative feedback messages. This way, better learning results, and an improved self-evaluation can be achieved while not causing significant impacts on the participants' feeling of competence.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ChavezBermudezWollert2022, author = {Chavez Bermudez, Victor Francisco and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {10BASE-T1L industry 4.0 smart switch for field devices based on IO-Link}, series = {2022 IEEE 18th International Conference on Factory Communication Systems (WFCS)}, booktitle = {2022 IEEE 18th International Conference on Factory Communication Systems (WFCS)}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-6654-1086-1}, doi = {10.1109/WFCS53837.2022.9779176}, pages = {4 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The recent amendment to the Ethernet physical layer known as the IEEE 802.3cg specification, allows to connect devices up to a distance of one kilometer and delivers a maximum of 60 watts of power over a twisted pair of wires. This new standard, also known as 10BASE-TIL, promises to overcome the limits of current physical layers used for field devices and bring them a step closer to Ethernet-based applications. The main advantage of 10BASE- TIL is that it can deliver power and data over the same line over a long distance, where traditional solutions (e.g., CAN, IO-Link, HART) fall short and cannot match its 10 Mbps bandwidth. Due to its recentness, IOBASE- TIL is still not integrated into field devices and it has been less than two years since silicon manufacturers released the first Ethernet-PHY chips. In this paper, we present a design proposal on how field devices could be integrated into a IOBASE-TIL smart switch that allows plug-and-play connectivity for sensors and actuators and is compliant with the Industry 4.0 vision. Instead of presenting a new field-level protocol for this work, we have decided to adopt the IO-Link specification which already includes a plug-and-play approach with features such as diagnosis and device configuration. The main objective of this work is to explore how field devices could be integrated into 10BASE-TIL Ethernet, its adaption with a well-known protocol, and its integration with Industry 4.0 technologies.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{UlmerBraunChengetal.2022, author = {Ulmer, Jessica and Braun, Sebastian and Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Dowey, Steve and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Usage of digital twins for gamification applications in manufacturing}, series = {Procedia CIRP}, volume = {107}, booktitle = {Procedia CIRP}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {10.1016/j.procir.2022.05.044}, pages = {675 -- 680}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Gamification applications are on the rise in the manufacturing sector to customize working scenarios, offer user-specific feedback, and provide personalized learning offerings. Commonly, different sensors are integrated into work environments to track workers' actions. Game elements are selected according to the work task and users' preferences. However, implementing gamified workplaces remains challenging as different data sources must be established, evaluated, and connected. Developers often require information from several areas of the companies to offer meaningful gamification strategies for their employees. Moreover, work environments and the associated support systems are usually not flexible enough to adapt to personal needs. Digital twins are one primary possibility to create a uniform data approach that can provide semantic information to gamification applications. Frequently, several digital twins have to interact with each other to provide information about the workplace, the manufacturing process, and the knowledge of the employees. This research aims to create an overview of existing digital twin approaches for digital support systems and presents a concept to use digital twins for gamified support and training systems. The concept is based upon the Reference Architecture Industry 4.0 (RAMI 4.0) and includes information about the whole life cycle of the assets. It is applied to an existing gamified training system and evaluated in the Industry 4.0 model factory by an example of a handle mounting.}, language = {en} } @article{UlmerBraunChengetal.2023, author = {Ulmer, Jessica and Braun, Carsten and Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Dowey, Steve and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {A human factors-aware assistance system in manufacturing based on gamification and hardware modularisation}, series = {International Journal of Production Research}, journal = {International Journal of Production Research}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, issn = {0020-7543 (Print)}, doi = {10.1080/00207543.2023.2166140}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Assistance systems have been widely adopted in the manufacturing sector to facilitate various processes and tasks in production environments. However, existing systems are mostly equipped with rigid functional logic and do not provide individual user experiences or adapt to their capabilities. This work integrates human factors in assistance systems by adjusting the hardware and instruction presented to the workers' cognitive and physical demands. A modular system architecture is designed accordingly, which allows a flexible component exchange according to the user and the work task. Gamification, the use of game elements in non-gaming contexts, has been further adopted in this work to provide level-based instructions and personalised feedback. The developed framework is validated by applying it to a manual workstation for industrial assembly routines.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FerreinSchollNeumannetal.2019, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Scholl, Ingrid and Neumann, Tobias and Kr{\"u}ckel, Kai and Schiffer, Stefan}, title = {A system for continuous underground site mapping and exploration}, doi = {10.5772/intechopen.85859}, pages = {16 Seiten}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FerreinBharatheeshaSchifferetal.2019, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Bharatheesha, Mukunda and Schiffer, Stefan and Corbato, Carlos Hernandez}, title = {TRROS 2018 : Teaching Robotics with ROS Workshop at ERF 2018; Proceedings of the Workshop on Teaching Robotics with ROS (held at ERF 2018), co-located with European Robotics Forum 2018 (ERF 2018), Tampere, Finland, March 15th, 2018}, series = {CEUR Workshop Proceedings}, booktitle = {CEUR Workshop Proceedings}, number = {Vol-2329}, issn = {1613-0073}, pages = {68 Seiten}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @article{ClaerFerreinSchiffer2019, author = {Claer, Mario and Ferrein, Alexander and Schiffer, Stefan}, title = {Calibration of a Rotating or Revolving Platform with a LiDAR Sensor}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {Volume 9}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {issue 11, 2238}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3417}, doi = {10.3390/app9112238}, pages = {18 Seiten}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SteinbauerFerrein2019, author = {Steinbauer, Gerald and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {CogRob 2018 : Cognitive Robotics Workshop. Proceedings of the 11th Cognitive Robotics Workshop 2018 co-located with 16th International Conference on Principles of Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KR 2018). Tempe, AZ, USA, October 27th, 2018.}, series = {CEUR workshop proceedings}, booktitle = {CEUR workshop proceedings}, number = {Vol-2325}, issn = {1613-0073}, pages = {46 Seiten}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KirschMatareFerreinetal.2020, author = {Kirsch, Maximilian and Matar{\´e}, Victor and Ferrein, Alexander and Schiffer, Stefan}, title = {Integrating golog++ and ROS for Practical and Portable High-level Control}, series = {12th International Conference on Agents and Artificial Intelligence}, booktitle = {12th International Conference on Agents and Artificial Intelligence}, doi = {10.5220/0008984406920699}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{RekePeterSchulteTiggesetal.2020, author = {Reke, Michael and Peter, Daniel and Schulte-Tigges, Joschua and Schiffer, Stefan and Ferrein, Alexander and Walter, Thomas and Matheis, Dominik}, title = {A Self-Driving Car Architecture in ROS2}, series = {2020 International SAUPEC/RobMech/PRASA Conference, Cape Town, South Africa}, booktitle = {2020 International SAUPEC/RobMech/PRASA Conference, Cape Town, South Africa}, isbn = {978-1-7281-4162-6}, doi = {10.1109/SAUPEC/RobMech/PRASA48453.2020.9041020}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FerreinMeessenLimpertetal.2021, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Meeßen, Marcus and Limpert, Nicolas and Schiffer, Stefan}, title = {Compiling ROS Schooling Curricula via Contentual Taxonomies}, series = {Robotics in Education}, booktitle = {Robotics in Education}, editor = {Lepuschitz, Wilfried}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-67411-3}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-67411-3_5}, pages = {49 -- 60}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @incollection{EngemannDuKallweitetal.2020, author = {Engemann, Heiko and Du, Shengzhi and Kallweit, Stephan and Ning, Chuanfang and Anwar, Saqib}, title = {AutoSynPose: Automatic Generation of Synthetic Datasets for 6D Object Pose Estimation}, series = {Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Proceedings of MLIS 2020}, booktitle = {Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Proceedings of MLIS 2020}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {978-1-64368-137-5}, doi = {10.3233/FAIA200770}, pages = {89 -- 97}, year = {2020}, abstract = {We present an automated pipeline for the generation of synthetic datasets for six-dimension (6D) object pose estimation. Therefore, a completely automated generation process based on predefined settings is developed, which enables the user to create large datasets with a minimum of interaction and which is feasible for applications with a high object variance. The pipeline is based on the Unreal 4 (UE4) game engine and provides a high variation for domain randomization, such as object appearance, ambient lighting, camera-object transformation and distractor density. In addition to the object pose and bounding box, the metadata includes all randomization parameters, which enables further studies on randomization parameter tuning. The developed workflow is adaptable to other 3D objects and UE4 environments. An exemplary dataset is provided including five objects of the Yale-CMU-Berkeley (YCB) object set. The datasets consist of 6 million subsegments using 97 rendering locations in 12 different UE4 environments. Each dataset subsegment includes one RGB image, one depth image and one class segmentation image at pixel-level.}, language = {en} } @article{EngemannDuKallweitetal.2020, author = {Engemann, Heiko and Du, Shengzhi and Kallweit, Stephan and C{\"o}nen, Patrick and Dawar, Harshal}, title = {OMNIVIL - an autonomous mobile manipulator for flexible production}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {20}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {24, art. no. 7249}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, isbn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s20247249}, pages = {1 -- 30}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{UlmerBraunChengetal.2020, author = {Ulmer, Jessica and Braun, Sebastian and Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Dowey, Steve and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Gamified Virtual Reality Training Environment for the Manufacturing Industry}, doi = {10.1109/ME49197.2020.9286661}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2020}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{ChajanSchulteTiggesRekeetal.2021, author = {Chajan, Eduard and Schulte-Tigges, Joschua and Reke, Michael and Ferrein, Alexander and Matheis, Dominik and Walter, Thomas}, title = {GPU based model-predictive path control for self-driving vehicles}, series = {IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV)}, booktitle = {IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV)}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-7281-5394-0}, doi = {10.1109/IV48863.2021.9575619}, pages = {1243 -- 1248}, year = {2021}, abstract = {One central challenge for self-driving cars is a proper path-planning. Once a trajectory has been found, the next challenge is to accurately and safely follow the precalculated path. The model-predictive controller (MPC) is a common approach for the lateral control of autonomous vehicles. The MPC uses a vehicle dynamics model to predict the future states of the vehicle for a given prediction horizon. However, in order to achieve real-time path control, the computational load is usually large, which leads to short prediction horizons. To deal with the computational load, the control algorithm can be parallelized on the graphics processing unit (GPU). In contrast to the widely used stochastic methods, in this paper we propose a deterministic approach based on grid search. Our approach focuses on systematically discovering the search area with different levels of granularity. To achieve this, we split the optimization algorithm into multiple iterations. The best sequence of each iteration is then used as an initial solution to the next iteration. The granularity increases, resulting in smooth and predictable steering angle sequences. We present a novel GPU-based algorithm and show its accuracy and realtime abilities with a number of real-world experiments.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{UlmerBraunChengetal.2021, author = {Ulmer, Jessica and Braun, Sebastian and Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Dowey, Steve and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Adapting Augmented Reality Systems to the users' needs using Gamification and error solving methods}, series = {Procedia CIRP}, volume = {104}, booktitle = {Procedia CIRP}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {10.1016/j.procir.2021.11.024}, pages = {140 -- 145}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Animations of virtual items in AR support systems are typically predefined and lack interactions with dynamic physical environments. AR applications rarely consider users' preferences and do not provide customized spontaneous support under unknown situations. This research focuses on developing adaptive, error-tolerant AR systems based on directed acyclic graphs and error resolving strategies. Using this approach, users will have more freedom of choice during AR supported work, which leads to more efficient workflows. Error correction methods based on CAD models and predefined process data create individual support possibilities. The framework is implemented in the Industry 4.0 model factory at FH Aachen.}, language = {en} } @article{BraunChengDoweyetal.2021, author = {Braun, Sebastian and Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Dowey, Steve and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Performance evaluation of skill-based order-assignment in production environments with multi-agent systems}, series = {IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Industrial Electronics}, journal = {IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Industrial Electronics}, number = {Early Access}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2687-9735}, doi = {10.1109/JESTIE.2021.3108524}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The fourth industrial revolution introduces disruptive technologies to production environments. One of these technologies are multi-agent systems (MASs), where agents virtualize machines. However, the agent's actual performances in production environments can hardly be estimated as most research has been focusing on isolated projects and specific scenarios. We address this gap by implementing a highly connected and configurable reference model with quantifiable key performance indicators (KPIs) for production scheduling and routing in single-piece workflows. Furthermore, we propose an algorithm to optimize the search of extrema in highly connected distributed systems. The benefits, limits, and drawbacks of MASs and their performances are evaluated extensively by event-based simulations against the introduced model, which acts as a benchmark. Even though the performance of the proposed MAS is, on average, slightly lower than the reference system, the increased flexibility allows it to find new solutions and deliver improved factory-planning outcomes. Our MAS shows an emerging behavior by using flexible production techniques to correct errors and compensate for bottlenecks. This increased flexibility offers substantial improvement potential. The general model in this paper allows the transfer of the results to estimate real systems or other models.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{EvansBraunUlmeretal.2022, author = {Evans, Benjamin and Braun, Sebastian and Ulmer, Jessica and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {AAS implementations - current problems and solutions}, series = {20th International Conference on Mechatronics - Mechatronika (ME)}, booktitle = {20th International Conference on Mechatronics - Mechatronika (ME)}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-6654-1040-3}, doi = {10.1109/ME54704.2022.9982933}, pages = {6 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The fourth industrial revolution presents a multitude of challenges for industries, one of which being the increased flexibility required of manufacturing lines as a result of increased consumer demand for individualised products. One solution to tackle this challenge is the digital twin, more specifically the standardised model of a digital twin also known as the asset administration shell. The standardisation of an industry wide communications tool is a critical step in enabling inter-company operations. This paper discusses the current state of asset administration shells, the frameworks used to host them and their problems that need to be addressed. To tackle these issues, we propose an event-based server capable of drastically reducing response times between assets and asset administration shells and a multi-agent system used for the orchestration and deployment of the shells in the field.}, language = {en} } @article{SchulteTiggesFoersterNikolovskietal.2022, author = {Schulte-Tigges, Joschua and F{\"o}rster, Marco and Nikolovski, Gjorgji and Reke, Michael and Ferrein, Alexander and Kaszner, Daniel and Matheis, Dominik and Walter, Thomas}, title = {Benchmarking of various LiDAR sensors for use in self-driving vehicles in real-world environments}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {19}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s22197146}, pages = {20 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Abstract In this paper, we report on our benchmark results of the LiDAR sensors Livox Horizon, Robosense M1, Blickfeld Cube, Blickfeld Cube Range, Velodyne Velarray H800, and Innoviz Pro. The idea was to test the sensors in different typical scenarios that were defined with real-world use cases in mind, in order to find a sensor that meet the requirements of self-driving vehicles. For this, we defined static and dynamic benchmark scenarios. In the static scenarios, both LiDAR and the detection target do not move during the measurement. In dynamic scenarios, the LiDAR sensor was mounted on the vehicle which was driving toward the detection target. We tested all mentioned LiDAR sensors in both scenarios, show the results regarding the detection accuracy of the targets, and discuss their usefulness for deployment in self-driving cars.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StopforthDavrajhFerrein2017, author = {Stopforth, Riaan and Davrajh, Shaniel and Ferrein, Alexander}, title = {Design considerations of the duo fugam dual rotor UAV}, series = {2017 Pattern Recognition Association of South Africa and Robotics and Mechatronics (PRASA-RobMech)}, booktitle = {2017 Pattern Recognition Association of South Africa and Robotics and Mechatronics (PRASA-RobMech)}, isbn = {978-1-5386-2314-5}, doi = {10.1109/RoboMech.2017.8261115}, pages = {7 -- 13}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{FrankoDuKallweitetal.2020, author = {Franko, Josef and Du, Shengzhi and Kallweit, Stephan and Duelberg, Enno Sebastian and Engemann, Heiko}, title = {Design of a Multi-Robot System for Wind Turbine Maintenance}, series = {Energies}, volume = {13}, journal = {Energies}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1073}, doi = {10.3390/en13102552}, pages = {Article 2552}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The maintenance of wind turbines is of growing importance considering the transition to renewable energy. This paper presents a multi-robot-approach for automated wind turbine maintenance including a novel climbing robot. Currently, wind turbine maintenance remains a manual task, which is monotonous, dangerous, and also physically demanding due to the large scale of wind turbines. Technical climbers are required to work at significant heights, even in bad weather conditions. Furthermore, a skilled labor force with sufficient knowledge in repairing fiber composite material is rare. Autonomous mobile systems enable the digitization of the maintenance process. They can be designed for weather-independent operations. This work contributes to the development and experimental validation of a maintenance system consisting of multiple robotic platforms for a variety of tasks, such as wind turbine tower and rotor blade service. In this work, multicopters with vision and LiDAR sensors for global inspection are used to guide slower climbing robots. Light-weight magnetic climbers with surface contact were used to analyze structure parts with non-destructive inspection methods and to locally repair smaller defects. Localization was enabled by adapting odometry for conical-shaped surfaces considering additional navigation sensors. Magnets were suitable for steel towers to clamp onto the surface. A friction-based climbing ring robot (SMART— Scanning, Monitoring, Analyzing, Repair and Transportation) completed the set-up for higher payload. The maintenance period could be extended by using weather-proofed maintenance robots. The multi-robot-system was running the Robot Operating System (ROS). Additionally, first steps towards machine learning would enable maintenance staff to use pattern classification for fault diagnosis in order to operate safely from the ground in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{EngemannCoenenDawaretal.2021, author = {Engemann, Heiko and C{\"o}nen, Patrick and Dawar, Harshal and Du, Shengzhi and Kallweit, Stephan}, title = {A robot-assisted large-scale inspection of wind turbine blades in manufacturing using an autonomous mobile manipulator}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {19}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3417}, doi = {10.3390/app11199271}, pages = {1 -- 22}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Wind energy represents the dominant share of renewable energies. The rotor blades of a wind turbine are typically made from composite material, which withstands high forces during rotation. The huge dimensions of the rotor blades complicate the inspection processes in manufacturing. The automation of inspection processes has a great potential to increase the overall productivity and to create a consistent reliable database for each individual rotor blade. The focus of this paper is set on the process of rotor blade inspection automation by utilizing an autonomous mobile manipulator. The main innovations include a novel path planning strategy for zone-based navigation, which enables an intuitive right-hand or left-hand driving behavior in a shared human-robot workspace. In addition, we introduce a new method for surface orthogonal motion planning in connection with large-scale structures. An overall execution strategy controls the navigation and manipulation processes of the long-running inspection task. The implemented concepts are evaluated in simulation and applied in a real-use case including the tip of a rotor blade form.}, language = {en} }