Industrial AI Podcast Humanoid Robotics: Game Changer or Hype?
Apr 9, 2025
Simon Schmidt, Senior Manager at Fraunhofer IPA, dives into the world of humanoid robotics and their potential impact on manufacturing. He highlights the ongoing debate over what qualifies as humanoid and discusses insights from a survey revealing differing perceptions among stakeholders. The conversation unveils the challenges these robots face in achieving practicality and safety, as well as the need for viable business cases to ensure their success. Lastly, Schmidt emphasizes the necessity for increased funding and research in Germany to match human capabilities with robotics.
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Transcript
Episode notes
Focus on Applied Research
- Focus on applied research for industrial use of humanoid robots.
- Fraunhofer IPA has 50+ years of experience in robotics and automation.
Defining Humanoid Robots
- There's no single definition of "humanoid robot".
- Some think humanoids need legs, others think two arms and mobility suffice.
Advocates vs. Critics of Humanoid Robots
- Humanoid robot advocates believe their high cost is justified by their ability to perform many tasks.
- Critics argue that specialized robots are cheaper and more efficient for specific tasks.