"Robotics is no longer just a topic for the future—it determines competitiveness."

Professor Wendt, when people talk about robotics today, many still picture traditional industrial robots. Do you think that’s still accurate?
That image comes from an earlier phase of robotics. For a long time, the focus was indeed on heavy, monotonous, or dangerous tasks carried out in isolated industrial facilities. Since then, the use of robots has evolved significantly.

In what direction is robotics evolving?
Today, robots are taking on tasks that are very similar to human work, such as in assembly, material handling, or logistics. These are more delicate, complex tasks that require precision and flexibility. That’s exactly why robotics is also becoming attractive to small and medium-sized businesses.

This development isn’t happening on its own. What is driving it?
A key factor is technological capability. Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems have long existed as concepts. But it is only now that we can deploy them economically because the necessary computing power and data processing capabilities are available. This makes robots significantly more versatile and adaptable.

Nevertheless, many people still associate automation with job losses. How do you see this playing out in practice?
We encounter this concern frequently, but it isn’t borne out. Automation generally doesn’t replace people; rather, it takes over tasks where there is a shortage of labor or where the work is physically demanding. At the same time, new, skilled roles are emerging, such as in the planning, monitoring, and further development of automated processes. Especially against the backdrop of demographic change, robotics is more of a solution to the shortage of skilled workers than a cause of it.

In this context, two terms often come up: automation and robotics. How are they related?
Automation describes the overall system—that is, processes, control, and workflows. Robotics is a central component of this and specifically handles individual tasks. What matters is not the distinction between the terms, but their interaction. Only when they work together does a functioning, robust production system emerge.

Looking at the region: How are small and medium-sized enterprises here addressing this issue?
The picture varies widely. Some companies began thinking strategically about automation early on. Others only address it when the pressure becomes intense. However, our experience clearly shows that acting early opens up opportunities for flexibility.

Can you illustrate this with an example from your project experience?
We worked with a medium-sized industrial company in the region that had already implemented its first automation steps. Together, we gradually refined an assembly process. The key factor here was not just the technology, but above all its suitability for everyday use. Projects like this show that automation is a learning process, not a one-time effort.

What does this mean for companies that want to explore this topic now?
They shouldn’t expect the perfect solution right away, but rather start a dialogue and kick off the process. Robotics must be a good fit for the company, both technologically and culturally. This requires openness, dialogue, and an outside perspective that’s open to new technologies.

The team at the Work-Life Robotics Institute at Hochschule Offenburg looks forward to discussing robotics and automation in small and medium-sized businesses.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Thomas Wendt,
Hochschule Offenburg,
thomas.wendt@hs-offenburg.de

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