New packages for the Robot Operating System (ROS) are available for autonomous exploration of unknown environments using collaborating mobile robots equipped with cameras. The software offers wireless ad hoc communications between robots, merging of maps from different robots, and coordinated selection of exploration frontiers. A prototype with four robots was built that demonstrates its functionality in an indoor environment.
Written by Christian Bettstetter. Photos by Christian Philipp for Lakeside Labs. The Institute of Networked and Embedded Systems and Lakeside Labs opened their doors to the public. About 120 visitors informed themselves about research in mobile systems, pervasive computing, self-organizing systems, multimedia systems, and smart grids.
Scientists and engineers working on multi-UAV systems came together in Klagenfurt to discuss the trends and open issues in this emerging domain. Speakers included the robotics professors Siegwart, Lacroix, and Schöllig. An exciting panel with participation from industry debated about business opportunities.