DLRmagazine 174 (March 2024)

Everything under control

The 'career' of DLR's humanoid robot Justin, featured on the cover of the DLRmagazine 174, began 18 years ago. Initially just a torso, Justin now boasts sensory and motor skills that come pretty close to those of humans. Supported by artificial intelligence, Justin is constantly gaining autonomy. Growing autonomy also plays an important role in other areas. In this issue of the magazine, we present autonomous assistance systems in shipping as well as a concept for unmanned air taxis over Hamburg. Last but not least, join us on two captivating research missions in spectacular places: a remote water exploration in the Peruvian Andes and preparations for a Venus mission in Iceland.

Editorial

To exist in a world of three dimensions, to perceive and interact with shapes and forms, is something that we humans take for granted. Yet this requires a long and arduous learning journey for a robotic entity. Attempt to teach a robot to clean your kitchen or make you a cup of coffee, and you'll quickly see how much can go wrong. Our featured humanoid robot, Justin – the main character in our cover story – boasts sensory and motor skills closely resembling those of humans. Achieving this demanded intensive training, supported by artificial intelligence and simulation.

Justin's career at DLR began 18 years ago. Initially, the focus was on honing his motor skills, such as those required for independent walking. Over time, he has matured into an intelligent robotic 'being', adept at handling complex autonomous tasks in space and on Earth, such as assisting individuals with limited motor skills in their homes. Autonomous machine behaviour is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life in many sectors, speeding ahead, particularly when it comes to transport.

Autonomous machines are increasingly finding their way into everyday life. This applies to the transport sector, among others. Assistance systems for certain driving conditions have already been integrated into our cars. Other transport sectors are also undergoing change. In this issue of the DLRmagazine, you will gain an insight into current DLR research projects for the qualification of autonomous assistance systems in shipping. Take a virtual flight in an autonomous air taxi over Hamburg and explore the opportunities and challenges of this potential means of transport, both scientific and economic.

Join us on two captivating research missions – one in the Peruvian Andes, supporting the local water authority with remote sensing; and another in Iceland, where our scientists tested instruments bound for our neighbouring planet Venus in the next decade.

Cover Story

The humanoid robot Justin

Everything under control

The humanoid robot Justin uses artificial intelligence to make smart decisions

More articles

Little Venus in the middle of the Atlantic

An expedition to Iceland helps prepare for missions to Earth's neighbour

The best signal

A website shows the performance of different satellite navigation systems

Reaching out to the satellites

Research in the Andean Highlands

Thermal storage systems for longer range

New technologies for electric cars and buses

Full steam ahead for autonomous shipping

Sensors and systems from space to the sea

Lights... and action!

In conversation with a solar researcher – Interview with Dr. Dmitrij Laaber

Test stand professionals

First tests using pure hydrogen engines

Vertical take-offs on the city's skyline

How an urban air taxi system might work

Towards even smoother flights

Research into low-vibration helicopters

Silent flight

Landsberg-based spin-off sets the pace for electric flight

Exploring what truly works

Clinical trials bridge the gap between basic medical research and practical application

From the car to the tram brake

Aerodynamic research under the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles

A place amongst the stars

Searching for the legend at the Mercedes-Benz Museum

More content

The Moon on Earth

Infographic

The LUNA Moon analog facility in Cologne

ACROSS THE PYRENEES

Spain's first hydrogen-powered train can be seen here on its recently completed inaugural long-distance journey. The project, coordinated by DLR, saw collaboration between industry and researchers to jointly develop and construct a dual-mode hybrid drive for the multiple unit train. The three-car Civia electric multiple unit train, operated by Spanish railway company Renfe, can draw motive power from either an overhead line or its on-board fuel cell and battery system. This enables the train to operate electrically on railway lines without overhead lines, using hydrogen and battery power. The technology allows for environment-friendly, continuous rail transport between big cities and surrounding areas, replacing the diesel vehicles that previously served the route. The hybrid multiple unit train is currently being prepared for further test runs on selected routes in Aragon. The train is part of the Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack for Rail Applications – FCH2Rail – European research project funded by Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Alongside DLR and Renfe, six other industrial companies and research institutions are involved in the project: rail vehicle manufacturer CAF, Toyota Motor Europe (fuel cell supplier), Spanish infrastructure operator Adif, the Spanish Hydrogen Research Centre (Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno; CNH2), Portuguese infrastructure operator Infraestruturas de Portugal and Stemmann-Technik.

Download the DLRmagazine 174

DLRmagazine 174 – Everything under control

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The 'career' of DLR's humanoid robot Justin, featured on the cover of the DLRmagazine 174, began 18 years ago. Initially just a torso, Justin now boasts sensory and motor skills that come pretty come close to those of humans. Supported by artificial intelligence, Justin is constantly gaining autonomy. Growing autonomy also plays an important role in other areas. In this issue of the magazine, we present autonomous assistance systems in shipping as well as a concept of unmanned air taxis over Hamburg. Last but not least, join us on two captivating research missions in spectacular places: a remote water exploration in the Peruvian Andes and preparations for a Venus mission in Iceland.

Contact

Julia Heil

Editorial management DLRmagazine
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Communications and Media Relations
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne