This article discusses dependable navigation as a basic feature for operating mobile robots among humans. The importance of each navigation module according to the previously mentioned dependability components and resulting specifications for the development of such modules is analyzed. The technical implementations of dependable localization, path planning, and obstacle avoidance systems are also presented. A discussion on the dependable execution of fetch-and-carry tasks among humans is also provided. The crucial components for accomplishing this task are specified and the requirements for the implementation are developed. A modular control architecture for task planning and execution is described, and a new method for sensor-based object manipulation is introduced. Experimental results including the long-term installation of three entertainment robots in a museum in Berlin and several short-term installations of Fraunhofer IPA's robots, Care-O-bot I and II, are also presented and evaluated.

Technical aids allow elderly and handicapped people to live independent and supported in their private homes as long as they wish. As a contribution to these required technological solutions, a demonstrator platform for a mobile home care system - called Care-O-bot - was designed and implemented by Fraunhofer IPA, Stuttgart. Care-O-bot is a mobile service robot which has the capability to perform fetch and carry and various other supporting tasks in home environments. Strong emphasis is also laid on integrating communicational and social features, like video telephone, automatic emergency calls and other interactive communication.

Technical aids allow elderly and handicapped people to live independently in their private homes as long as they wish. As a contribution to such technological solutions, a demonstrator platform for a mobile home care system - called Care-O-bot - was designed and implemented by Fraunhofer IPA, Stuttgart. Care-O-bot is a mobile service robot which has the capability to perform fetch and carry and various other supporting tasks in home environments. This paper gives an overview about Care-O-bot's functionalities and first practical tests.

Technical aids allow elderly and handicapped people to live independently in their private homes as long as they wish. As a contribution to these required technological solutions, a demonstrator platform for a mobile home care system - called Care-O-bot - was designed and implemented by Fraunhofer IPA, Stuttgart. Care-O-bot is a mobile service robot, which has the capability to perform fetch and carry and various other supporting tasks in home environments. This paper gives an overview about Care-O-bots functionalities and first practical tests. Keywords: Robotic Home Assistant, Service Robot, Care-O-bot, Household Tasks, Intelligent Mobility Aid

Care-O-bot is the prototype of a multi-functional robot assistant for housekeeping and home care, to be used by elderly people in order to live independently in their homes for a longer time. Therefore, an easy, intuitive, and dependable operation of the home care system is essential. Care-O-bot has to cope with many different situations and has to fufill complex tasks even in dynamic environments. Furthermore, the robotic assistant must be able to execute not only single tasks at a time but several tasks concurrently. In this paper we present the concept for hybrid control architecture appropriate for performing different tasks over long periods of time. Furthermore we show our experience with JAM on the robot assistant rob@work, which was presented successfully at the Hannover Trade Fair 2001 and conclude with the need of a symbolic planner for robotic assistants.