Robots, Drones, and Robo-Dogs, Oh My! A Journey Through the World of Robotics

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay

Hello everyone! I’m happy to share some experiences that I’ve made during the last month. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to accomplish my academic secondment at Aarhus University in Denmark and attend the European Robotics Forum in Odense with my EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas.

ERF23

The European Robotics Forum (ERF) is an annual event that brings together experts in robotics from industry, academia, and government to discuss the latest developments in the field and explore potential collaborations. The forum is organized by the European Robotics Association (ERA) and typically features keynote speeches, technical sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions showcasing the latest robotics technologies and applications.

The ERF serves as a platform for researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and knowledge on a wide range of topics related to robotics, including industrial automation, healthcare robotics, service robotics, and artificial intelligence. It is also a forum for policy makers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving field of robotics, such as ethical and legal considerations, workforce training, and investment strategies. Even Crown Prince Frederick, His Royal Highness of Denmark, attended the event this year!

ERF23 with EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas. Source: own photo.

As a visiting researcher, I was thrilled to be able to connect with so many people who are passionate about robotics and human-robot interaction. I was able to learn about the latest developments in this field. I was particularly interested in discussions surrounding collaborative robots, which are designed to work alongside humans in manufacturing and other industries. During the forum, I had the pleasure of engaging with some brilliant minds, from both the academic and practitioner side. Their contributions to the discussions were invaluable, and I learned a lot from them.

Exploring the Fascinating World of Robotics

In addition to my research on collaborative robots, I’m also fascinated by other robotic technologies such as drones and robotic dogs. These technologies are shaping our world in profound ways, and I believe they have enormous potential to improve our lives. For example, drones have the ability to conduct aerial surveys, deliver packages, and even help with search and rescue missions. Robotic dogs, on the other hand, can be used in a wide range of applications, from military and law enforcement to assisting people with disabilities. I find the intersection between these technologies and human needs to be particularly interesting, as it challenges us to think about how we can design and use robots in ways that are safe, ethical, and beneficial for society as a whole.

Robotic Dog ERF23. Source: own photo.

The Journey Goes On

Aside from the forum, I also spent time at Aarhus University, where I was conducting interviews with SMEs located around Denmark. These interviews are an important part of my research, as I’m studying the implementation of social and collaborative robots in organizations. By understanding the effects of cobots on an individual and firm-level, I hope to achieve a clearer understanding of cobot implementation processes, organizational opportunities and challenges.

Visit at AU with Agnieszka Radziwon and Cristina Marullo. Source: own photo.

Overall, my trip to Denmark was an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many brilliant minds in the robotics field. I’m excited to continue my research and see what developments the future holds for human-machine interaction models. I am also looking forward to the next EINST4INE Summer school and see my ESR friends in person again. Thanks for reading!