Events and Trade Shows

WS#48 Safety in Robotics – Limits and Perspectives

Moderators: Natalia Ogorelysheva, TU Dortmund, Magnus Albert, SICK AG (TG Safety Coordinator), José Saenz, Fraunhofer IFF (TG Safety Deputy)

Main questions to be answered

This should explain to an attendee why they should come to your workshop rather than the other ones on at the same time

• What are the key safety challenges in heterogeneous environments and different domains for robotics?
• In what ways can understanding a robot’s intentions enhance safety and build trust in robotic systems?
• What strategies and tools can be implemented to enhance personal safety in different industrial contexts?

WS Content

The workshop will focus on the challenges and solutions related to robot safety in heterogeneous environments. We will discuss current issues such as the lack of advanced perception systems for understanding intentions, the importance of trust and interaction patterns, as well as the availability of planning tools and safety sensors, including the associated costs. Additionally, we will explore the challenges that can be addressed now, as well as those that are likely to emerge in the future. The aim is to examine both current and future perspectives, collecting ideas on how to enhance safety in robotics immediately while preparing for upcoming challenges.

Our discussions will specifically focus on the heterogeneous nature of safety challenges in real industrial environments, allowing participants to engage in brainstorming sessions on how to solve these issues. We will consider what ideal solutions should look like to move beyond the limitations of current standards and regulations, which are often only reflective of the state of the art and lag behind technological advancements. This approach will encourage innovative thinking and collaborative problem‐solving in the context of real‐world applications.

WS Organisation

The workshop will be structured with 3‐4 industry experts each presenting for 10‐12 minutes on specific aspects of robot safety. Following the presentations, there will be a fish bowl discussion session focusing on potential solutions and strategies. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences.

Intended outcome

The primary intended outcome of the workshop is to compile and post the results online, including key insights, strategies, and discussions that emerged during the sessions, while fostering ongoing collaboration among participants on the discussed topics. The participants should be able to say that in the workshop, we brainstormed on actionable steps that can be taken immediately to enhance safety in robotics in the near future, while also establishing a collaborative approach to ongoing challenges in the field.

People actively involved (e.g. speakers, panelists, moderators)

• Robert Scharping, Fraunhofer IFF, “Safety challenges for mobile robots in public spaces”
• Yury Brodskiy EIVA A/S “Safety in the context of maritime robotics”
• Erik Mollbach, SICK AG, “Assumptions and Reality in Risk Management”

Topic Groups and/or Innovation Networks involved

TG Safety