Publication
Planning with reconfigurable multi-robot systems
Thomas M. Roehr; Ronny Hartanto
DFKI GmbH, DFKI Documents (D), Vol. 14-03 , No. 14-03, ISBN ISSN 0946-0098, Selbstverlag, Bremen, 6/2014.
Abstract
A number of space missions have proven the effectiveness of applying robots for planetary exploration. Those missions are usually handicapped by long distances and limited resources on the communication network which making such operations less efficient. One possible approach to overcome this problem is by increasing the level of autonomy of the deployed robotic systems. However, this is only cautiously being accepted as a tool for existing space missions and thus applied in a very limited fashion. Some reasons for these are limited experience with this technology in space missions, development costs, and a low to no risk tolerance in space missions. Meanwhile, the “pressure to reduce manpower during routine mission operation” is real, though thus such robotic missions are far from becoming routine missions and demanding further research on novel mission design concepts. Therefore, this poster presents an approach for applying reconfigurable multi-robot systems to allow for more and safer autonomy in upcoming missions.