Richard. Rösch, Fraunhofer IPA, Stuttgart
The introduction of mobile robots in laboratories aims to enhance process flexibility, optimize workflows, and relieve staff from repetitive tasks. Current robotic systems are often limited to standardized formats and require integration with other systems. To address these limitations, Fraunhofer IPA is developing a flexible, autonomous mobile laboratory robot that envisions independently taking on tasks. One potential use case involves preparing chemicals for weighing, where the robot would locate chemical cabinets using an internal database, recognize handles, and autonomously open cabinets. It would scan and identify containers, calculate movements to grab target items, and transport them to the weighing station. Preliminary results show promise in the robot's ability to detect and manipulate various objects.