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Center for Vision, Automation & Control
The Center for Vision, Automation & Control focuses on the digitisation and automation of production processes and the development of assistance systems and autonomous machines. Research is being conducted into ultra-fast sensors, flexible robots and camera systems that can be used for autonomous vehicles to orientate themselves.
The pressure on industry to invest more in digitisation and automation is continuously increasing. At the Center, 90 experts are conducting research in the fields of image processing, fusion of sensor data, machine learning, data analytics, mathematical modelling for real-time applications, process automation, system analysis, control, regulation and optimisation of complex dynamic systems and processes. Starting with a comprehensive system analysis and a domain-specific understanding of the system, we develop solutions from the individual component – e.g. specific camera configurations for quality inspection – through to complex complete systems such as an autonomous work machine or the optimized control of a complex production process. High-Performance Vision Systems – testing, detection, measurement Numerous tasks from industry, often coupled with high process speed and the demand for a continuous online recording of production, call for new ideas and approaches in the area of sensor technology. The focus of research is on the deployment and further development of ultra-fast camera and lighting technologies, on scalable em
bedded vision systems as well as on computational imaging and machine learning. The real-time capability of the systems, even at extreme data rates, is essential for ensuring an effective control of the production process based on sensor data. This requires the use of fast individual components as well as a carefully balanced overall architecture of hardware, software and algorithms ("hardware-software co-design"). Typical industrial applications include the classification, measuring and inspection tasks of products with complex surface properties. The intelligent test systems developed in the Center for this purpose are integrated into existing production facilities, often in harsh industrial environments. The use of AIT high-performance vision technologies sets standards in banknote printing or in the surface inspection of castings as well as rail and road surfaces.
Complex Dynamical Systems – intelligent components and systems The latest developments in the fields of electronics, sensor technology and algorithmics enable new solutions in product design and in the design of value chains. In cooperation with industry, we develop tailor-made solutions for the real-time optimisation of production processes based on a combination of physical-based and data-driven mathematical models (digital twin). The objective is to systematically use all existing information (process knowledge, data, models, measurements) to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and save resources. With our models and the generated data, we can detect errors at an early stage and even avoid them, increase flexibility and improve human-machine interaction. In addition to the development of real-time optimisation, control and estimation methods, diagnostic systems and adaptive learning algorithms, we are also working on the optimal selection and integration of sensors and actuators in the overall system. Our team possesses know-how in various areas of drive technology and in the fusion of different sensors. The application areas range from pneumatic valves via robotic systems through to strip annealing furnaces in steel production.
Assistive & Autonomous Systems – driving, transporting, working Success with assistance systems and the first tests on autonomous driving in road traffic increase the interest and the need for assistance functions and autonomisation in a wide variety of application areas. Public transport, the construction industry, agriculture, special machines and robotics applications as well as aviation are the focal points of our clients. In addition to autonomous driving or flying, loading and transport operations, for example at an airport or between several factory locations, are also being analysed, and new solutions are being developed for an autonomous operation. Work processes using mobile machines such as excavators, tractors, sweepers or mowers also offer numerous opportunities for automation and increased efficiency. Even though the fully autonomous operation of a road vehicle is not yet possible under all weather and environmental conditions due to the wide variety of possible scenarios, the technologies available allow real deployable autonomous systems under certain conditions such as on a factory premises. Technology components for 3D environment detection, object classification, scene understanding and localisation as well as path planning are developed for this purpose and integrated into prototype systems in collaboration with industrial partners. Safety and availability aspects are essential here. AI approaches are increasingly used for object classification and scene understanding.
Andreas Kugi, Andreas Vrabl (on the right) Heads of Center for Vision, Automation and Control
