Even though the number of vacancies in Germany has fallen in recent years, it still remains at a high level. The shortage of skilled labor is ubiquitous in almost all sectors and is an increasingly difficult challenge for small and medium-sized companies in particular. Demographic change will lead to a further decline in the number of people of working age in the coming years, thus exacerbating the situation. One promising solution to these challenges is the use of collaborative robots (cobots) in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI). This makes it possible to make production processes more efficient and successfully address challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers.

AI and robotics in production

At HANNOVER MESSE 2025, IPH – Institute for Integrated Production will demonstrate how artificial intelligence and robotics can be combined to automate production processes. The aim is, on the one hand, to react to unforeseen events and, on the other hand, to do so with fewer personnel. In view of the developments on the labor market, it is therefore advisable for companies to start thinking about automation and the use of AI now. This is a fundamental building block for securing Germany and regions like Hannover as business locations in the long term.

Cobots: human-robot collaboration

An innovative approach is collaborative robots, so-called cobots. Unlike conventional industrial robots, they can work directly with people. Protective barriers are not necessary because they have special sensors and protective mechanisms that prevent collisions. It is clear that cobots are not intended to replace human labor, but to support it in a targeted way and thus relieve the burden on humans.

One example of this is an IPH trade fair exhibit that uses innovative image processing algorithms. A picture unknown to the cobot is taken and pre-processed so that the cobot can then draw it accurately in detail. The AI processes the image and automatically creates a motion instruction for the cobot, without the need for a human to program the process. This technology can be transferred to various production areas, such as automated welding. The targeted use of AI and cobots thus offers companies significant potential.

Research and future prospects

IPH has extensive experience in the field of artificial intelligence from numerous consulting and research projects. These include, among other things, AI-based data analysis of medical data or AI-supported order verification. IPH is also involved in the European research project “AIMS5.0”, which is further developing AI in the manufacturing industry and setting the course for Industry 5.0 in Europe.

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