Eurathlon 2013

The event was kindly organized by:

The Research Group Unmanned Systems of the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE is actively researching in the area of unmanned systems for more than 20 years. Our main expertise is the development and evaluation of complex human-robot systems. The main focus is on RSTA and CBRNE-reconnaissance missions using heterogeneous multi-robot systems. Working with such multi-robot systems is a competitive task for the operator. Even a single robot utilizes several different sensors and provides a high degree of mobility, which all need to be controlled by the operator.

The Research Group Unmanned Systems approaches this challenge through intelligent assistance functions. The operator is supported by these assistance functionalities on all levels, ranging from navigating a single robot to complex planning problems of multi-robot systems. Our key skill is the development of innovative tools for human-robot interaction and cooperation. For this purpose new developments are constantly integrated in experimental systems and evaluated in co-operation with security authorities and organizations as well as the military.

European Robotics aims to bridge the gap between HAZOPER (Hazardous Materials Incident Response Operations) users, industry and research in the field of ground robotics.

Nowadays industry plays the „leading“ role in robotics in the sense that it often defines the robotic capabilities available. Many times this results in more or less standard robots being introduced into the HAZOPER without very thoroughly defined functional requirements.

This might be an appropriate approach for those cases where the users have no vision themselves on how to use robotic support in HAZOPER. But many users do have a view of their own on their desired use of robotics. These views are often characterised by short-term objectives and a limited understanding of technical issues.

Research instead has usually no short-term objective and often fails to provide practical applications. Ignoring scientific results, however, prevents interesting and innovative developments. Industry, especially medium-sized enterprises, should use research to fertilise their strategic development process.

So, many times there is a gap between the industry’s understanding of robots needed, the appliance of research results and the HAZOPER users‘ understanding of robot technology as well as the technical feasibility of their requirements.

European Robotics aims to solve this situation by bringing together users, industry and researchers.

progenoX GmbH, a local based company for homeland security and robotic systems, has been contracted to be the local host and organizer.

progenoX GmbH provides software and robotic based systems and solutions for homeland security forces, and was founded in 2011. The responsible people of the SME are former firefighters and members of other specialized homeland security units. „We are very proud to be contracted for supporting the EURATHLON 2013“ says Frank Woodcock, CEO of the company. Andreas Trattler, CTO of progenoX GmbH, adds: „We will do our upmost to ensure that EURATHLON 2013 is a great success and will contribute to the challenges and tasks our homeland security forces have to solve every day“.

Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) is a key emergency service task. It can be divided into two scenarios. First, the search of the area of interest and, second, the rescue of the designated target.

Scenario description

For this scenario, the organizers provided example sensor data, how-to is included; additionally, the log files of the teams FKIE and IAIR are available for download (all in ROS bag format).

Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) incident response becomes increasingly important in these days. In case of such an incident a robot can help removing responders from dangerous situations. With an additional manipulator the vehicle’s mobility can be increased because doors can be opened and obstacles pushed away. In addition, the manipulator can manipulate hazardous material.

Scenario description

Search and rescue is a key emergency service task. It can be divided into two scenarios. First, the search of the area of interest and, second, the rescue of the designated target.

Scenario description

For this scenario, the organizers provided example sensor data, how-to is included; additionally, the log file of the team IAIR is available for download (all in ROS bag format).

Movements of personnel, material, humanitarian aid etc. in risky and hazardous environments are dangerous missions. Thus, the goal of the autonomous navigation trial is to autonomously follow a roughly predefined path in an outdoor, non-urban and off-road terrain.

Scenario description

Sadly, reconnaissance and disposal of bombs and improvised explosive devices (EOR, EOD, IEDD, CIED etc.) is becoming an increasingly important task. It can be divided into two parts. First, the reconnaissance of the area of interest and, second, the clearance of the target area.

Scenario description

The following exhibitors took part in the Eurathlon 2013 static display: