Extra-Large-Scale Robotics: Applications and Advances

The use of robots has generally become widespread in industry. This is no longer limited to the automotive or electrical industry instead it is taking place everywhere. Even applications that require a high degree of flexibility and adaptability can be implemented today. Additionally, robots are becoming increasingly mobile and can theoretically achieve work-spaces of any size. Nevertheless, there are still industrial sectors and applications where there is a technological gap. Especially companies such as foundries, maritime suppliers, shipyards or companies involved in heavy steel construction provide many interesting process steps in the production chain that are ideally suited for a robot-supported automation solution. However, the robots that are available on the market are neither in terms of payload nor in terms of reach suitable for use. The Fraunhofer IGP has been working on the development of application-specific robot systems, especially in the field of extra-large-scale robots, for many years. The experiences gained in the development process and the application of large robot systems will be presented in this article.