Lehrte, 30.08.2023 – The renowned magazine c't has published a background article on the AKIT-PRO project (full article only with heise+ account). The topic of the project could not be more timely.
How can emergency vehicles be automated or made remotely controllable for safe use in a disaster situation in the shortest possible time to quickly minimize damage? This question was addressed by the project partners of the AKIT-PRO research project throughout Germany.
Project partners in the AKIT network were the SMEs Götting KG and BINZ Ambulance- und Umwelttechnik GmbH, and the Fraunhofer Institutes IOSB, IOSB-AST and IPA. The project work was supported by the following associated partners:
- CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
- Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen GmbH
- Continental Automotive GmbH
- Heinrich Hirdes Kampfmittelräumung GmbH
- Feuerwehr und Katastrophenschutz Mannheim
- Kerntechnische Hilfsdienst GmbH
Through this broad mix, representatives from industry, research and development worked together on a practical automation concept.
Photos of the actuators for pedals and steering wheel
The AKIT-PRO practical tests took place on the premises of the Lower Saxony State Office for Fire and Disaster Protection in Celle-Scheuen. During the test runs, Götting KG used a so-called autonomy kit, which was used for the first time in this form. The kit consists of electromechanical actuators which, as driving robots, take over the control tasks of the driver: Pedal actuators operate the pedals, and a steering wheel actuator controls the steering wheel. A weatherproof set of sensors and communications hardware gets installed on the roof of the vehicle. The set includes cameras, LiDAR safety scanners and position detection via satellite navigation, among other things. The data is transmitted to the control station via a modern WLAN mesh.
The video-based remote control of a commercial tractor, which was used in the project as a transport vehicle for cargo goods, worked as well as if the operator in the control station was sitting in the vehicle itself. Even inexperienced guests at the final event steered the vehicle right away and were able to perform driving maneuvers.
Götting Quick Guide Last updated: 04/2023
Götting KG founded in 1965, ist an innovative company placed in Lehrte near Hannover (DE) and works worldwide.The company develops and produces wireless data communication systems and sensors for automatic track guidance of so-called automated guided vehicles (AGV). As far as we are informed Götting KG has the largest product range of different components for trackguiding AGV.
Further main topics are traffic technology, RF measuring, wireless data communication in general as well as customized developments for car manufactureres, electronic- and radio broadcasting industry. Currently our company employs 90 professionals of which about 30 are experienced masters in engineering and are responsible for research and development.
The core competency of FOX – a special department of Götting KG – is focused on the automation of serial vehicles, especially for the outdoor area (trucks, pay loaders, fork lifts etc.).