Dr. Matthias Rottenkolber founded CogniDrive in 2024. He had already started ShapeDrive (active 3D industrial sensors) in 2009 and successfully sold it in 2017. He has extensive experience in the field of optical measurement technology. His conclusion is that the future path of robot control is likely through spatial intelligence. Spatial intelligence, also known as visual-spatial intelligence, is the ability to perceive, process and manipulate visual information in three dimensions. It includes visualizing, rotating and processing images in the mind, understanding spatial relationships between objects and creating mental representations of spatial environments.
Collaborative robots have already changed industrial production. They are flexible to use, safe to work with humans and easier to program than traditional industrial robots. But the next big leap in innovation is just around the corner: the combination of cobots with spatial intelligence. Spatial intelligence means that a robot can detect, analyze and understand its environment in three dimensions in real time. This means that cobots would not only react, but also actively think - particularly interesting for complex manufacturing processes.
Today, cobots usually have to be programmed precisely for each new work step. With spatial intelligence, they could react spontaneously to new workpieces, tools or component positions. For example, a cobot would recognize whether a part is at a slight angle - and still grip and assemble it correctly.
In mass production with many product variants, automation has been difficult up to now. An intelligent cobot could independently decide which work steps are necessary by recognizing component geometries - without retooling or reprogramming.
With the help of 3D sensors and spatial understanding, cobots could automatically check during assembly whether components are correctly seated, screws are properly tightened or whether there are tolerance deviations - and readjust if necessary.
In workshops or flexible production lines where people, vehicles and materials are in motion, spatially intelligent cobots could operate safely and efficiently - without having to rely on clearly demarcated work areas.
Conclusion
Cobots with spatial intelligence would significantly advance automation in production - especially where a lot of manual work is still required today. They could adapt to changing products, environments and situations, make decisions on the spot and work directly with people. This brings the vision of a truly flexible, intelligent factory a great deal closer.
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