Suche
Mein Konto
The future of robotics: How AI makes machines feel!
With MIRMI, TUM Munich promotes innovative robotics research for a safe and flexible future in industry and care.
The future of robotics: How AI makes machines feel!
On July 14, 2025, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) announced significant advances in robotics, particularly with the introduction of a quality seal for the robotics market. Achim Lilienthal, deputy director of the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI), sees great potential in the new test methodology, which is to be established as an industrial testing standard. The aim is to increase the quality and safety of robotic systems.
Lorenzo Masia, Executive Director of MIRMI, explains that the creation of the AI Robot Safety & Performance Center is intended to create a nationally recognized testing center for robotics. This center will focus on the development and testing of robotic technologies, thereby contributing to the advancement of the industry.
Research and Development
A central element of research at MIRMI is the in-depth examination and categorization of one-armed robots from various manufacturers. These robots were found to vary greatly in their sensors, motors and control units. These differences lead to varying basic capabilities: some robots are characterized by strength and precision, while others enable smooth and flexible movements.
In the course of these developments, the researchers have developed a “Tree of Robots” that shows how different robots are adapted to their respective “habitat”. A focus is on basic skills such as path tracking, positioning and the ability to gently interact with surfaces. In order to evaluate the safety level, 25 tactility measurements were defined, which illustrate how sensitive a robot is in contact with its environment.
A new seal of quality
The new seal of approval will include a categorization of robots into different classes, including “Industrial Robots”, “Cobots”, “Softrobots” and “Tactile Robots”. This classification takes into account the specific requirements of the respective area of application. For example, surgical robots require the utmost precision, while warehouse robots rely on strength. The integration of new tactile metrics with existing motion metrics is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities of robotic systems.
The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) is critical in the discussion about robotics. AI is increasingly seen as a key technology for robotics and has the potential to revolutionize robotics processes. According to that Robotics Association Robotics has evolved from rigid machines that follow programmed instructions to flexible and intelligent systems.
Future outlook
Collaboration on the development of embodied intelligence is considered important in Germany. 16 universities and non-university institutions, supported by financial resources from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), are working towards this goal. The focus here is on supporting older people and those in need of care through innovative robotic solutions.
Another important aspect is the adaptation to modern production requirements that require flexibility and small quantities. AI enables robots to see independently, interact with their environment and adapt to changes. Applications of AI in robotics are diverse, from autonomous driving in agriculture to service robots in the home.
But despite these exciting developments, the challenges of AI also need to be mastered, especially with regard to the high consumption of resources. The future of robotics will therefore be shaped not only by technical innovations, but also by the clarification of ethical and practical issues.