eXplore robotics 2024 - how cooperation and transfer works!



At the first DLR event eXplore robotics, renowned delegates from industry, politics and research came together at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics on 3 and 4 December 2024 to discuss the challenges of future production. In addition to technical solutions in flexible, robot-assisted production, the focus was on technology transfer.
The event was organised to mark the successful conclusion of the joint project "Factory of the Future - Extended", in which several DLR research institutes were involved. Speakers from industry spoke about trends and industry requirements for robotic solutions and innovative components for future production. Numerous contributions from researchers - in the form of short presentations and an internal exhibition - provided innovative designs for these challenges. The variety of topics ranged from autonomous, flexible production networks, intuitive robot programming and virtual commissioning to robot-assisted inspections in maintenance and hybrid manufacturing. Participants were able to experience DLR's latest developments up close during two guided tours of the research laboratories.
A particularly intense and lively discussion arose when it came to the political framework conditions for AI-based robotics. The appeal was clear and was aimed at everyone involved: innovation-friendly regulation coupled with the possibility of low-bureaucracy collaboration between industry and research would accelerate innovation. Collaboration should also start early and be strategically orientated so that innovative ideas are considered and tested together from the outset.
Two panel discussions focussed on technology innovations and their transfer to industry. Questions such as "How can more transfer be achieved?", "How willing are we to take risks in Germany?" and "Are long-term strategic collaborations between industrial companies and research institutions the key to more transfer?" were discussed with experts from industry and research. The managing directors of the successful DLR spin-offs Sensodrive, Roboception and Leverage Robotics demonstrated how great transfer can be.
How would you summarise the first eXplore robotics? Greater understanding of the needs of the various stakeholders, a better basis for successful cooperation between industry and research, active dialogue between all participants and - last but not least - suggestions for future innovations. Mission extended: We would like to thank all participants and look forward to continuing the event.
The external speakers in 2024 were:
Dr. Andreas Bergner, Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft
Peter Schuster, Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
Norbert Sporer, Sensodrive GmbH
Dr. Michael Suppa, Roboception GmbH
Dr. Kristina Wagner, OHB SE
Dr. Roman Weitschat, Leverage Robotics GmbH
Dr. Georg von Wichert, Siemens AG
MinR Dr. Henning Wins, Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz
Kontakt
Innovation & Transfer