future potential

Robotics

The use of robots has the potential to significantly increase efficiency throughout the entire production chain.

Contact person

Dr.-Ing. Jannik Lind

Research Coordinator ARENA2036 e.V.

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Contact person

Robert Süß-Wolf

, Wire Harness Research Coordinator, ARENA2036 e.V.

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The potential of robots in future production sites

The term “robot” refers to program-controlled, sometimes mobile machines used for flexible handling and assembly processes. Designs range from simple transport carts to cognitive humanoid robots, some of which can perform quite complex process chains. This Technology Session provided an overview of current robot systems and their preferred applications. In addition, the session explored how robot systems are developed and what options exist for implementing this technology. To implement robot-assisted assembly cells, sensors, peripheral devices, and controllers tailored to specific requirements are needed, utilizing AI-based methods for efficient operation—such as error-avoidance strategies. This design process was illustrated using examples.

Presentation Slides

The complete sets of slides for the various presentations can be downloaded here:

Agenda

Technology Session: Robotics: Round 1: Robotics Challenge

Time	Program item	Speaker
9:30–9:40 a.m.	Introduction	Markus Rentschler ARENA2036 e.V.
9:40–10:00 a.m.	Digitalization from the Perspective of Automated Wire Harness Production	Dr. Stephan Rudolph Institute of Aircraft Structures, University of Stuttgart
10:00–10:15 a.m.	From the Dual-Arm Robotics Challenge to Humanoid Robots	Dr. Stefan Profanter Agile Robots SE Dr. Manuel Zürn Agile Robots SE
10:15–10:30 a.m.	Why Physical AI Marks a Major Breakthrough in Wire Harness Automation	Lukas Knak Technical University of Munich
10:30–11:00 a.m.	Change and coffee break

Technology Session: Robotics – Session 2: Flexible Automation Through Physical AI

Time	Program item	Speaker
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	The Future of Manufacturing – Standardization and Skill-Based Systems as Enablers for Flexible Automation	Florenz Graf, Ph.D. (Eng.) BÄR Automation GmbH
11:15–11:30 a.m.	Human-Centered Business, Powered by Humanoids: How Robotics Supports Technical Service Processes	Clarissa Hack SPIE
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.	General-Purpose Robotics, Enabled by General-Purpose Safety	Dr.-Ing. Gor Hakobyan Waveye GmbH
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	The Productivity Paradox and How We Can Break Free From It!	Sven Kaluza Delta Electronics GmbH

Provisional agenda - subject to change.

We would like to thank the following speakers for their insightful contributions:

Clarissa Hack

Head of Innovation Platforms, SPIE Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

Abstract follows.

Short Biography +

As Head of Innovation Platforms at SPIE Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Clarissa Hack drives the company’s ambition to become an innovation and digital leader and is responsible for SPIE’s participation in the ARENA2036 and IPAI innovation platforms.

Sven Kaluza

Senior Product Manager, Mobile Platform, Delta Electronics EMEA

Abstract follows.

Short Biography +

Sven Kaluza is Senior Product Manager Mobile Platform at Delta Electronics EMEA. He has more than 25 years of experience in sales, project management, and business development, including over two decades in the automation industry and, since 2018, with a focus on mobile robotics. Sven was a member of the VDMA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on VDA 5050 for seven years and heads the 5GMIPS project at ARENA2036. His focus is on the development of interoperable, future-proof platforms for mobile robotics in industrial applications.

Dr. Gor Hakobyan

Chief Technology Officer, Waveye

Abstract follows.

Short Biography +

Dr. Gor Hakobyan is the CTO of Waveye Inc, a Californian-Swabian company that develops high-resolution imaging radars for robotics. Waveye's products are used in particular in mobile and humanoid robotics to enable safety alongside humans. In his previous role at Bosch, he led research into next-generation automotive imaging radars. Gor has over 100 patent applications in the field of environmental sensing.

Dr. Florenz Graf

Group Leader Software Development, Bär Automation GmbH

Abstract follows.

Short Biography +

Dr. Florenz Graf is group leader of software development at Bär Automation GmbH, a family-owned company specializing in special-purpose machine construction and the development of customer-specific AGVs. In addition to software standards such as VDA 5050, 2D and 3D environmental sensors play a particularly important role in enabling reliable automated material transport in dynamic and changing environments. Dr. Florenz Graf previously earned his doctorate at Fraunhofer IPA in the field of human-inspired scene perception models for multifunctional service robots.

Dr. Manuel Zürn

Team Lead, Engineering Innovation, Agile Robots SE

Abstract follows.

Short Biography +

Dr. Manuel Zürn studied mechanical engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and subsequently conducted research at the Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Systems (ISW) at the University of Stuttgart. His dissertation focused on camera-based topology estimation for robot-based handling of branched cable harnesses—precisely the subject area of the Robotics Challenge. He successfully defended his dissertation in September 2025 and has since been working as Team Leader of Engineering Innovation at Agile Robots SE.

Dr. Stefan Profanter

Team Lead for the Software Platform, Agile Robots SE

Abstract follows.

Short Biography +

Dr. Stefan Profanter studied computer science and robotics at the Technical University of Munich and earned his Ph.D. from 2015 to 2020 at the fortiss research institute in the field of industrial automation and robotics. He has been with Agile Robots since 2020, initially as a Senior Robotics Engineer & Software Architect, and since 2021 as Team Lead of the Software Platform, where he develops high-quality software and automates as much as possible. At the Dual-Arm Robotics Challenge 2025, he led the team as Tech Lead; his team was the only one among all participants to complete the task well below the target time—in 2:25 minutes—and won the award for cost-effectiveness.