Welcome to the Topic Group Field Robotics
Field robotics is a specialized branch of robotics that focuses on the development and deployment of autonomous or semi-autonomous robots designed to operate in complex, dynamic, and unstructured environments. Unlike traditional industrial robots that work in controlled settings like factories and controlled laboratories or testing environments, field robotics are engineered to perform tasks in realistic and end-user driven indoors or outdoors and in often unpredictable conditions. These environments can include agricultural fields, construction sites, mining operations, disaster-stricken areas, nuclear contaminated infrastructures, and even extraterrestrial landscapes.
The primary goal of field robotics is to enhance the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of operations in these challenging settings by leveraging advanced technologies such as Autonomy, Perception, Decision, Task Allocation, Planning, Safety, Learning, and sophisticated sensor systems. By doing so, field robotics aims to address the unique demands of various industries, enabling robots to navigate rough terrains, adapt to changing conditions, and perform a wide range of tasks with minimal human intervention.
The topic of Field robotics is characterized by resilient robotic systems being able to operate at high TRLs and is fully focusing on application and demonstration in end-user driven scenarios that can be further push innovation. As such Field Robotics is a necessary and very demanding next step for applying in real life resilient robotic technologies that are being developed from other branches of robotics. As such the Robotic Resiliency is the key aspect of differentiation and the main focus of this research area.
Resiliency in the area of Field Robotics refers to the ability of robots to maintain or quickly recover their functionality and stability when faced with unexpected disturbances, environmental challenges, or partial damage. This concept is crucial for robots operating in complex, dynamic, and unstructured environments, where they are likely to encounter a wide range of unpredictable conditions. Resilient field robots are designed to handle these challenges by incorporating robust control systems, advanced sensing technologies, and adaptive algorithms. These technologies enable the robots to detect and respond to changes in their environment, such as sudden obstacles, varying terrain, or adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, resiliency in field robotics involves the capacity for self-recovery from faults, allowing robots to continue performing their tasks effectively even when they experience mechanical or software failures. By ensuring that robots can operate reliably and safely under stress, resiliency enhances their overall performance and extends their operational lifespan in demanding end-user driven field applications.