Keynote Lectures

Keynote lectures at AIR2017 will be delivered by

Prof. Peter Corke

peterCorke

Queensland University of Technology, Austrailia

Topic: Robots for society: why we need robots

Abstract:

Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are the next transformative technologies that will impact virtually every industry, from automotive to medical devices, consumer electronics to industrial manufacturing. This talk explores the current state of robotics, and discusses the various segments of industry and society where robotics technologies are expected to have the largest impact, both in the short term and not-too-distant future.

 

Prof. Nancy Amato

nancyAmato

Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, USA

Topic: Sampling-Based Motion Planning: From Intelligent CAD to Crowd Simulation to Protein Folding

Abstract: Motion planning has application in robotics, animation, virtual prototyping and training, and even protein folding and drug design.  Surprisingly, sampling-based planning methods have proven effective on problems from all these domains. In this talk, we provide an overview of sampling-based planning and describe some variants developed in our group.  We describe applications related to virtual prototyping, crowd simulation, and protein folding.  For virtual prototyping, we show that in some cases a hybrid system incorporating both an automatic planner and haptic user input leads to superior results.  For crowd simulation, we describe techniques for evacuation planning and for evaluating architectural designs.  Finally, we describe our application of sampling-based motion planners to simulate molecular motions, such as protein and RNA folding.

 

Prof. Burkhard Corves

burkhardCorves

RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Topic: Recent Robotic Research Activities at IGM, RWTH Aachen University

Abstract: In recent years there have been divers activities in the area of robotics IGM, RWTH Aachen University:

Active Shaping and assembly of flexible objects: Object integrative handling systems allow designing more lightweight and less complex robotic arms compared to standard industrial robots. This advantage in weight and costs becomes particular important, for the handling and assembly of large scale or low rigidity components. To compensate tolerances and deformations in the assembly process, the component can be shaped, using cooperating robotic arms. An exemplary assembly process was investigated and implemented as a proof of concept.

Bots2ReC Project: The Bots2Rec Project aims at the development and implementation of a semi-autonomous robotic system for the removal of asbestos contamination from rehabilitation sites, e.g. private flats build in the last 70th and 80th. Despite the high degree of industrial automation, robotic solutions are not yet used in the construction and demolition industry. The project partners will develop and adapt state of the art technology in to introduce a robotic system for the mentioned use case.

PARAGRIP: Flexible handling of elements based on reconfigurable parallel kinematic structures. In the last year, the environment of manufacturing companies has changed radically. Individualized products, varying quantities, the cost-pressure of low-wage countries and shortening product life-cycles produce a high momentum on the markets and lead to significant changes in requirements. The rapidly adaptable manufacturing which dominates the market will replace the ‘rigid’ full automation. Adaptability and flexibility are more important than ever. That is where the IGM developed one solution for a handling system of individualized production.