Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Evert Helms is a pioneering researcher in the field of human-robot collaboration, with a particular focus on robot assistants in industrial and manufacturing environments. Working primarily at Fraunhofer IPA, Helms has made foundational contributions to the design and deployment of cooperative robotic systems that work alongside human operators in real-world production settings. His most influential work introduced **rob@work**, a mobile manipulator platform designed to support manual workplaces in assembly and production tasks, garnering 150 citations and helping define the very concept of industrial robot assistants. His subsequent development of **PowerMate** (108 citations) advanced the field further by prioritizing human safety and intuitive interaction, achieving compliance with industrial safety standards — a critical milestone for practical deployment. Across his body of work, Helms has consistently addressed the dual challenge of effectiveness and safety in human-robot teaming, contributing to systems like Care-O-bot and exploring path-guidance support for manual handling processes. His research has collectively accumulated over 350 citations, reflecting its lasting influence on collaborative robotics. His work remains essential reading for researchers and engineers developing the next generation of assistive manufacturing technologies.