Intellectual Property Aspects of Robotics

Abstract

The field of robotics is remarkably wide, with many social settings now entailing and increasingly requiring the use of robots to support a variety of human activities. Unsurprisingly, robots’ form and shape, their level of intelligence and intended purpose can vary significantly depending on the relevant industry.1 Domestic robots are already a reality in a growing number of family homes. They include both humanoid robots which support those in need (such as the elderly, people with disabilities or children) and robots for household consumer markets, including domestic vacuum cleaners and grass-trimmers. Humanoid robots only account for a small fraction of the industry, with robotic arms for industrial automation being instead widespread.2

The geographical dynamics of global R&D collaboration networks in robotics: Evidence from co-patenting activities across urban areas worldwide

“…Note that using co-patenting ensures the tracing of a very specific form of commercially oriented, technological collaborative R&D, while other indicators such as co-publications or joint R&D projects are more indicative of scientific collaborations. In the robotics context, patents seem to be specifically suitable as robust indicators for new relevant knowledge because the field is highly research-intensive which requires intensive capital expenditures and R&D often takes place several years before commercialisation [ 12 , 43 ].…”