Combine two platforms: the robot platform KUKA youBot and the control platform ISG-virtuos and you have a great basis for research regarding modern control methods for industrial robots. Aalen University is working on research projects from human-machine-interfaces to camera-based methods and collision-avoidance. The robot platform they are using is the omni-directional KUKA youBot and the control platform is the free, open and programmable ISG virtuos.

Look at what they have been working on so far in this video.

Find current projects with the youBot, here.