Robots revolutionize care: visions of the future from Munich!

Robots revolutionize care: visions of the future from Munich!

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) are represented together for the first time at Automatica 2025 under the high-tech platform munich_i. This presentation highlights TUM's integrated institute MIRMI, which presents approximately 25 innovative demos. The impressive exhibits include a traveling environmental laboratory equipped with a drone, a submarine and a land robot, as well as exosuits that support the torsos and legs of their wearers. The start-up SmartAIs, which helps blind people find their way around and thus makes everyday life easier, also receives particular attention.

A central thematic focus of the exhibition is geriatronics, which aims to support people in care and in old age through modern technology. The KI.Fabrik will also show how artificial intelligence and robotics can be used in production environments. These developments are particularly relevant given the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare system, which makes caring for older people more difficult. The use of service robots in care could provide important support in enabling people in need of care to live an independent life. The MIRMI Institute is involved in various research projects that pursue this goal, such as the Garmi project, an autonomous service robot that is already being tested in pilot apartments and offers multifunctionalities, such as serving drinks.

Research projects and ethical considerations

MIRMI conducts significant research projects focused on the integration of robotics into healthcare. In addition to the Garmi project, other projects such as Project X and Project Y are active in the development of assistance robot systems. These technologies aim to provide relief for both people in need of care and care services. The full implementation of these projects will be supported by over 23 million euros in funding from public, private and industrial support by the beginning of 2027. There is no denying that technological progress also raises profound ethical, health economics and legal questions.

A clear example of this is the work of Prof. Sami Haddadin, Executive Director of MIRMI, who is investigating the challenges of implementing care robots at TUM. This technology brings with it a variety of challenges, from liability issues to data protection to the moral aspects of robot use in care. These challenges were also addressed in a master's thesis at the University of Duisburg-Essen, which highlights expert views on the changes in the nursing sector.

International exchange and events

Accompanying Automatica, the international congress “munich_i Hightech Summit” will take place on June 24, 2025. The focus here is on the topics of autonomy and interaction in robotics, the networking of cooperative robots and the possible uses of generative AI in robotics. Experts from companies such as Honda, Google, Meta and Continental offer insights into current developments that strengthen the connection between research and industry.

Additionally, Robothon 2025 will be held, a competition in which international research teams evaluate the agility and responsiveness of robots. Eight teams from Germany, Ireland, India and the United Arab Emirates are taking part in this competition, with the awards ceremony taking place on June 27th with a total of 10,000 euros for the best teams.

Automatica is described by Prof. Lorenzo Masia as a platform that represents the diversity of robotics and artificial intelligence. These developments are not only a technical advance, but also a way to meet the changing needs of our society.

For more information about projects and developments in the field of robotics and geriatronics, visit TUM, MIRMI as well as the coursework on the ethical challenges in robotics SSOAR.