AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS
Collaborative robots ( cobots )
Collaborative robots are designed to work with humans and are built with safety features such as integrated sensors , passive compliance and overcurrent detection . The integrated sensors feel external forces and if the force is too high , they halt the robot ’ s movement .
According to analyst Mordor Intelligence , the global collaborative robot market is expected to register a CAGR of 20.5 % from 2023-2028 . Increasing investment in advanced automation creates ample opportunities for cobots in a continuously growing range of industries such as electronics , automotive , food , metalworking and material handling .
“ Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence ( AI ) enable users to execute tasks accurately in a continuously changing environment . AI-integrated cobots help manufacturers in various applications that make operations run efficiently , smoothly and productively . Cobots that are controlled by AI can tell which way materials are facing and if they are there . They can also test and inspect materials , pick and place tasks on the fly , read inspection results and make decisions based on what they find ,” explained the analyst .
“ In the post-COVID-19 scenario , collaborative robots gained significant demand across all industries due to their capabilities and reduced cost . For instance , some fastfood chains and hospitals use these robots to conduct temperature tests and distribute sanitisers ; groceries , food services and restaurants have shifted to robots for food preparation and takeaway deliveries . The warehousing and logistics industry is also shifting to collaborative robots to improve sorting , packaging and shipping efficacy ,” it added .
Above : Robotic applications .
Top five robot trends in 2023
The stock of operational robots around the globe hit a new record of about 3.5 million units — the value of installations reached an estimated US $ 15.7 billion , the International Federation of Robotics ( IFR ) reported in February this year . It has analysed the top five trends that are shaping robotics and automation in 2023 .
“ Robots play a fundamental role in securing the changing demands of manufacturers around the world ,” commented Marina Bill , President of the International Federation of Robotics . “ New trends in robotics attract users from small enterprise to global OEMs .”
The top five trends highlighted by the IFR are listed below :
1 : Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is key to improve companies ’ competitiveness amid rising energy costs . The adoption of robotics helps in many ways to lower energy consumption in manufacturing . Compared to traditional assembly lines , considerable energy savings can be achieved through reduced heating . At the same time , robots work at high speed therefore increasing production rates so that manufacturing becomes more time- and energy-efficient .
Today ’ s robots are designed to consume less energy , which leads to lower operating costs . To meet sustainability targets for their production , companies use industrial robots equipped with energy-saving technology : robot controls can convert kinetic energy into electricity , for example , and feed it back into the power grid . This technology significantly reduces the energy required to run a robot . Another feature is the smart power-saving mode that controls the robot ´ s energy supply on-demand throughout the workday . Since industrial facilities need to monitor their energy consumption even today , such connected power sensors are likely to become an industry standard for robotic solutions .
2 : Reshoring
Resilience has become an important driver for reshoring in various industries . Car manufacturers , for example , invest heavily in short supply lines to bring processes closer to their customers . These manufacturers use robot automation to manufacture powerful batteries cost-effectively and in large quantities to support their electric vehicle projects . These investments make the shipment of heavy batteries redundant . This is important as more and more logistics companies refuse to ship batteries for safety reasons .
Relocating microchip production back to the U . S . and Europe is another reshoring trend . Since most industrial products nowadays require a semiconductor chip to function , their supply close to the customer is crucial . Robots play a vital role in chip manufacturing , as they live up to the extreme requirements of precision . Specifically designed robots automate silicon wafer fabrication , take over cleaning and cleansing tasks or test integrated circuits .
3 : Robots are easier to use
Robot programming has become easier and more accessible to non-experts . Providers of software-driven automation platforms support companies , letting users manage industrial robots with no prior programming experience . Original equipment manufacturers work hand-in-hand with low code or even no-code technology partners that allow users of all skill levels to program a robot .
The easy-to-use software , paired with an intuitive user experience , replaces extensive robotics programming and opens up new robotics automation opportunities . Software start-ups are entering this market with specialised solutions for the needs of small and medium-sized companies . For example , a traditional heavy-weight industrial robot can be equipped with sensors and new software that allows collaborative set-up operation .
22 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2023