German Federation of Robotics Interview

  1. In your opinion, what are the main differences between a conventional
    industrial robot and a cobot?

    I have very high expectations of a cobot. It must be possible to operate it without robot knowledge and it must not be a hazard to humans at any time. As a rule, however, all robotic systems have a residual hazard. Therefore, I rather assign most applications to the industrial robots even if they are executed with a “cobot”. The cobot is a double-edged sword. Modern operating systems, programming interfaces and ecosystems make it possible for the layman to implement simple cobot applications without prior training. The risk here lies in the ignorance of the user.
    Without training, he does not know that he must comply with certain rules and standards. The pure cobot sales has no interest in imparting the knowledge. Normally, this is done by the integrators. But they are no longer needed for simple user interfaces and ecosystems, so that a robot expert is actually no longer necessary to implement an application. This creates new dangers.
  2. What do you think are the main potentials of cobots?
    I see the main potential at the moment in the marketing of robots as a whole. Users are being persuaded that cobots can be used by anyone. In my opinion, the potential of cobots is totally overestimated. Nevertheless, you have to take advantage of the attention and promote the use of robots. In the end, the cobot will bring you into the company and sell you an economical and sensible industrial robot application.
  3. To what extent can you support us in our task?
    Networking with experts and other scientists doing research in similar areasContact with users in order to get as broad a spectrum of users as possible.Joint follow-up projects


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