BMWK and BMBF: The time for AI-based robotics is now

Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger explains: “AI is the key technology of the 21st century, it will permeate almost all sectors and areas of society, especially robotics research. Germany is already very well positioned in both AI and robotics research. The moment for AI-based robotics is therefore right now. To this end, we are expanding our new ‘Robotics Institute Germany’ (RIG) and bringing together the best talents. This will create a decentralized network of top research locations. In this way, we are creating the conditions for integrating the huge potential of AI into robotic systems. The KIRO2024 progress conference is an excellent forum at the right time and with valuable impulses, so that representatives from science, business, politics and the interested public can exchange ideas profitably.”

State Secretary Udo Philipp explains: “AI-based robotics is a decisive technological lever for Germany as an industrial and business location. The productivity potential offered by AI-based robotics is indispensable and encompasses more and more areas of application. The opportunities are enormous – for manufacturers, for users, for relieved workforces and private individuals. This is why the Federal Government is supporting the German and European economy in tapping into and shaping these dynamic markets.”

Background

The aim of the AI-based Robotics Conference (KIRO) is to promote the exchange of ideas between stakeholders in the robotics ecosystem in Germany from science, business and politics in order to secure Germany’s and Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty in the field of AI-based robotics in the long term. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) organize the AI-based Robotics Conference (KIRO) on an alternating annual basis.

With the Robotics Institute Germany, the BMBF is funding the networking of the locations of top German research in intelligent robotics over four years to form a strong network with a total of up to 20 million euros. The aim of the project is to network the leading robotics locations into a decentralized “Robotics Institute Germany (RIG)” with international visibility. The agenda of the Robotics Institute Germany includes the formation of research clusters that provide interfaces for the industries and take social needs into account. In addition, a joint research infrastructure is to be developed and established, comprising software, research data, virtual and physical laboratories, learning and test environments and research platforms. A training and further education program will also be developed to train specialists. Furthermore, measures will be created to promote robotics start-ups and industry transfer.

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Further links

👉 www.bmwk.de 
👉 www.bmbf.de 

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