FAQ

1. What does automation in manufacturing mean?

Automation in manufacturing means that machines, robots, software and sensor technology carry out repetitive or complex manufacturing processes independently and in a networked manner.

2. What are the benefits of automation in manufacturing?

Automation in production increases productivity, quality and process reliability. At the same time, robots relieve staff of monotonous, heavy or dangerous tasks and make industrial processes more predictable.

3. What are some examples of automation in production?

Examples of automation in production include welding robots, assembly cells, quality inspection, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and so-called cobots.

4. What is meant by robotics?

Robotics encompasses the development, control and deployment of robots. In industry, robots combine mechanics, sensor technology, software and automation to reliably perform physical tasks.

5. How does robotics work?

Robotics works through the interaction of sensors, actuators, control systems and software. Robots sense their environment, process data and then precisely execute defined movements or tasks.

6. Does robotics have a future?

Robotics has a bright future ahead of it because industrial companies need to improve their efficiency, quality and flexibility in order to remain competitive. 

7. Is robotics the same as artificial intelligence?

No, robotics is not automatically artificial intelligence (AI). Robots can be classically programmed or use AI, for example for image processing, making flexible decisions or for adaptive motion planning. Thanks to Physical AI, intelligent robot systems are also possible.

8. What is the difference between AI and robotics?

The fundamental difference between AI and robotics is that AI processes data and makes decisions, whilst robotics enables physical actions. Together, they create intelligent, capable robotic systems.

9. What are the risks associated with robotics?

Robotics carries risks such as safety faults, cyberattacks, operator error or acceptance issues. That is why safety concepts, staff training and clear lines of responsibility are crucial for successful deployment.

10. What is a cobot?

Cobots are collaborative robots designed to work alongside humans in industrial applications. A cobot assists with tasks such as assembly, inspection, packaging or machine tending. 

11. How does a cobot work?

A cobot operates using sensors, force limitation, control software and, often, intuitive programming. This enables the collaborative robot to perform tasks and react more safely to human proximity.

12. What is the difference between a cobot and a robot?

The difference between a cobot and a robot lies in collaboration: whilst a cobot is designed for human-robot collaboration, traditional industrial robots often operate in designated safety zones.

13. When will humanoid robots arrive?

Humanoid robots are gradually being introduced into pilot projects and industrial applications. Current analyses foresee the transition from research to scalable applications, particularly in factories, logistics and services. 

14. What is intralogistics automation?

Intralogistics automation describes the automated flow of materials and goods within a company. This includes conveyor technology, warehouse automation, robotics, software and AI-supported control systems.

15. What trends are emerging in robotics for the coming years?

Key robotics trends include AI-supported autonomy, mobile robots, reliable cobots, humanoid robots, digital twins and safe human-robot collaboration in production, logistics and intralogistics.