Operating experiences with the service robot MOPS

Abstract

The Mobile Post Distribution system MOPS has been developed at ETH Zurich over the last few years (to 1999). Numerous technical problems had to be solved during this period. Currently, we are operating and testing it in our office building. A service robot like MOPS is a highly complex system, as it includes, in addition to the robot itself, the task, the operator, and the environment. Operating experiences with such service robots are not easily available yet. They would be of value, as in the end customer acceptance will decide upon the actual use of service robots. Technical aspects of the realization of MOPS are discussed briefly. Furthermore, operating experiences, lessons learned and consequences are commented upon.