The “AKIMI” (Agent-Based AI for Intuitively Reconfigurable Robotics in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) research project was launched in early July at the WZL at RWTH Aachen University. The official project launch took place on July 2, 2026, with a kick-off meeting at the Chair of Information, Quality, and Sensor Systems in Production. In addition to the WZL, the Institute for Business Cybernetics (IfU) e.V. and an industry committee supporting the project are also involved.

The research project addresses the question of how robotic systems can be more easily set up, programmed, and adapted to new requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Factors driving this effort include volatile markets, smaller batch sizes, and a shortage of skilled workers. According to the project partners, the goal is to reduce existing barriers caused by high programming costs and rigid system architectures.

AI Combines Language Models and Robotics

The focus is on developing a hybrid agent-based artificial intelligence. This involves combining large language models (LLMs) with structured knowledge and basic robotic functions. The AI is designed to independently break down complex instructions into individual steps and control the robot’s kinematics accordingly. This will enable tasks in assembly and logistics to be prepared using natural language, even by employees without programming knowledge. At the same time, the concept calls for continuously verifying proposed action sequences against the laws of physics and defined safety restrictions to ensure transparency, traceability, and safe operations.

Demonstrators for Industrial Applications

At the WZL, the project is being led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Schmitt. The research focuses on integrating sensory perception, AI-supported decision-making, and robotic execution according to the “Sense – Think – Act” model. As the project progresses, the models and software architectures developed will be tested in demonstrators and validated using use cases provided by the industry partners.

“Small and medium-sized businesses need flexible automation solutions that can be customized without in-depth programming knowledge. With AKIMI, we’re drastically lowering the barriers to adopting robotics: The agent-based AI acts as an intelligent assistant that breaks down complex tasks into understandable steps.”

The project steering committee includes companies and institutions from the fields of mechanical engineering, robotics, and automation, including 3WIN Maschinenbau, Athenyx Robotics, Birdwave Automation, Center Smart Assembly, Ecosphere Automation, ek robotics, Gauss Robotics, Kuhre Robotics, Müller und Partner Sachverständige, Mybotshop, Pilz, Still, Teradyne Robotics, and the Zukunftsallianz Maschinenbau.

The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as part of the Joint Industrial Research (IGF) program, pursuant to a resolution of the German Bundestag.