Anna Franzkowiak (Head of CTS) and Heimo Sandtner (Rector of FH Campus Wien) welcomed guests to the joint Robotic Lunch in the newly opened FH Campus Wien building on 26 September 2024. The four presentations, accompanied by a good buffet, came from programme directors, department heads and dedicated students. The audience was also a mix of interested experts from various disciplines who were eager to discuss.
The first presentation was given by Cornelia Feichtinger. She is Head of Nursing Sciences at the FH Campus Wien. Using concrete examples of a nursing robot situation, she familiarised us with the challenges of the current debate surrounding robots in the healthcare sector. Ms Feichtinger emphasised that we must not lose sight of human dignity and that not only opportunities but also risks should be considered. In the discussion that followed, it also became clear that participation and communication at eye level are needed in the development of Health Assisting Engineering.
Franz Werner, Head of the Health Assisting Engineering programme, presented various examples of engineering solutions in the healthcare sector: Robotic Mobility Aid, Carry Support, Personal Care Robot, Emotional Robot, etc. A specific case of an unfinished research project was used to highlight the realisation and challenge that it is easier for older people to operate a robot if it resembles a human being. The conclusion and discussion also centred on the dependence on funding and where the decision-making powers ultimately lie. ( Presentation 1 to read )
Heimo Hirner, Head of the Research Centre AI, Software & Safety at FH Campus Wien, presented his department and introduced the topic of brain-inspired neuromorphic computing. His colleague Mugdim Bublin used examples to explain why it makes sense for technology to move closer to biology and learn from biology. Brain-inspired neuromorphing computing is, as the name suggests, computer systems that are modelled on the human brain and its processing and functionality. Once again, interdisciplinary cooperation is required. One of the major advantages of neuromorphic computing is its energy efficiency. ( Presentation 2 to read , Presentation 3 to read )
The Res.QBots team was also represented. Marvin Corea introduced the topic of rescue robotics and reported on the specially manufactured and continuously optimised rescue robot, which the team regularly takes to competitions. The aim of rescue robotics is always to protect human life, which in concrete cases is usually the emergency services. The robot is designed to prevent them from exposing themselves to unnecessary danger. There was also room for the robot itself and everyone was allowed to try it out after the presentation. ( Presentation 4 to read )
It was enriching to see how different disciplines took the time to report on current topics and to engage in questions and additions. We, the CTS, are proud to support this exchange and look forward to further cooperation with our colleagues at FH Campus Wien.
