With the open IT platform 'xito.one', users can jointly develop applications and mediate between manufacturers, service providers and customers according to their individual requirements, explains project manager Dr. Björn Kahl from Fraunhofer IPA. The platform will create an ecosystem for the development of robot systems that makes reusable components for professional service robotics applications easily accessible and shows which providers and components are available on the market. 'xito.one' currently offers over 40 components.

"With SeRoNet, the software development effort in professional service robotics can be significantly reduced. For example, the project has successfully implemented an order picking solution in pharmaceutical logistics in which items of various shapes and sizes are picked automatically," explains Dr. Werner Kraus, Head of the Robot and Assistance Systems department at Fraunhofer IPA. "SeRoNet is currently focusing on sophisticated intralogistics solutions in a wide range of industries. Other examples include machine loading with mobile robots at a plastic injection molding manufacturer or a material flow solution at an automotive supplier."

The SeRoNet consortium is made up of five research institutions, one system integrator, three end users and one robot manufacturer. Together, the project partners are pursuing the goal of making service robotics in Germany globally competitive in the future. "In the project, we have carried out market analyses that show a considerable need for easy-to-implement robot solutions. SeRoNet addresses precisely this need with its tools for the efficient implementation of robot systems - from the initial application idea through to commissioning," explains Kraus. The online platform 'xito.one' created in the project brings users and solution providers together in an uncomplicated way and simplifies the entire project process from the initial inquiry to the specification and implementation with a modular system through to the delivery of a robot solution thanks to target group-specific online tools.