INDUSTRY NEWS
Launch of ÁNIMA association in Spain
AFM Cluster and AER Automation( two of Spain’ s leading associations in robotics, automation and manufacturing) have joined forces to create ÁNIMA, the Spanish Association for Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI. This new organisation was set up with the aim of bringing together, representing and supporting the development of this emerging technological and industrial ecosystem in Spain.
ÁNIMA brings together, in a single initiative, manufacturers of humanoid robots, their components and systems, artificial intelligence and software developers, system integrators, technology centres and universities, as well as end-user companies that are beginning to explore the opportunities offered by these new technologies.
“ We are entering a new era in robotics.
The convergence of artificial intelligence and robotics is accelerating the development of humanoid robots that are increasingly autonomous, versatile and capable of functioning in environments designed for people,” said Carlos Méndez, President of ÁNIMA and CSO of ARITEX.
The vice-chairmanships of the association have been awarded to Francesco Ferro, CEO of
PAL Robotics, and Agustín J. Sáenz, Director of Strategy, Market and Technology at TECNALIA. Alfonso Ganzabal, CEO of SISTEPLANT, will serve as secretary. All four organisations are pioneers in humanoid robotics and physical AI.
Physical AI involves bringing the capabilities of artificial intelligence into the physical world, enabling machines to perceive their surroundings, understand situations and act upon them. AFM Cluster and AER Automation( which represent more than 1,000 companies in the robotics, automation, digitalisation, machine tool and manufacturing technologies fields) believe that artificial intelligence is set to transform not only robots, but also machines and production systems. n
https:// animahumanoides. es /
Getting the AI and skills’ balance right
Precision engineering specialists at Accu have warned that businesses relying [ completely ] on AI( artificial intelligence) automation could result in an engineering skills crisis in the coming years. They believe that the danger to the engineering industry isn’ t artificial intelligence itself, but organisations who believe that AI can replace the apprenticeship and learning process of engineering.
“ While artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly capable of performing calculations and analysing data, engineering is not simply the application of information. It is the application of judgement developed through years of practical experience,” said fastener / component specialist, Accu.
“ AI can process data at a scale far beyond human capability, but engineering expertise is built upon understanding context, recognising risk and applying lessons learned from previous projects,” said Patrick Faulkner, Lead Engineer, Accu.
“ Experienced engineers develop an instinct for questioning assumptions, identifying potential failure points and recognising when something doesn’ t look quite right. That judgement cannot simply be replicated through automation,” he added.
Defining the risk
Engineers have developed their expertise through an apprenticeship model of learning. Graduate and trainee engineers gain experience by performing calculations,
Image: Shutterstock. com. producing drawings, reviewing designs and learning from mistakes under the guidance of more experienced colleagues. Many of these routine, essential tasks are now being automated by AI systems.
“ These activities may seem repetitive, but they are where engineers develop their understanding,” said Faulkner.“ The concern is that if AI performs all of the foundational work, we risk removing the experiences that help engineers to build the judgement and confidence needed later in their careers.”
According to Accu, businesses should be careful not to confuse productivity improvements with engineering competence. Although AI can help engineers to work faster and more efficiently, expertise is developed through exposure to real-world challenges, problem-solving and practical experience, said the company.
“ The danger isn’ t AI itself,” explained Faulkner.“ The danger is organisations believing that AI can replace the apprenticeship of engineering. If we remove the learning journey, we shouldn’ t be surprised if we struggle to develop the next generation of senior engineers.
“ If the industry fails to develop the next generation of senior engineers, the consequences could extend far beyond a skills shortage. Organisations may find themselves with fewer professionals capable of making critical decisions, managing complex projects and identifying risks,” he continued.
“ Over time, this could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge, reduced innovation and an increasing reliance on technology without the experienced oversight needed to challenge it. In safety-critical sectors, the impact could be even greater, with engineering judgement remaining a vital safeguard against costly mistakes and unforeseen failures,” he concluded.
Augmenting, not replacing
Despite these concerns, confirmed Accu, AI has an important role to play within the engineering sector. Rather than replacing engineers, it said, AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances productivity, supports decision-making and allows engineering teams to focus on higher-value activities.
“ Used correctly, AI can be a powerful asset,” outlined Faulkner.“ But the future of engineering depends upon maintaining the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next. Technology should support that process, not replace it.” n
www. accu. co. uk
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