Autonomous Systems and Robotics Using Reconfigurable Computing

Abstract

A new generation of intelligent, adaptable machines is emerging robotics 
crossbred with reconfigurable computing. Fast, flexible, high performance 
computing platforms are needed with the ever increasing prevalence of 
autonomous systems crossing nearly every industry. ReFrESH provides for a 
complete framework to support self-adaptation and simplifies the develop
ment of robust and flexible robotic systems. Real world applications that 
exploit reconfigurable computing have been shown by several innovative ro
botic platforms. The FPGA based systems have been found useful in solving 
complex robotics challenges and are shown in these case studies. Excessive 
performance may result in initiatives becoming rigid, unable to adapt effec
tively to change. To address this issue, researchers have proposed self-adap
tive systems as a new paradigm for designing software systems responsive 
to varying, unpredictable environments. With these capabilities, roboticists 
can design more robust, efficient and adaptable autonomous systems to the 
changing conditions.