From Labs to National Strategy: CeTI’s Impact at the German Robotics Conference 2026
Cologne recently became the epicenter of the European robotics scene as the German Robotics Conference (GRC) 2026 opened its doors from March 11–13. As a key partner within the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG), the Cluster of Excellence CeTI was on the ground to showcase that the future of robotics is not just about hardware – it’s about people, education, and seamless real-time interaction.
Innovation in Action: Drones and Live Demos
Our booth in Cologne was a hub of activity throughout the three-day event. We weren’t just there to talk; we were there to demonstrate. A particular highlight for visitors was our aerial robotics showcase.
By deploying drones that utilize ultra-low latency real-time communication, we demonstrated how the boundaries of the lab are being pushed into the real world. These systems highlight the core of CeTI’s mission: creating technology that responds in real-time to human needs and environmental changes, paving the way for the next generation of industrial automation and service robotics.
The Intersection of Research and Policy
One of the most significant moments of GRC 2026 was the intersection of cutting-edge research and national policy. The Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) officially handed over the RIG Education Position Paper to Dorothee Bär.
This document carries a clear message: to secure Germany’s leading position in robotics and AI, we must invest in a coordinated education pipeline. This strategic vision was echoed in the keynote by Prof. Stefanie Speidel, who illustrated how AI- and robotics-driven surgery is currently transforming healthcare. Her work perfectly exemplifies why CeTI’s interdisciplinary approach – combining medical expertise with high-precision engineering – is essential for societal progress.
Education: Solving the Talent Challenge
At CeTI, we believe that the “robotics talent challenge” is, at its heart, an education challenge. This was the central theme of the RIG Education Discussion Panel, moderated by Anna Unger, where experts from academia and industry discussed systematic, collaborative ways to strengthen the education ecosystem.
We are already putting these ideas into practice. During the conference, Lisa Küssel and Marcus Kotte organized a hands-on workshop: “Bringing Robotics to Schools: Classroom-Ready Concepts and Best Practices.” They introduced our “Level Up!” module, which uses a digital twin of a UR5 robotic arm to make complex robotics principles accessible for students.
“Investing in education and talent development is not just a side project – it is essential for Germany’s future in robotics and AI.”
A Coherent Ecosystem for the Future
Our takeaway from Cologne is clear: success in robotics requires a coherent ecosystem. This spans from early education in classrooms to vocational training and advanced university programs. By fostering curiosity early on and providing the tools for professional re-skilling, we open pathways into the technology careers of tomorrow.
We want to thank everyone who visited our booth, joined our discussions, and contributed to an inspiring #GRC2026. Together with our partners at RIG, we look forward to turning these conference insights into long-term research excellence and industrial reality.
Pictures: © RIG/DLR/BMFTR
