Robotics is the intersection of science, engineering and technology that produces machines, called robots, that replicate or substitute for human actions. Pop culture has always been fascinated with robots — examples include R2-D2, the Terminator and WALL-E. These over-exaggerated, humanoid concepts of robots usually seem like a caricature of the real thing. But are they more forward thinking than we realize? Robots are gaining intellectual and mechanical capabilities that don’t put the possibility of a R2-D2-like machine out of reach in the future.

As technology progresses, so too does the scope of what is considered robotics. In 2005, 90 percent of all robots could be found assembling cars in automotive factories. These robots consist mainly of mechanical arms tasked with welding or screwing on certain parts of a car. Today, we’re seeing an evolved and expanded definition of robotics that includes the development, creation and use of bots that accomplish tasks like exploring the planet’s harshest conditions, assisting law enforcement,  streamlining surgical procedures and undertaking rescue missions. How to protect robotics based use cases with IP-design was the topic of a training by Prof. Wurzer at Stäubli AG on 16.05.2023.

Robotics Defined

While the overall world of robotics is expanding, a robot has some consistent characteristics:

  • Robots consist of some sort of mechanical construction. The mechanical aspect of a robot helps it complete tasks in the environment for which it’s designed. For example, the Mars 2020 Rover’s wheels are individually motorized and made of titanium tubing that help it firmly grip the harsh terrain of the red planet.
  • Robots need electrical components that control and power the machinery. Essentially, an electric current — a battery, for example — is needed to power a large majority of robots.
  • Robots contain at least some level of computer programming. Without a set of code telling it what to do, a robot would just be another piece of simple machinery. Inserting a program into a robot gives it the ability to know when and how to carry out a task.

Stäubli – excellence since 1892

Since 1892 the Stäubli Group has expanded both technologically and geographically. As early as 1909 Stäubli has set up its first manufacturing site in France, followed by further expansions to European countries, the Americas, Japan, China and Korea. Starting off as a technological pioneer and reliable partner in the weaving industry, Stäubli expanded its expertise to connection solutions. At first with quick couplings for pneumatics and hydraulics, later on for electrical power and data. With the acquisition of Unimation – a renowned pioneer in industrial robotics – Stäubli continued its dynamic path into one of the most advanced and innovative industrial sectors. On the basis of this comprehensive technological heritage and expertise they partner with our customers worldwide to provide the most efficient solution for their application.

As a leading player in robotics, Stäubli provides efficient, reliable engineering solutions and related services to its clients around the world. The design quality of its line of industrial robots, POWER cobots, mobile robot systems, AGV and software, as well as its capacity for innovation, make it an unbeatable partner for joining the cutting edge of industrial robotics.

In the past 40 years, Stäubli Robotics has helped thousands of companies transform and develop their industrial systems with its line of reliable, state-of-the-art products.

  • Industrial robots: Complete line of 4 and 6 axis industrial robots designed to handle payloads of up to 170 kg. Several versions are available for sensitive environments, from cleanrooms to harsh conditions.
  • Collaborative robots: The TX2touch is a unique range of cobots designed for safe Man Robot Collaboration while maintaining high productivity. It offers safe operation thanks to its advanced skin technology.
  • Mobile robots: HelMo mobile robot system allows flexible use of robot technology at different workstations within smart production.
  • AGV platforms: Whatever the challenge, our modular AGV platforms series deliver the right solution moving payload up to 450 tons with a large add-ons portfolio.
  • AGV forklift: The ultracompact counterbalance forklift FL090 is able to move pallets fully automated throughout your manufacturing environment.
  • Digital solutions: Smart software solutions to monitor, analyze and optimize equipment to prevent production downtime, gain productivity as well as reliability.

How does the introduction of robotics to a new application ​area change the patenting practice of a company? What is the role of robotics for industrial applications? ​How can it change existing industries and business models?

Join our Certified University Course IP and Industry 4.0 and find out what the answers are: COURSE INFO