The opportunities for building “digital” environments where robots are integral parts, such as in manufacturing and processing industries, transport, health and environment, smart cities and regions, was the theme of the opening session at the 2016 European Robotics Forum (ERF), which kicked off in Ljubljana, Slovenia on Monday.

ERF is the largest robotics networking event in Europe and this year attracted a record number of delegates. Over 600 were in attendance, including industrialists, researchers, investors, politicians and media.

The opening session was introduced by Bernd Liepert, President of euRobotics aisbl, and featured a panel discussion with representatives from Slovenian, European Commission, Committee of Regions, European Investment Bank, European Parliament, euRobotics.

Here’s a selection of some of the best live tweets.

Innovation

Europe has a huge potential in research and innovation #ERF2016. We need to maintain excellence in #robotics – J. Heikkila, EC

— euRobotics (@eu_Robotics) March 21, 2016

We need more concrete #robot prototyping and testing of robots, we need more action – M. Markkula, CoR #ERF2016

— euRobotics (@eu_Robotics) March 21, 2016

Beyond manufacturing

We have to show what robots can do outside manufacturing, this is the future – J. Wesseling #ERF2016

— euRobotics (@eu_Robotics) March 21, 2016

Bernd Liepert asking What are the future scenarios in robotics? How will robots be used? Can we create new businesses? #ERF2016

— Robohub (@Robohub) March 21, 2016

Policy and regulation

“Cut the red-tape – create favorable conditions for industries who want to use automation and robotics" – Markku Markkula #ERF2016

— Robohub (@Robohub) March 21, 2016

Are legal barriers blocking the opportunities offered by robotics? We need a flexible legal framework for Europe says @mady_delvaux #ERF2016

— Robohub (@Robohub) March 21, 2016

Member states are working on regulation for autonomous cars, drones. We need common principles across Europe. @mady_delvaux #ERF2016

— Robohub (@Robohub) March 21, 2016

Wise words from wonderful @mady_delvaux at #ERF2016 – keen for EU to be first and innovate in robotics regulation. #robolaw #roboethics

— Alan Winfield (@alan_winfield) March 21, 2016

Skills

Robotics requires new changes in the way we think of our jobs & training. 700 million Euros from EC to support innovation #ERF2016

— euRobotics (@eu_Robotics) March 21, 2016

Innovation and skills play an important role in making Europe more competitive, Matteo Fusari, EIB #ERF2016

— euRobotics (@eu_Robotics) March 21, 2016

"This is a changing landscape. Advancements in technology may need retraining, diverse digital skills will be crucial." #ERF2016

— Robohub (@Robohub) March 21, 2016

The human element

Robots should be there in the interest of the humans – Mady Delvaux #ERF2016

— euRobotics (@eu_Robotics) March 21, 2016

"We have to make sure that those who need this technology have ACCESS to it" – Head of Robotics Unit – European Commission #ERF2016

— Robohub (@Robohub) March 21, 2016

#ERF2016 panel: @mady_delvaux says we need more @WomenInRobotics :)

— Mary Ellen Foster (@MaryEllenFoster) March 21, 2016

Artificial Intelligence

Interesting that #ERF2016 panellists very frequently mentioning #AI. Good to see discussion broadened to robotics and AI.

— Alan Winfield (@alan_winfield) March 21, 2016

In closing, the panel agreed there is still a lot more work to be done. “Robotics is the future, and industries, businesses, academics, should consider how to help close the innovation gap in Europe,” said Mr Markkula. “Labor force, industry, academia all have a role to play.”

“There is still a lot of work to do to make robotics faster and more reliable. We need to have robotics be partners to humans” said Mr Liepert.

Check out photos from day one at the exhibition hall below!