Autonomics as a New Field of Science

“Autonomics brings together content relevant to the autonomy of systems across all application areas. I see Autonomics as the field of science that identifies these common challenges for the development and operation of autonomous systems and conducts interdisciplinary research to find solutions. It builds on existing disciplines such as computer science – particularly artificial intelligence – mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering,” explains Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Liggesmeyer, Executive Director of Fraunhofer IESE and initiator of the Autonomics initiative, describing the motivation.

The workshop built on previous activities of the Fraunhofer IESE initiative and aimed to systematically develop the scientific foundations as well as the scope and structure of Autonomics. The focus was particularly on defining the core of the scientific field and developing a shared understanding. The goal was to create synergies between different fields of application and to lay a theoretical foundation for the development of reliable autonomous systems.

Interdisciplinary Exchange on Economy and Society

The two-day workshop included plenary discussions as well as group work on key topics. These included economic potential as well as social and legal issues.

In the working groups, participants discussed, among other things:

    • the relationship between Autonomics and existing disciplines

    • application areas as well as opportunities and risks for the economy and industry

    • impacts on society, regulation, and the world of work

The results were consolidated on the second day of the workshop to develop a consistent overall picture of Autonomics and to derive next steps for the initiative.

Autonomous Systems as a Paradigm Shift

Autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important – from energy systems to autonomous driving to medicine. For Prof. Liggesmeyer, this development is an expression of a fundamental shift: “Mechanical engineering mechanized, electrical engineering electrified, computer science digitized – and Autonomics will make systems autonomous. Of course, not necessarily completely in every case, but according to the desired degree of autonomy.”

The Autonomics initiative aims to scientifically support and actively drive this transformation. “Now is the time to shape the field of Autonomics,” summarizes Prof. Liggesmeyer.

Further information on Autonomics: https://autonomik.de (in German)