Case Studies

Artificial Intelligence in Robotics (AiR) group

Our aim is to leverage on the current state-of-the-art autonomy level to build next-generation smart systems; which execute the given tasks accurately, interact with their environment, collaborate with humans, plan future actions, and adapt new skills through learning processes.

This includes research in control theory, modelling, operations management, identification and simulation of electro-mechanical systems, motion control systems, computer-based real time control systems, adaptive and intelligent semi-autonomous and autonomous systems. Application examples are autonomous ground and aerial systems for smart farming, automotive industry, inspection and maintenance, and logistic systems.

The Artificial Intelligence in Robotics (AiR) group is led by Associate Professor Erdal Kayacan. Our group’s long-term research agenda includes creating a link between control theory (in particular learning control strategies), artificial intelligence, computer vision and robotics.

Equipment Used

Vicon Vantage

Vantage is Vicon’s flagship range of cameras. The sensors have resolutions of 5, 8 and 16 megapixels, with sample rates up to 2000Hz – this allows you to capture fast movements with very high accuracy. The cameras also have built-in temperature and bump sensors, as well as a clear display, to warn you if cameras have moved physically or due to thermal expansion. High-powered LEDs and sunlight filters mean that the Vantage is also the best choice for outdoor use and large volumes.

Vicon Tracker

Tracker has been designed for the requirements and workflow of Engineering users wanting to track the position and orientation of objects with as little effort and as low latency as possible. Perfect for many applications in robotics, UAV tracking, VR and human-machine interaction, Tracker lets you define what you want to track with a couple of mouse clicks – and then you can just leave in the background tracking. A simple SDK lets you connect the output data stream to your own software.

Data Stream SDK

The Vicon DataStream Software Development Kit (SDK) allows easy programmable access to the information contained in the Vicon DataStream. The function calls within the SDK allow users to connect to and request data from the Vicon DataStream.

Ambition

We aim to investigate embedded guidance, control and navigation problems of ground and unmanned aerial systems using artificial intelligence/machine learning methods with emphasis on reinforcement learning, deep learning, and model-based learning controls for robotics. Our aim is to leverage the current state-of-the-art autonomy level towards smarter robots, which will learn and interact with their environment, collaborate with people and other robots, plan future actions and execute given tasks accurately. In addition, our aim is to innovate technologies and operations engineering for next generation automation technologies and production systems, and at the same time increase the sustainability of the innovations.

Infrastructure

The Artificial Intelligence in Robotics (AiR) Lab is a fascinating environment with 15x15x4.5m flight arena, equipped with 12 Vicon V8 tracking cameras, capable of tracking multiple flying objects in 6 degrees of freedom with a range of millimeter accuracy. AiR Lab enables us to test next-generation ground and flying robots for a variety of applications, including but not limited to tracking control, aerial manipulation and formation flight.

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