Lab Course: Robust Planning and Execution for Logistics Robots

Wednesday, Jun 28, 2017

Developing agents for such robotic tasks poses diverse problems to solve: acting rationally under hard real-time constraints, agent-to-agent communication, multi-robot cooperation, and task-level reasoning.

The goal of this lab course is to model the RCLL scenario and integrate a task planning system based using existing planning tools and frameworks. A common modelling language is the Planning Domain Definition Language (PDDL). It has several variants and fragments with varying expressiveness and complexity. Typical fragments are STRIPS or ADL, and for the RCLL relevant is its temporal extension. Assessing and choosing an appropriate modeling subset and tool support is important to a successful integration.

The scenario for the lab course will be the RoboCup Logistics League (RCLL). In this scenario (top picture), two competing groups of three robots each must complete dynamic production chains according to orders which are posted throughout the game period of 15 minutes. We have developed a simulation of the RCLL (lower picture) that allows to quickly run the game and test without long setup times of real robots. This simulation is also the basis for the Planning and Execution Competition for Logistics Robots in Simulation.

In this lab course you have the chance to

  • learn about robot software development
  • develop an intelligent control program
  • apply methods of AI to robotic scenarios

Videos

The following shows a video of the simulation explaining its basic elements.

You can find many more videos showing and explaining the game at the Carologistics Youtube Channel. It specifically contains a playlist with videos of the RCLL Winter School 2015 that explain major components of the system.

Requirements

  • basic study period completed (Bachelor/Vordiplom)
  • lecture “Artificial Intelligence” from our department (or objective evidence of equivalent knowledge)
  • programming skills (mostly C++)
  • interest in logic-based programming
  • high motivation
  • Linux skills beneficial

Registration

Slots are being centrally assigned. Registration will open from June 30th July 16th through the Central Seminar and Practical Project Seminar (Praktikum) Registration System.

Outline

The rough outline of the lab course’s schedule is as follows:

  • getting to know our software framework (Fawkes)
  • work in groups (2-4 students each)
  • concept + design
  • implementation
  • integration
  • evaluation

The date and time for the introductory meeting will be determined after the registration.