Modular service robots-state of the art and future trends

Further developments in robotics are closely connected to those of sensors. Cheap and accurate sensors with a high maintenance are the basis for "intelligent" robots. For these intelligent robots known, conventional but complex applications are much more easier as well as new applications are available not only in industry. A broad field for further applications is the service sector. Robots in the hospital, in the household, in amusement parks are some examples for service robots. Contrary to the present situation, where single purpose systems are dominating these application areas, the focus has to be on development of more modular structured systems for the future.