A Robot System for Automatic Fueling of Automobiles

The steps leading up to the first fully functional robot capable of refueling a large variety of car types are outlined. The complexity of its development requires appropriate tools for a task-based design of service robot systems, and these are briefly described and applied to the system layout and architecture specification of the refueling robot. Specific key functionality had to be developed to meet the system's requirements such as vehicle identification and localization, an endeffector with integrated docking sensors, and measures for personal safety and protection. The prototype installation at Fraunhofer IPA has undergone thorough tests and is currently being redesigned before entering public field tests. Refueling by robot is both technologically ambitious and publicly attractive, and may have a pioneering significance for future service robot applications.