Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 
In the world of collaborative robotics (cobots), humans and machines work together for more efficient and safer production. The latest cobots are designed to interact seamlessly with humans without a safety fence and integrate into fully or semi-automated production processes. Their integrated sensors and advanced algorithms not only enable safe, cooperative interaction and collision avoidance, but also open up new types of automation potential, e.g. in assembly and disassembly.
Despite the progress and diversity of cobots, SMEs face challenges when using this technology in industrial automation and integrating it into existing systems: In addition to the seamless collaboration between humans and robots, this includes the flexible adaptation of robot behavior to specific tasks and environments. In addition, the integration of cobots into production processes requires an efficient analysis and planning phase as well as employee training. Fraunhofer IOSB-INA develops methods, technologies and solution concepts such as vendor-neutral assistance systems for simplified programming of cobot applications; this allows the potential of the next generation of cognitive cobots to be fully exploited.