Published since June 20, 1964

at - Automatisierungstechnik

Methoden und Anwendungen der Steuerungs-, Regelungs- und Informationstechnik

ISSN: 2196-677X

Editor-in-chief: Ulrich Jumar

Impact Factor: 0.547

About this journal

Objective
Automatisierungstechnik (AUTO) publishes articles covering the entire range of automation technology: development and application of methods, the operating principles, characteristics, and applications of tools and the interrelationships between automation technology and societal developments. The journal includes a tutorial series on "Theory for Users," and a forum for the exchange of viewpoints concerning past, present, and future developments. Automatisierungstechnik is the official organ of GMA (The VDI/VDE Society for Measurement and Automatic Control) and NAMUR (The Process-Industry Interest Group for Automation Technology).

Topics

control engineering
digital measurement systems
cybernetics
robotics
process automation / process engineering
control design
modelling
information processing
man-machine interfaces
networked control systems
complexity management
machine learning
ambient assisted living
automated driving
bio-analysis technology
building automation
factory automation / smart factories
flexible manufacturing systems
functional safety
mechatronic systems

Article formats
Overview articles (reviews), methodological papers, applications papers, tools papers

Your Benefits

Your benefits:

Practical relevance of published articles
Important guide on matters related to automation technology
New theoretical methods and their potential areas of application
Close ties to research institutes and universities engaged in automation research
Annual Best Paper Awards sponsored by industry partners
Special Issues on hot topics by renowned Guest Editors

History

The journal at – Automatisierungstechnik was founded in 1953 in West Germany, at the time entitled rt – Regelungstechnik, nine years after the first German chair for automation control was established at the Technical University of Berlin-Charlottenburg. The first German institute entirely dedicated to automation control was founded in 1955 in Dresden. The division of Germany into East and West as of 1949 affected the German automation control community in terms of knowledge exchange, personal contacts and publication habits, with West German results usually being published in at, while researchers in East Germany published in Messen, Steuern, Regeln (msr), founded in 1957. In 1991, following the German reunification, economic considerations dictated a merger of msr with the practical journal Automatisierungstechnische Praxis (atp), while the more theoretical content previously published by msr found itself drawn to at.

at – Automatisierungstechnik has been closely affiliated with the prime annual automation control conference in Germany, Regelungstechnisches Kolloquium, which is held every February in the town of Boppard near Koblenz. The 50th anniversary of this colloquium was celebrated in 2016 in at with a number of articles including historical accounts and rhymed wit.

Other publications in the field

Previous Titles

at - Automatiserungstechnik was originally founded as rt – Regelungstechnik. Its current name was introduced in 1985.

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Supplementary Materials

Topics

External Links

Online Submission of Manuscripts

Volume 70 Issue 5

May 2022

Publicly Available May 13, 2022

Frontmatter

Page range: I-IV

Download PDF

Editorial

May 12, 2022

Towards new shores or back to the roots?

Dirk Abel, Thomas Meurer

Page range: 403-405

Forum

May 12, 2022

Automation of maritime shipping for more safety and environmental protection

Tobias Ehlers, Martin Portier, Doreen Thoma

Page range: 406-410

Abstract

The demands on maritime shipping, one of the oldest and most international industries in the world, are increasing. The complexity of the transport chains, their constantly increasing size and the evolving regulatory requirements with regard to safety and sustainability continuously present new challenges. In addition, unforeseeable developments and the increasing utilization of the seas by other industries cause a constant uncertainty, by political and military conflicts along main shipping routes, as well as changed routing schemes caused by introduction of new environmental protection areas. Highly automated, remote-controlled or fully autonomous ships are intended to improve safety at sea and lead shipping into a more sustainable future. Experts in the maritime domain recommend the automation of ships (completely or partly unmanned) and the implementation of Artificial intelligence (AI) for more safety in navigation with a harmonized Maritime Cyber Risk Management. In a technology development platform such highly complex maritime systems can be validated and tested under realistic conditions, for instance to engage in determining positions more reliably and resiliently in view of the susceptibility and vulnerability of satellite-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS, GLONASS or Galileo.

May 12, 2022

VeLABi – Research and control center for autonomous inland vessels

Frédéric Etienne Kracht, Maximilian Jarofka, Jan Oberhagemann, Rupert Henn, Dieter Schramm

Page range: 411-419

Abstract

This paper describes the conception and implementation of the research and control center VeLABi for the development of automation functions up to a fully autonomous inland vessel. A high-tech simulator was designed and built as the central component of VeLABi. It allows simulative developments and demonstrations of automation functions. Furthermore, ongoing research activities aim at transforming the simulator into a remote operators’ stand to remotely control inland vessels and, in case of an autonomous vessel, to provide corresponding monitoring and emergency intervention functions.

Survey

May 12, 2022

Review of pose estimation within European ship-automation projects using GNSS-based navigation

Shuchen Liu, Jan-Jöran Gehrt, Dirk Abel

Page range: 420-432

Abstract

Accurate and reliable navigation systems are necessary to deploy autonomous shipping. For this purpose, georeferenced vehicle-pose information is often generated using sensor data fusion consisting of GNSS data, inertial measurement, and other applicable aiding sensors. This technical overview summarizes current European projects and international work in the field of GNSS-based maritime navigation and introduces and discusses the sensors and methods involved. The review focuses on approaches with proprioceptive sensor technology. Therefore, as a limitation, environment sensing algorithms (e. g., SLAM) are explicitly not included. It is concluded that highly accurate and reliable sensor fusion should include complementary and redundant onboard sensors, which are tightly coupled.

Applications

May 12, 2022

Towards semi-autonomous operation of an over-actuated river ferry

Philipp Koschorrek, Martin Kosch, Maximilian Nitsch, Dirk Abel, Dirk Jürgens

Page range: 433-443

Abstract

The automation of ships will in the long run enable new mobility concepts and profitable business models both for offshore and inland vessels. However, automation in shipping can already today offer significant benefits for the environment as well as for the safety of people, infrastructure and the vessel itself. To gain these advantages, sophisticated sensors, reliable propulsion systems and intelligent algorithms are required. In this context, the project AKOON is investigating the potential of the automation of a river ferry. The ferry under investigation operates on the Rhine near Mainz in Germany and is being converted to a fully automated vessel as part of the research project. This article gives an overview of the guidance, navigation and control (GNC) modules of the automation with focus on the trajectory planning and trajectory tracking modules. The trajectory planning uses hybrid-state A* to find safe and fuel-efficient routes. The subsequent trajectory tracking is achieved by a two-level approach that uses a state-space controller and an optimization-based thrust allocation to efficiently operate the over-actuated propulsion system consisting of four cycloidal propellers. Results from a high-fidelity vessel simulator based on state-of-the-art hydrodynamic simulations show that the presented approach allows the generation of collision-free reference trajectories, that can be tracked safely even in cases of model mismatches and disturbances.

May 12, 2022

A combined guidance and control concept for autonomous ferries

Simon Helling, Max Lutz, Thomas Meurer

Page range: 444-455

Abstract

Autonomous ferry operation in harbor and coastal areas is especially challenging due to the tendency to impose a high traffic density, prohibited areas, and a wide variety of different traffic participants to the automation task. To this end, we propose a concept for automated guidance and control of harbor ferry fleet operation. Subsequently, we differentiate guidance into a central, on-land scheduling unit and an on-ship trajectory planning unit that generates a set of waypoints and corresponding desired speeds by means of a flatness-based optimal control problem. Moreover, static obstacles are taken into account by means of a dual approach and the trajectory planning is linked to the control module realized as a path following model predictive control autopilot, which also handles dynamic obstacles.

May 12, 2022

Automated maneuvering using model-based control as key to autonomous shipping

Tobias Hahn, Robert Damerius, Carsten Rethfeldt, Agnes U. Schubert, Martin Kurowski, Torsten Jeinsch

Page range: 456-468

Abstract

The paper discusses methods to increase the level of automation in ship handling towards autonomous operations with a focus on conventional vessels in maneuvering situations. In this context, a model-based approach for control system design of maneuvering vessels is introduced. The resulting model is applied to a multivariable control system including allocation, feedforward, and feedback modules. The established hybrid control system distinguishes between a transit mode with control in two degrees of freedom in compliance with the prevailing traffic regulations and a dynamic positioning mode in three degrees of freedom for the final stages of a berthing maneuver. The supervisor switches automatically between these two modes. The methods are validated on board the German research vessel DENEB in the port of Rostock.

Open Access May 12, 2022

Risk mitigation by design of autonomous maritime automation systems

Design of autonomous maritime systems

Kjeld Dittmann, Mogens Blanke

Page range: 469-481

More Download PDF

Abstract

Autonomous marine surface vehicles rely on computer systems with computer intelligence making decisions to assist or replace the navigating officer. A fundamental requirement for the design and implementation of such a cyber-physical system is seamless, predictable, and secure interoperability between vendor-specific hardware and software subsystems. The article describes a system design that includes mechanisms to mitigate the risks and consequences of software defects, individual component malfunction, and harmful cyber interference. It addresses international regulations in the field and demonstrates a system design that can meet the requirements for safe behaviour in foreseeable events while also having the ability to call for human assistance if the autonomous system is unable to handle a situation. The paper presents a design for highly automated vessels with several inherent risk-reducing features, including the ability to isolate and encapsulate abnormal behaviours, built-in features to support resilience to unexpected events, and mechanisms for internal defence against cyber-attacks. The article shows how this is provided by a novel middleware that supports risk mitigation, dependability, and resilience.

May 12, 2022

Autonomously mapping shallow water environments under and above the water surface

Angelika Zube, Dominik Kleiser, Alexander Albrecht, Philipp Woock, Thomas Emter, Boitumelo Ruf, Igor Tchouchenkov, Aleksej Buller, Boris Wagner, Ganzorig Baatar, Janko Petereit

Page range: 482-495

Abstract

The paper describes an autonomous water vehicle (ASV) capable of autonomously mapping shallow water environments above and below the water surface. Over the past two years, Fraunhofer IOSB has developed a system that is fully electrified and equipped with extensive sensor technology (multibeam sonar, lidar, cameras, IMU, GNSS). For autonomous navigation, the complete processing pipeline was implemented, from obstacle detection and avoidance to trajectory planning and control to multi-sensor localization and mapping. Above water, both lidar-based mapping and photogrammetric methods are used; underwater, bathymetry data is obtained using sonar. The interface to the operator is realized by an interactive digital map table, which allows intuitive mission specification and evaluation.

Persönliches

May 12, 2022

Zum 90. Geburtstag von Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Henning Tolle – Einige sehr persönliche Erinnerungen

Kurt D. Bettenhausen

Page range: 496-497

May 12, 2022

Herrn Prof. Henning Tolle zum 90. Geburtstag

Jürgen Adamy, Georg Bretthauer

Page range: 498-500

Volume 70 (2022)

Volume 69 (2021)

Volume 68 (2020)

Volume 67 (2019)

Volume 66 (2018)

Volume 65 (2017)

Volume 64 (2016)

Volume 63 (2015)

Volume 62 (2014)

Volume 61 (2013)

Volume 60 (2012)

Volume 59 (2011)

Volume 58 (2010)

Volume 57 (2009)

Volume 56 (2008)

Volume 55 (2007)

Volume 54 (2006)

Volume 53 (2005)

Volume 52 (2004)

Volume 51 (2003)

Volume 50 (2002)

Volume 49 (2001)

Volume 48 (2000)

Volume 47 (1999)

Volume 46 (1998)

Volume 45 (1997)

Volume 44 (1996)

Volume 43 (1995)

Volume 42 (1994)

Issue 1-12

Volume 41 (1993)

Volume 40 (1992)

Volume 22 (1974)

Volume 21 (1973)

Issue 1-12

Volume 20 (1972)

Issue 1-12

Volume 19 (1971)

Issue JG

Volume 18 (1970)

Issue JG

Volume 17 (1969)

Volume 16 (1968)

Issue JG

Volume 15 (1967)

Issue 1-12

Volume 14 (1966)

Issue 1-12

Volume 13 (1965)

Issue 1-12

Volume 12 (1964)

Issue 1-12

Volume 11 (1963)

Issue 1-12

Volume 10 (1962)

Issue 1-12

Volume 9 (1961)

Issue 1-12

Volume 8 (1960)

Issue 1-12

Volume 7 (1959)

Issue 1-12

Volume 6 (1958)

Issue 1-12

Volume 5 (1957)

Issue 1-12

Volume 4 (1956)

Issue 1-12

Volume 3 (1955)

Issue 1-12

Volume 2 (1954)

Issue 1-12

Volume 1 (1953)

Issue 1-12

5-year Impact Factor	0.451
Cite Score	1.3
Impact Factor	0.547
Journal Citation Indicator	0.12
SCImago Journal Rank	0.225
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.461

Submit

Submission
You can submit your manuscript online using the Editorial Manager system. Simply visit http://www.editorialmanager.com/aut/default.aspx directly or click on the link Online Submission of Manuscripts on the journal homepage. For a guide how to use the Editorial Manager please refer to the Author Tutorial for Editorial Manager, also linked on the journal homepage.

Your benefits of publishing with us

Rapid online publication with short turnaround times
High impact
High quality blind peer-review
Free publication of color figures in print and online
No page charges
Optional open access publication
Accepted papers will be published online first as DOI-citable, forward-linked articles for quickest possible visibility for the scientific community
Every article easily discoverable because of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and comprehensive abstracting and indexing services
Secure archiving by De Gruyter and the independent archiving service Portico
Professional sales and marketing activities

Submission process

Check that your topic fits the scope of the journal
Use our LaTeX or Word templates for drafting a manuscript Submission of your paper via our submission management tool
The editorial office will forward your manuscript to the Editor-in-Chief for evaluation and peer-review. We aim to provide decisions after peer-review within 3 months of receipt (including any author revisions); papers deemed unsuitable for the journal will usually be returned to authors within two weeks of submission
You will be guided through every step of peer review process
Decision on your paper
You will be informed by e-mail if your manuscript has been accepted or rejected or if it requires further attention
Hybrid Open Access is available as an option post-acceptance
Publication online and in print

Please note

Before submitting your article please refer to our at Ethical Guidelines and our Copyright Transfer Agreement
Manuscripts must be written in clear and concise German or English
For German articles we recommend that authors additionally include abstract and keywords in English
Our Repository Policy allows you to distribute 30 PDF copies of your published article to colleagues (the PDF has to include the information that it is an author's copy). Please also feel free to distribute the link to the online abstract
If you have any general questions please visit our FAQ page for authors or contact us directly at AUTO.Editorial@degruyter.com

We look forward to receiving your manuscript!

Hybrid Open Access

In this journal, authors have the option to publish their article under an open access license. Open Access allows you as an author to retain copyright and share your findings with colleagues and interested parties worldwide without any restraints.
Please note that authors from institutions with which we have a transformative agreement can publish open access without paying an article processing charge (APC). More information on the eligible institutions and articles can be found under the "Funding and Support" tab here.

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Jumar, ifak, Magdeburg

Advisory Board
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Adamy, TU Darmstadt
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Jürgen Beyerer, Fraunhofer-IOSB, Karlsruhe
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Georg Bretthauer, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Fay, Helmut-Schmidt-Universität, Hamburg
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sören Hohmann, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Kleinert, RWTH Aachen
Dr. Kim Listmann, Bender GmbH & Co KG, Grünberg
Prof. Dr. Ralf Mikut, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
Dr.-Ing. Jörg Neidig, Siemens AG, Nürnberg
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Rauter, University of Basel
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Dipl.-Math. Klaus Röbenack, TU Dresden
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Joachim Rudolph, Universität des Saarlands, Saarbrücken
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Martin Wolter, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
Prof. Dr. Ningbo Yu, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China

Journal Coordinator
Birgit Zoglmeier
De Gruyter, Munich

AUTO.Editorial@degruyter.com

(Deutsch)

Online ISSN: 2196-677X
Print ISSN: 0178-2312
Type: Journal
Languages: German, English
Publisher: Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag
First published: June 20, 1964
Publication Frequency: 12 Issues per Year
Audience: researchers in the field of automation technology in academia and industry