Robots need to be able to safely and sensitively interact with humans and their environment. This long standing goal of robotics research is still considered a grand challenge of our field. However, recently significant leaps forward, including also breakthroughs in direct human-robot collaboration, were made in particular in industrial robotics. Here, robotic tools enable flexible manufacturing in still untapped markets and applications. Specifically, human-centered robot design, tactile control and physics grounded machine learning algorithms allow robots to acquire new capabilities and skills. This technology will transform traditional manufacturing as we know it today, and start becoming relevant to professional service and domestic applications. Also, in the recent Corona crisis made clear how much tactile robotics technology could support our societal and health needs, as underlined by several applications Prof. Haddadin showcased at the IFRR Global Robotics Colloquium.