On the impact of embedded knowledge-based systems

Autonomous mobile robots are well visible both in science and in popular media. Significant progress has been made lately in that branch of robotics in all involved aspects of science, technology and engineering. Interesting studies and forecasts have been made how robots, based on the science and technology of mobile robotics, have started to become parts of our lives and will increasingly do so in the future. However, we think that the fascination with the idea of robots - preferably humanoid ones - both in science and in the public has been outshining the topic that is actually making the impact on society here: The science and technology behind these advanced robots, in particular embedded knowledge-based systems (EKBSs). So the question about the societal impact of robotics is actually the question of the impact of EKBSs.