Vision: Silicon Valley of Robotics
THWS wants to make a significant contribution so that its Schweinfurt location becomes the Silicon Valley of robotics. That is the vision. In its Hightech Agenda the Free State of Bavaria has ensured the financing of a centre Robotics (CERI) and an associated robotics degree programme. To this purpose THWS will erect a building where research and study can inspire each other and where the robotics technology transfer provides a corresponding boost to the region. That is the mission.
Competitive Advantage for the Mainfranken Region
By establishing the research location for robotics at THWS in combination with the associated bilingual Robotik/Robotics bachelor’s programme, the foundation is laid for a competence centre for robotics in Schweinfurt. Thanks to the degree programme being offered in English there is an appeal to international talents, just as with three further degree programmes.
Through the knowledge transfer from the university into partner companies, the gain of know-how and practical experience is multiplied. The training of globally sought-after robotics experts in Schweinfurt not only means that the region is well equipped for the future with experts. It also increases the potential for innovative ideas and the resulting company foundations. This mix of innovation, knowledge transfer and promising training and development is a decisive competitive edge for the Mainfranken region. To keep and expand the position as one of ten high tech regions within Europe it is vitally important to recognise and implement future trends.
Future-proof through structural change
Currently the Schweinfurt location is mainly characterized by the automotive industry. As the president of THWS, Prof. Dr. Robert Grebner, emphasizes, the structural change for the region from “automotive region” to “robomotive region” becomes possible through the robotics expertise. Taking the necessary steps for this structural change at an early stage is essential to make the Mainfranken region future-proof according to Prof. Grebner. All the more so since the requirement for robots and for their programming and for the robots experts required for their use will not stop in the future. All the more so since there is current and future demand for robots, their programming, and the roboticists required for their use.
Growing need for robotics experts
The International Federation of Robotics, IFR, expects that around two million new industrial robots will be globally installed in factories in the years 2020-2022. This requires intelligent automation and collaboration between human and machine to make the production flexible. However, in addition to industrial fields of application, robots will conquer other areas as well. Health care, medicine, agriculture, crafts, household and social work can be hugely expanded. With the agglomeration of robotics competences in the Schweinfurt region and in Mainfranken, THWS contributes significantly towards meeting these needs.