In our article series entitled “Our consortium partners”, we would like to introduce you to the innovative organizations working together in the COOPERANTS project to shape the digital future of the aerospace industry. In this issue, the focus is on the DFKI, the leading business-related research institution in Germany in the field of innovative software technologies based on artificial intelligence methods.
The DFKI Robotics Innovation Center (RIC): An overview
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frank Kirchner, the DFKI Robotics Innovation Center (RIC) in Bremen with more than 100 scientists and engineers is dedicated to the development of cognitive and adaptive robot systems for a wide range of applications, such as deep-sea, offshore and space exploration as well as adaptive automation for industrial production and logistics. Given the comprehensive multidisciplinarity of the field, which requires competencies in system design, control and programming as well as operation, evaluation, optimization and teaching, DFKI focuses on a rapid transfer of research results into practical applications.
In the field of space exploration and the exploration of extraterrestrial surfaces, the Robotics Innovation Center can demonstrate many years of experience through numerous participations in ongoing and successfully completed projects, which took place on behalf of the ESA, the DLR, the BMWK and the EU, among others.
DFKI in the COOPERANTS project
As an application-oriented research institution, the DFKI Robotics Innovation Center is in charge of the implementation of the pilot “Planetary Exploration” as well as the Smart Service “Digital Twin for Kinematic-Complex Robot Systems”. To this end, the DFKI is also in charge of expanding the digital control center of the aforementioned robot systems in the context of planetary exploration.
COOPERANTS creates this added value for the DFKI
A digital representation of a kinematic-complex robot system that is as close to reality as possible is crucial for monitoring, mission planning and interaction with corresponding systems in order to be able to identify and take into account the current state. COOPERANTS provides an optimal application domain for the above endeavor. Moreover, such a virtual system representation is not only relevant for the development and operation of such robots, but also to enable an optimal training of operators with the help of digitally supported training. Especially in a scientific context, homogeneity and consistency of data sets is essential to allow different disciplines to work equally with corresponding data in a collaborative project and to use specific digital analysis software.
"There are enormous opportunities for people and the environment in the digitization of the aerospace industry. For me, the COOPERANTS project means the chance to work together with the key players in aerospace on solutions to change the industry in a sustainable and forward-looking way."
We are pleased to be able to work with an experienced partner in the field of robotics such as the DFKI Robotics Innovation Center in our consortium and to jointly pave the way for a digital future in aerospace. In our next issue of “Our Consortium Partners”, we will introduce you to another partner of the COOPERANTS project who is also making a significant contribution to the digital transformation of the industry.
Stay tuned to learn more about the COOPERANTS vision and how we are working with innovative partners on the road to the digital future of the aerospace industry.
