This may be the year that helps change that dangerous reputation robots, thanks to Munich-based startup Franka Emika, which will this year ship an impressive new robot arm that can not only work safely alongside people, but is surprisingly dexterous — able to even open and close bags, and use cable ties reliably — as well as incredibly easy to set up and program. Franka boasts torque sensors in all seven of its joints in an effort to provide “human-like arm agility and sensitivity.” It also has an 80-centimeter reach, payload of 3 kilos, and 0.1 millimeter accuracy - par for the course with other rival robots, the combination of simple app-based programming and the ability to carry out challenging (for a robot) tasks like drilling, screwing, and buffing suggests that Franka is well ahead. So precise is Franka, in fact, that it can actually help assemble and build other Frankas — possibly one day leading to the dream (or nightmare?) of a Franka Emika factory staffed by Frankas.