Fraunhofer IWU: Innovative robotics software eliminates the need for safety fences
The startup Botfellows, a spin-off from Fraunhofer IWU, will present its new solution for the first time at the automatica trade fair in Munich from 24 to 27 June 2025.<
Since September 2024, the spin-off from Fraunhofer IWU, headquartered in Chemnitz, Germany, has been advancing the development of innovative robotics software as an independent company. The focus is on the intelligent solution Botfellows Dynamic Safety, which is directly integrated into robot control systems and replaces physically fenced-off workspaces between humans and (industrial) robots with dynamic safety zones.
At automatica, visitors can experience a live demonstration featuring an industrial robot operating without safety fences, thus ensuring outstanding productivity (booth A4.311, with Estun Automation).
The Botfellows team – Dr.-Ing. Mohamad Bdiwi (CEO), Sebastian Krusche, Paul Eichler, and Jayanto Halim – have worked closely together at Fraunhofer IWU for many years. Their approach relies on high-tech solutions where flexible – dynamically changing, situationally optimal – safety zones replace rigidly defined work areas. The Botfellows software dynamically adjusts the movements of lightweight or industrial robots by reducing their speed – if necessary, down to a complete stop – only when people approach the workspace. When the combined sensor and camera system detects no collision risk, the robots move along their planned paths at regular speed. Numerous practical tests have validated the Botfellows research results on safe human-robot collaboration; for the first time, their software solution is now an integral part of the control system of a robot manufacturer.
Seamless integration into the control system
The robotics specialists from Chemnitz collaborate with the Chinese manufacturer Estun. Botfellows Dynamic Safety is directly integrated into the control system, eliminating the need for additional interfaces. Simple implementation and operation were key development goals: "This is the key to enabling highly flexible automation while ensuring maximum safety – because our software perfectly integrates into the robot control instead of increasing its complexity," emphasises CEO Mohamad Bdiwi.
Caption: The software Botfellows Dynamic Safety creates the basis for efficient and safe human-robot coexistence through dynamic speed and distance monitoring. As an integral part of robot control, it continuously processes kinematic data and uses advanced sensor technology to calculate and implement minimal safety distances.
Source: Fraunhofer IWU