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NI WorldClass 2012: The project

Overview

The whole set-up consists of a long, branched "logistics road". The project contains a Robotino® robotics system of FESTO, which acts as the main robot. Distributed along the "logistics road" are different control systems implemented with hardware from National Instruments. At the various stations, control mechanisms are being applied to secure and properly distribute the goods and the transport robot.


Different control systems:

  • Identification of Robotino
  • Identification of goods (material)
  • Identification of goods (color)
  • Direction indicator
  • Speed control
  • Distance measurements / positioning
  • Recognition of inclined position / target detection

Robotic Systems

  • 1 Robotino® robotic system from FESTO Didactic (incl. sensor technology)
  • 1 NI CompactRIO system for distance measurements / positioning
  • 2 NI PXI / PXI Express systems to identify the Robotino and the goods (color)
  • 1 NI TPC-2106 touch panel to indicate direction
  • 1 NI CompactDAQ to measure speed

» Figure: Robotic systems


Information about the Robotino Sensor System: Laser Scanner

(Source: Wikipedia)

Robotino is a mobile robot system for education, training and research made by Festo Didactic. Robotino is based on an omnidirectional drive assembly, which enables the system to roam freely.

Via a WLAN link, Robotino can send all sensor readings to an external PC. In the other direction, control commands can be issued by the external PC. This way, control programs can run on the external PC or on Robotino directly. Mixed mode or shared control are also possible.

Robotino comes with a "native" programming environment called Robotino® View 2. In Robotino View, control programs are being depicted as data flow graphs. In a sequential function chart, control programs can be incorporated into an overall process.

Moreover, Robotino can also be programmed in C, C++, Java, .NET, MATLAB®, Simulink and NI LabVIEW. The omnidirectional drive consists of three Mecanum wheels, all of which are individually controllable. These wheels are arranged at angles of 120°. Robotino has a bumper sensor around its circumference, infrared distance sensors, a color camera with VGA resolution, optical wheel encoders, power measurement for the entire system and the various motors, as well as a battery voltage monitor. Moreover, as optional additional sensors, Robotino can be equipped with a precise Laser scanner, a gyroscope, and an indoor positioning system (NorthStar® by evolution robotics).


Questions? If you have any questions about the NI WorldClass project, please send us an e-mail to fragen@niworldclass.de or call us at +49 89 7413130.



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NI WorldClass 2012


When and where?

NI WorldClass 2012 takes place March 6–11 at the National Instruments Germany facilities in Munich.


Who should apply?

Engineering students who, prior to their bachelor’s or master’s thesis, want to intensively focus on new technologies and soft skills.

 
 


 
 

Look back at
NI WorldClass 2011


» Videos
» Image gallery

 
 



 
 


Feedback of
WorldClass Participants

"The experience of taking on a formidable challenge with like-minded and highly motivated people from all over the world, successfully executing and presenting a project results within a given timeframe is something that can’t be learned in a classroom environment."

Solmaz Rahimi Fetrati, Mechatronic, University Duisburg-Essen


"From fun to total frustration and finally to overall and rewarding satisfaction that is the experience of NI WorldClass. A great challenge and professional mentoring fosters development of creative ideas and helps to put theory to practice.

Matthias Braun, Elektrical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Ulm


"The NI WorldClass offers a wonderful opportunity to work within an international team supported by experienced mentors. Personal conversations as well as team meetings helped to reflect on behaviors and talents. The lessons learned will be a great asset in the future."

Johanna H., Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology Munich


"The NI WorldClass not only allows for professional use of industry proven tools but also provides important soft skill trainings. This ambitious technical project is a very good foundation for every engineering student starting a professional career."

Victor Schäfer, Mechatronic, University of Technology Dresden