Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE
Within System Ergonomics, robotics is used as a valuable tool for designing and evaluating interaction with highly automated systems. Miniature vehicles and drones serve not only as advanced technological platforms but also as flexible and creative test environments. They enable the development and initial assessment of innovative solutions without the need to immediately deploy large-scale real-world vehicles. This approach significantly reduces logistical effort, while also saving time and fuel.
By leveraging these technologies, human-machine interaction can be tested early in the development process under more realistic conditions, where environmental influences play a critical role. This allows for the early establishment of user-friendly and efficient interface designs.
The laboratories within System Ergonomics are frequently interconnected. For example, unmanned systems can be teleoperated from the Exploroscope via a control and operator station. In collaboration with the Cognitive Mobile Systems (CMS) department, the robotics outdoor test field operated by CMS at the Wachtberg site is also utilized for these activities.
In this way, robotics plays a key role in shaping the future of soldier-machine interfaces for land-based platforms as well as a wide range of unmanned systems.
