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Control Systems for Service Robots
The use of a modular software design framework is reducing the cost of developing the flexible control systems required by the growing use of service robotics
Service robotics is rapidly taking over from traditional sectors for robot applications. FLECOM has developed a framework to allow a modular software approach to designing more flexible robotic systems. As a result, such systems can be designed more quickly, more reliably and at lower cost.
FLECOM takes a modular approach to allow flexible systems to be assembled from existing components. Based on an open, commercially-available hardware platform, it can be implemented at relatively low cost. Adoption of this kind of system will lead to time, cost and quality benefits in the development of service robotics.
The development of robotics has changed rapidly in recent years. Classical "closed" robot control systems have met the needs of many fields, such as welding and assembly, very successfully. New installations for such robots have tailed off however, and there is an increased interest in robotics for service applications, which demand greater flexibility from the robot system.
By using the framework produced by FLECOM, it is possible to design open, modular and flexible robotics systems, quickly and efficiently. With rapid prototyping, the optimal solution for given requirements can be found and implemented more quickly. Similarly, non-optimal solutions are identified and stopped earlier, reducing design costs. FLECOM is not available as a package, but its features are being used by port GbmH to develop a product dictated by the needs of the customer.
The FLECOM framework is an open and expandable repository with multi-axis control features. The software is based on reusable modules, which can be combined as needed for an application. The hardware is based on the VME bus - an open, 
commercially available system. The Multi-axis controller family (MAC) system developed by port GmbH has been used as the interface to the drives. The combination of these programmable hardware and software components enables rapid prototyping. The results achieved from the customer's use of the prototype will then be used to optimise the final product.
The exploitation of the results of the project will be undertaken by port GmbH. The FLECOM system has already been put to use in a prototype controller for a standard industrial robot. FLECOM is not available as a stand-alone product, but will be used in future product development, enabling port GmbH to identify a range of desired functionalities in close co-operation with the customer.
tel +49-3460-233-279 -- fax +49-3460-233-280
e-mail service@port.de
Research Area Integration in Manufacturing
Project IMPROVE (FLECOM); TRUS
Related Results CLEOPATRA-Controller; ASPIC; HEPHAESTOS; ROCCO
Keywords engineering software data exchange; robotics;service robotics;
| Project Participants |
|---|
| FhG IPK DE |
| port GmbH DE |
home page | Results Zone | IT Solutions | Application Areas | Research Areas | Integration into Manufacturing The URL for this page is /esprit/src/results/res_area/iim/iim13.htm
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