By definition, a service robot performs partially or fully automated services that serve the well-being of people and facilities, with the exception of industrial production activities. For some time now, service robots have been predicted to have similar innovation potential to industrial robots. Currently, service robotics systems are mainly used in the fields of defense, rescue, security and agriculture, under the supervision of a human expert and in a protected space. The service robots under consideration here, on the other hand, operate in exposed, human-rich environments or even provide a service directly to humans, for example in the care sector. These services therefore mean that robotic laypersons can and must interact with robots and that bystanders can be found in the robot's environment. In addition, the service takes place in the normal living environment, which can only be adapted for robot use to a very limited extent.

The increasing change in the age pyramid of the population and the associated need for care services makes the introduction of service robotics systems in nursing and geriatric care appear particularly advantageous. Extensive robotic support can enable those in need of help to remain independent for longer and would also be socially desirable due to possible cost reductions. On the other hand, ethical aspects that affect basic needs such as freedom, autonomy and the indispensability of social contact and attention represent restrictions that must be taken seriously. Today, medical care is provided almost exclusively by people. Attentive human service is characterized by adaptation to individual needs and includes in particular interpersonal skills such as kindness, courtesy and compassion, which a robot cannot provide.

The specific characteristics and requirements of service robotics in various fields of application differ considerably and give rise to a wide range of open questions. Potentials, risks and appropriate subsidies or restrictions are to be analyzed and evaluated from the perspective of technology assessment. The scientific work of the project group therefore encompasses the relevant disciplinary perspectives and bundles technical, economic, legal, ethical, methodological, anthropological and psychological aspects in order to finally provide interdisciplinary, viable recommendations for the use of service robotics in society. The study is thus aimed at the relevant scientific disciplines, politicians and the interested public.