Tracks | Field Robotics Engineering Forum

Technologies, Tools and Platforms Track

Although robotics technology in the various types of ground-based field robotics systems can differ radically from each other, their areas of commonality greatly outnumber their differences. That is, enabling technologies suitable for one class of system are appropriate and applicable for other types of as well. Many of the enabling technologies map directly to the “Sense, Think and Act” functions which have come to define robotic systems from other classes of engineered products. While others range from tactical componentry to ready-made robotic ‘platforms’ that can from the basis of application specific mobile systems. Sessions in the Technologies, Tools and Platforms Track will cover the latest advances in these ‘core’ technologies common to all classes of field robotics systems:

Sensing

Vision / Imaging Systems
Touch / Haptics
LiDAR, Radar, Sonar, and GPS
Human-Machine Interfaces / HR
Sensor Fusion
Data Acquisition

Cognition

Image/Object Recognition
Robot Control Architectures
Motion Planning and Scheduling
Cloud Robotics
AI / Machine Learning
Mapping and Localization
Microprocessors / SoC

Actuation

Wheeled, Tracked and Legged ‘Platforms’
Arms / Manipulators
Grippers / End Effectors
Actuators / Motors / Servos
End Effectors
Motion Planning Solutions

Componentry

Advanced Materials
Communications / Networking
Batteries / Power Systems
Electronics
Wires, Harnesses, Connectors
Mobile Platforms

Development, Testing and Deployment Track

The development of ground-based field robots is difficult, requiring the mastery of multiple disciplines – including software development, mechanical and electrical engineering. Adding to the challenge is the additional burdens of real-time constraints, complex systems engineering, and operational environments featuring difficult terrain, high levels of uncertainty and dynamism. Also, as field robotics systems are made to operate in open spaces, public places and on the battlefield, engineering and testing for usability and safe operation becomes critical.

Thankfully, solution providers have responded to these difficulties by providing a whole host of robotics design, development tools, and testing tools that speed and east the development and deployment of field robotics systems. Topics covered in the Development, Testing and Deployment Track include:

Development Tools / SDKs / Libraries
System Integration / Programming
Prototyping, and Simulation and Testing
Robotics Engineering Methodologies
Simulation and Testing Tools
CAD/CAM Tools For Robotics Development
Testing Methods / Testing Sites

Languages and Libraries
Robot Operating System, MoveIt! and Open Source Solutions
Software Development Kits and Modeling Tools
COTS Solutions for Robotics
3D Printing / Rapid Prototyping
Design, Engineering and Testing Services

Markets and Applications Track

There are many classes of ground field robotics systems based on differing capabilities and enabling technologies, including teleoperated/autonomous, wheeled/tracked/legged, battery/fuel/solar, and more. Systems can also be differentiated based on their specific target market (construction, mining, agriculture, public safety, defense etc.) and application (surveillance, portage, delivery etc.). While the various field robotics systems often use identical enabling technologies and are developed using similar engineering methodologies, industry and application specific requirements can make generalized engineering principals and techniques non-transferable. Sessions in the Markets and Applications Track focus on those attributes that make certain field robotics systems unique, with sessions providing insights and recommendations into the optimal design, development and deployment choice for specific system classes.

Photo provided by Abundant Robotics

Technologies, Tools and Platforms Track

Sensing

Cognition

Actuation

Componentry

Development, Testing and Deployment Track

Markets and Applications Track

Robotics Network

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