Sensors for mobile robots

Mobile robots represent a new generation of automation. Technologies developed for industrial robots in the field of Production Automation are still being generalized for application outside the factories. Mobility is a characteristic feature for this kind of robots assigned for a lot of different applications extending from space to underwater purpose, from construction to agriculture and from mining to fire fighting. A key element to obtain this ambitious goal is sensor-quidance. More intelligent controllers which need sensor input for their autonomous route planning and navigation will be used. This paper gives a survey of sensor tasks for mobile robots, of basic possibilities for sensor principles and contains some remarks how to use them. Finally, some remarks how to use them. Finally, some examples for complete sensor combinations to guide mobile robots are presented. (IPA)