An interview featuring Dr.-Ing. Pascal Hinrichs
In this interview, Dr.-Ing. Pascal Hinrichs explores the latest advancements and possibilities in robotics—spanning across industries such as logistics, nursing care, and the public sector. By referencing both national and international cases, he illustrates how robots can enhance administrative efficiency, conserve resources, and elevate the standard of public services. Additionally, he addresses the hurdles related to acceptance, data protection, and the integration of technology.
What is robotics and what does it encompass?
Robotics is a multidisciplinary domain focused on the design, programming, and utilization of robots. Robots are machines capable of executing specific tasks automatically, without the need for human involvement.
- A robot is made up of three primary components: Sensors, a computing unit, and actuators. Sensors are employed to sense the environment and measure various parameters like position, speed, temperature, force, or distance.
- The computing unit, typically a computer or microcontroller, analyzes the data from the sensors and determines how the robot should act. Artificial intelligence is frequently utilized for this function.
- The actuators which can include motors, hydraulic, or pneumatic cylinders, convert these decisions into physical movements.
By integrating sensors, a processing unit, and actuators, robots can respond to their surroundings, make choices, and carry out tasks independently.
There are various types of robots, including industrial robots, service robots, humanoid robots, robotic arms, and drones. Each type of robot has distinct requirements and specific areas of application.
In the interview
Dr.-Ing. Pascal Hinrichs
What is the present situation? In which areas is robotics applied, and what opportunities does it present?
Robotics has made significant inroads into various sectors, yet its possibilities remain largely untapped.
- Industry: Robots mainly handle manufacturing tasks like welding, assembly, and transportation. A notable trend is the rise of collaborative robots (cobots), which are adaptable and easy to implement in small to medium-sized businesses.
- Logistics: Autonomous transport robots (AGVs, AMRs) automate tasks such as order picking and palletizing, enhancing efficiency and minimizing error rates.
- Agriculture: Robots for milking, feeding, and cleaning, along with drones, boost efficiency, conserve resources, and help address the shortage of skilled labor.
- Education: Robots act as tutors or telepresence tools, allowing sick students to engage in classroom activities.
- Safety & Disaster Management: Law enforcement, military, and fire services deploy robots for reconnaissance, surveillance, bomb disposal, or rescue missions in hazardous situations.
- Nursing Care: Early pilot initiatives demonstrate how robots can ease the workload of caregivers, manage logistical tasks, and offer social support to those requiring care.
As AI, sensor technology, and human-machine interaction continue to evolve, robots are set to become even more adaptable in the future—potentially in retail, workshops for individuals with disabilities, or new service roles.
How crucial is this subject for the public sector? How might robotics be utilized in the future?
By enhancing efficiency, lowering costs, and elevating service quality, we can unlock a variety of applications and added value moving forward. This presents opportunities to ease the burden on the public sector in numerous areas.
Here are several national and international examples that demonstrate this link:
- RPA (robotic process automation) serving as digital assistance in public agencies
The Lübeck city administration is implementing RPA to address the pressing personnel shortage. Currently, up to 60% of administrative tasks can be automated—such as document organization or data transfers—thereby lightening the load for employees and significantly reducing processing times. In Hamburg, approximately 50 software robots have been managing repetitive tasks since 2021, particularly in human resources and salary payments, resulting in a savings of around 130,000 working hours each month.[1]
- RPA in social administration – Example Trelleborg (Sweden)
The social services department in Trelleborg, a municipality in Sweden, implemented RPA to automate the handling of benefit applications. The average processing time decreased from 10 days to just 1 day, with decisions being made within 24 hours. As a result, costs were reduced by approximately 60%, benefit services were expanded, and employees experienced a notable decrease in their workload.[2]
- Physical service robots in administrative facilities
In Sagamihara City, Japan, KettyBot plays a vital role in assisting city employees: It efficiently delivers documents throughout the building and greets visitors, enhancing operational efficiency and elevating the service provided to citizens.[3]
Alongside these examples, many other potential application scenarios exist. Autonomous vehicles, including street sweepers and garbage trucks, enhance urban cleaning by adjusting their routes dynamically and responding to real-time traffic conditions. This approach leads to savings in both personnel and operational expenses. Additionally, robots can play a crucial role in public safety by identifying and reporting hazards early through surveillance tasks, such as monitoring public buildings or large events.
Moreover, robots can handle repetitive tasks like document processing, data entry, or archiving within administrative bodies, thus alleviating the workload of employees and enabling them to concentrate on more complex and strategic tasks. Robots could also serve as virtual assistants, aiding citizens in applying for documents or addressing inquiries, which would enhance the efficiency of government agencies and minimize waiting times for the public.
In the field of education, robots can function as tutors, offering students personalized learning experiences through simulations or practical exercise tools.
In nursing care, robots can physically assist nursing staff by lifting or repositioning patients, thereby reducing injury risks and allowing caregivers to focus on the emotional and social aspects of patient care. Telepresence systems allow nursing staff to monitor, support, and care for patients from a distance, which is especially advantageous in rural areas with limited access to professional healthcare.
In emergencies, robots can aid rescue teams by navigating hazardous environments, locating survivors, or assisting in rescue efforts. Additionally, robots could undertake perilous tasks in firefighting or rescue missions, enhancing the safety of emergency responders.
In conclusion, robotics presents a wealth of opportunities to boost efficiency, cut costs, and elevate service quality in the public sector. The strategic deployment of robots across different sectors like administration, education, nursing care, and public safety has the potential to maximize resource efficiency and enhance the quality of life for citizens.
What obstacles do we encounter when trying to implement this? In which direction do you envision this issue or development progressing in the next few years?
The introduction of robotics in the public sector brings forth a range of ethical and technical challenges. One of the key ethical dilemmas is the acceptance and trust in robots, particularly in sensitive fields like nursing care and public safety. Many individuals worry that robots might supplant human interactions, potentially resulting in a more mechanized and less compassionate society. It is crucial that the development and deployment of these systems involve participation to consider user needs and address ethical issues.
Another ethical concern revolves around data protection and privacy, as robots frequently gather sensitive information. It is essential to ensure that this data is handled securely and confidentially to uphold data protection standards. Additionally, responsibility and liability must be clearly defined in cases where a robot makes an error or inflicts harm.
On the technical side, challenges include ensuring safety and reliability, achieving interoperability, and enabling scalability. Robots must function safely and dependably, particularly in environments where they engage with humans. They also need to be compatible with existing systems and infrastructures, necessitating standardized interfaces and protocols. The technology should be scalable to accommodate various application areas and settings.
Looking ahead, we anticipate advancements in AI, which will be pivotal in enhancing the capabilities of robots. The integration of robots into daily life is expected to progress, bolstered by cutting-edge technologies and growing societal acceptance. Regulatory frameworks will be vital to govern the deployment of robots in sensitive domains, including guidelines for data protection, security, and ethical standards. In 2020, the German Ethics Council explored the potential of robotics in providing quality care. They concluded, among other points, that it is undesirable for robots to operate on par with or replace human caregivers.
Based on my research and experience in the realm of robotics within nursing care, I understand that the acceptance of robots is largely influenced by their introduction and application. Collaboration with caregivers and other stakeholders is crucial to guarantee that the systems created are both practical and widely accepted.
In general, I perceive substantial potential for robotics in the public sector, yet numerous challenges remain to be addressed. Nevertheless, with the appropriate approach and attention to ethical and technical considerations, robotics can play a vital role in enhancing public services.
How can msg assist in this domain?
msg leverages its extensive expertise to offer public institutions comprehensive support for the effective implementation of robotics—from strategic planning to actual execution. We assess specific needs, pinpoint appropriate application areas, and create customized roadmaps. As technology consultants, we aid in the selection, integration, and rollout of suitable systems, execute pilot projects, and support the procurement process. In practice, we generate added value by conducting pilot projects and prototyping to evaluate and refine innovative robotics applications in real-world settings.
Moreover, we design tailored robotic solutions—working closely with research and technology partners—and ensure their smooth integration into existing IT infrastructures. We handle the development of interfaces, modify software solutions, and guarantee interoperability. We also remain vigilant regarding compliance with legal standards: With robust security and data protection strategies, we ensure that all solutions are not only technically sound but also adhere to stringent data protection and IT security requirements. Our mission: To intelligently optimize processes, create sustainable innovations, and prepare organizations for the future.
Sources:
[1] Personallücke durch Bots schließen | Öffentlicher Dienst | Haufe (only available in German)
[2] StopCorruption.AICognitive robotics for social protection - StopCorruption.AI
[3] Roboter als Teil des „Smart City“ Modells: - autorobotics.io (only available in German)
In the interview
Dr.-Ing. Pascal Hinrichs
Dr. Pascal Hinrichs has been with msg Public Sector in the Labor and Social Affairs division since April 2024. There, he develops products for the social economy. Prior to that, he earned his doctorate in robotics for outpatient care.