Google Maps for indoors

"It follows me wherever I go", says NAiSE founding member Jens Heinrich, and points to a motorized robot, which follows him through the halls of the ARENA2036 on the University of Stuttgart campus. The "follow me function" is part of the NAiSE system, which Heinrich developed with his colleagues Kai Przybysz-Herz (28) and Robert Libert (29) as part of their startup. They are part of the fifth STARTUP AUTOBAHN program, and will be showcasing their product at this year's EXPO Day at the Wagenhallen Stuttgart on February 21. "The NAiSE system is similar to Google Maps, but it works inside buildings and is much more exact, so it's particularly useful for industry", explains the 31-year-old. It locates and operates motorized robots, people and vehicles, for example forklifts, and enables all participants to communicate with one another. "Our vision is to flexibly connect robots and people in an area to ensure the best possible cooperation. We're making autonomous intralogistics".