Abstract
This paper describes the conception and implementation of the research and control center VeLABi for the development of automation functions up to a fully autonomous inland vessel. A high-tech simulator was designed and built as the central component of VeLABi. It allows simulative developments and demonstrations of automation functions. Furthermore, ongoing research activities aim at transforming the simulator into a remote operators’ stand to remotely control inland vessels and, in case of an autonomous vessel, to provide corresponding monitoring and emergency intervention functions.
Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Konzeptionierung und Umsetzung des Versuchs- und Leitzentrums VeLABi zur Entwicklung von Automatisierungsfunktionen für Binnenschiffe bis hin zum vollautonomen Binnenschiff. Zentrale Komponente von VeLABi ist ein High-Tech-Simulator. Dieser ermöglicht simulative Entwicklungen und Demonstrationen von Automatisierungsfunktionen. Darüber hinaus zielen die laufenden Forschungsaktivitäten darauf ab, den Simulator zu einem Fernbedienungsstand auszubauen, um Binnenschiffe fernzusteuern und im Falle eines autonomen Schiffes entsprechende Überwachungs- und Notfalleingriffsfunktionen bereitzustellen.
Funding source: European Regional Development Fund
Award Identifier / Grant number: EFRE-0801714
Funding statement: The work and results presented in this paper were achieved within the VeLABi – test and control center for autonomous inland navigation vessels research project. This research project was funded by the Ministry of Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia NRW (03BIN0001). The work and results presented in this paper were achieved within the AutoBin – autonomous inland vessel – simulation and demonstration of automated inland navigation research project. This research project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund ERDF (EFRE-0801714). The work and results presented in this paper were achieved within the FernBin – remote-controlled, coordinated inland navigation research project. This research project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action BMWK (03SX506F).
About the authors
Frédéric Kracht is a postdoctoral researcher and research group leader in the Department of Mechatronics at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He completed his master’s degree and his doctoral thesis with distinction in each case. During his studies, he worked for three years as a student assistant at SIEMENS AG for gas turbine technology and received a scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.His doctoral thesis was awarded the Innovation Prize 2020 of the Sparkasse am Niederrhein and as outstanding thesis in the field of engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen in the context of the Dies Academicus 2021. His research work deals with the development of vehicle suspension models with elastic behavior for real-time applications. Furthermore, he leads various projects in the field of mobility, such as the automation of inland waterway vessels.In addition to his employment at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Frédéric Kracht is managing CEO, co-founder and partner of several companies in the field of university continuing education, including digital examination methods.
Maximilian Jarofka studied mechanical engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen from 2013 to 2019, majoring in mechatronics. During his studies, he worked almost continuously as a student or research assistant at various chairs of the university from 2014 to 2019. Since 2019, he has been a research assistant at the Chair of Mechatronics at the University of Duisburg-Essen and is working towards his doctorate in engineering.
Jan Oberhagemann graduated with a Dipl.-Ing. (MSc. degree equivalent) in Naval Architecture from the University of Hamburg-Harburg. In 2007, he started as an engineering consultant at Germanischer Lloyd in the Advanced Engineering Services department. He was a research assistant at the University of Duisburg-Essen from 2010 to 2012. Afterwards, Jan Oberhagemann worked for DNV GL Maritime Advisory as a senior engineer. In 2020, he took on the position as head of department for autonomous ships at DST. Jan Oberhagemann holds a doctoral degree from the University of Duisburg-Essen.
Rupert Henn studied naval architecture in Duisburg from 1993 to 2000, was a scientific assistant at the Institute for Ship Technology and Transport System at the University of Duisburg-Essen and received his doctorate in 2008. From 2004 to 2014 he worked as a research associate at the Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems (DST), Duisburg. From 2015 on he has been Managing Director and Member of the Board at the DST.
Dieter Schramm studied mathematics in Stuttgart from 1974 to 1980, was a scientific assistant at the Chair B for Mechanics at the University of Stuttgart from 1981 to 1986, and received his doctorate in 1986. From 1986 to 1992, he worked as a group leader in simulation technology at Robert Bosch GmbH in Stuttgart, where he headed the “New Systems” department from 1992 to 1997 and the main department for new starter development from 1997 to 1999. Dieter Schramm was then Head of Development at Tyco Electronics from 1999 to 2001 and from 2001 Managing Director and Product Area Manager Mechatronic Products at Tyco Electronics Pretema GmbH, Pforzheim. Since October 2004 he has held the professorship and the department of mechatronics at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He has been Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen since 2006 and Chairman of the Board of Directors of IUTA since 2007. In 2014, the University of Miskolc awarded him an honorary doctorate.In addition to his work at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Dieter Schramm is co-founder and partner of several companies in the field of scientific education and training.
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