SwarmRail is a novel solution for overhead manipulation from a mobile unit driving in an above-ground rail structure.
The system was presented to the public for the first time at the ICRA 2020.
Specifications of the Functional Demonstrator
Video
System description
The SwarmRail-concept is based on the combination of omnidirectional mobile platform and L-shaped rail profiles that form a through-going central gap. This gap makes possible mounting a robotic manipulator arm overhead at the underside of the mobile platform. Compared to existing solutions, SwarmRail enables continuous overhead manipulation while traversing rail crossings. It also can be operated in a robot swarm, as it allows for concurrent operation of a group of mobile SwarmRail units inside a single rail network. Experiments on a first functional demonstrator confirm the functional capability of the concept. Potential fields of applications reach from industry over logistics to vertical farming.
Credit: DLR (CC-BY 3.0).
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Visualization of the SwarmRail concept with mobile units running in a rail grid structure.
Mobile units can work together in a robot swarm.
Credit: Tilo Wüsthoff, DLR (CC-BY 3.0).
Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).