Robotics is the science and technology of robots, and their design, manufacture, and application. Robotics has connections to electronics, mechanics, and software.[Source: Wikipedia]. According to the IFR (International Federation of Robotics), a service robot is a robot which operates semi or fully autonomously to perform services useful to the well being of humans and equipment, excluding manufacturing operations.
Robotics is addressed in the ICT work programme 2011/12 (p. 36, 68 & 86) under the following challenges/objectives:
> Challenge 2: Cognitive systems and robotics
Objective 2.1: Cognitive Systems and Robotics
> Challenge 5: ICT for Health, Ageing Well, Inclusion and Governance
Objective ICT-2011.5.4 ICT for Ageing and Wellbeing
a) Service and social robotics systems for “Ageing Well”
d) Services for elderly people developed and validated against public sector needs through a joint Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP)
> Challenge 7: ICT for the Enterprise and Manufacturing
Objective FoF-ICT-2011.7.1 Smart Factories: Energy-aware, agile manufacturing and customisation
b) Large-scale validation of advanced industrial robotics systems
