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Between Research and Application: How Physical AI and Cognitive Robotics Are Finding Their Way into Industrial Reality
Physical AI and cognitive robotics are considered key future technologies for industry, logistics and healthcare. While technological advances in research laboratories worldwide are impressive, the real challenge often remains the same: How do these innovations get into real-world applications and create measurable added value there?
This is exactly where AURONIQ Robotics works. Together with Prof. Dr. Yulia Sandamirskaya, Chief Robotics Officer at AURONIQ Robotics and one of the leading experts in adaptive and learning-based robotics, the company aims to make modern robotics faster, more flexible and economically viable.
In conversation, Prof. Dr. Yulia Sandamirskaya on the development of intelligent robotics, the challenges of industrial implementation and the role of Physical AI in the future.
What do you personally associate with adaptive robotics?
Prof. Dr. Yulia Sandamirskaya has been working on learning and adaptive robotic systems for more than 20 years. Their focus is on a central question: How can robots not only perform pre-programmed tasks, but adapt flexibly to new situations?
There are impressive developments in research today. The real challenge is to bring these technologies from the laboratories to real applications,' explains Sandamirskaya.
For them, the future of robotics is determined by how well research results can be translated into practical solutions.
Why is robotics becoming more important today?
Many industries face similar challenges: shortages of skilled workers, increasing competitive pressure and the need for more efficient processes.
Repetitive, physically stressful or monotonous tasks offer great potential for intelligent robotics.
"Many of these tasks involve specialists in activities whose direct added value is low," says Sandamirskaya.
Cognitive robotics can help relieve employees and make processes more productive.
Why is classic automation no longer enough?
Classical automation works above all in stable environments with consistent processes. However, modern companies require increasingly flexible solutions for changing products and dynamic processes.
This is where AI-based robotic systems come into play.
With AI and its cognitive architectures, robots can be used much more flexibly. They can switch between different tasks and work in dynamic, changing environments, explains Sandamirskaya.
An important area is mobile manipulation – the combination of locomotion and physical interaction with objects.
Why is implementation in companies still a challenge?
Despite major advances in research and development, transfer to practice remains a key challenge.
"The challenge is to enable the path from powerful AI models to concrete tasks in an operation."
Robotics must not only function technically, but also be able to be integrated into existing processes and create economic benefits.
This is where AURONIQ Robotics comes in: The company develops approaches to analyze processes, identify suitable use cases and bring robotics to real-world environments faster.
Where does AURONIQ Robotics already provide concrete solutions?
The focus of AURONIQ Robotics is in particular on mobile manipulation – i.e. robot systems that can move flexibly and take on tasks at the same time.
Possible fields of application include:
•Machine Tending and Machine Operation
•Intralogistics and material transport
•Laboratory automation
•Inspection and maintenance tasks
•Logistics processes in healthcare
"It is precisely where processes are dynamic and requirements change regularly that there is great potential for intelligent robotics," explains Sandamirskaya.
How does cooperation between humans and robots succeed?
The successful introduction of robotics depends not only on technology, but also on acceptance.
People need to be able to understand what a robot does and why it does it. Transparency and traceability are crucial.
Especially in environments where humans and robots work together, safe and understandable systems will play a central role.
What role does Europe play in international competition?
Sandamirskaya sees Europe as having important strengths in robotics.
Especially engineering quality, security and responsible handling of data are decisive factors.
In Europe, we have a strong awareness of security, quality and responsible handling of data.
Especially for industrial applications, but also for example in healthcare, these aspects are crucial in the long term.
What is the future of robotics in ten years?
According to Sandamirskaya, the future of robotics will be less visible than many expect.
They will be used everywhere, but hardly noticeable. They will simply be part of the infrastructure that supports and relieves our society.
In the future, robots will take on many tasks in the background – from transport and maintenance to support in industry and supply.
For companies, it will be crucial how quickly it is possible to convert these technologies into real value creation.
This is where AURONIQ Robotics sees its role: as a link between technological innovation and practical application.
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