tele.interaction – teleoperation of humanoid robots for interaction with humans and the environment

• Subject Area: Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 533327659

Within the framework of the BHT research focus "Health Research, Technologies and Humanoid Robotics", basic research is being conducted into the possible applications of humanoid robots in industry and society. An essential requirement is that the humanoid robots are mobile and can act and react with fine motor skills. Humanoid robots already exist at the BHT, but they cannot be used for physical human-robot interaction and object manipulation, or only to a limited extent. In order to meet the growing demand for innovative solutions for the use of humanoid robots in various application fields, the existing robotic infrastructure at BHT is to be expanded by two additional components. First, a versatile humanoid robot for interaction with humans and second, 2 collaborative robot arms for the development of a visuo-haptic input station will be acquired. The humanoid arms, compared to existing robots, have inherent compliance, sufficient load-bearing capacity, and precise force sensing. Their 7 independent degrees of freedom each also allow for physical and, most importantly, safe interaction with humans. The input station, consisting of 2 collaborative robot arms, enables intuitive remote control of the humanoid robot through bidirectional force feedback, allowing low-threshold use even by non-experts to investigate interdisciplinary research questions. Embedded in the two thematic areas of soft manipulation and teleoperation, the applicants have identified three research domains at the university (1. greenhouse, 2. university didactics, 3. outpatient care) in which the humanoid robot and the input station will be used to work on basic research questions. The interdisciplinary team of applicants has extensive expertise ranging from humanoid robotics, design of interactive haptic interfaces, human-technology interaction, horticultural plant production, use of digital technologies in education, machine learning, and technical solutions in nursing.

• DFG Programme: Major Instrumentation Initiatives
• Major Instrumentation: Franka Research 3 Roboter mit Franka Hand ; Roboter TIAGo
• Applicant Institution: Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT)
• Leader: Professor Dr.-Ing. Hannes Höppner