AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS
The market for industrial robotics is expected to continue growing due to productivity gains, process optimisation and the increasing adoption of subscription models. Collaborative robots and end-of-arm tooling are becoming increasingly popular, enabling human-robot collaboration and improving overall efficiency. The market is also witnessing significant advances in robot safety, robot programming and payload capacity, ensuring the safe and effective integration of robots into various manufacturing and process automation applications.
Image: Gasparini.
Cobots
“ Collaborative robots, or cobots, are playing a pivotal role in manufacturing by working alongside human operators. Unlike traditional robots, cobots are designed with advanced safety features, allowing them to operate in close proximity to workers without the need for safety barriers. This technology enhances productivity and workplace safety, while enabling more flexible manufacturing processes. Cobots are particularly useful in assembly lines, packaging and material handling, where human-robot collaboration can improve efficiency and reduce strain on human workers,” said analyst, Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt Ltd.
Small and medium enterprises( SMEs) are increasingly adopting cobots to bridge skill gaps and improve efficiency. Cobots offer affordability, ease of programming and enhanced safety features, making them an attractive solution for small-scale manufacturers.
“ Unlike large industrial robots that require significant investment and infrastructure, cobots are more accessible and can be easily integrated into existing workflows. Their
Small and medium enterprises( SMEs) are increasingly adopting cobots to bridge skill gaps and improve efficiency
Image: Shutterstock. com.
Robotoc press brake cell from Gasparini.
ability to handle repetitive tasks, assist human workers and improve production speed makes them an invaluable asset to SMEs looking to stay competitive in an increasingly automated world,” commented Future Market Insights.
The latest advances, such as the integration of natural language processing, is enabling robots to understand and act on voice commands in manufacturing settings. The development of real-time translation capabilities makes for improved interaction with multilingual teams. Gesture recognition technologies are also being developed, with robots responding to hand signals for the optimisation of manufacturing processes.
“ As long as ethical concerns are addressed, there’ s every reason for confidence in effective collaboration between humans and robots. The development of advanced sensors and AI will continue, making for greater precision in manufacturing environments. AI will also allow for continuous improvement, with lessons learned and adjustments made for the improvement of the human-robot relationship,” commented UK automation association, Automate UK.
“ Manufacturers can look forward to the emergence of increasingly human-centric robot designs with a focus on usability, adaptability and effective interaction. Such improved collaboration will bring benefits such as faster product development, improved quality and reduced costs,” it added.
Robot types
Industrial robots can also be found in a range of industry sectors including automotive; aerospace; electrical and electronics; food and beverage; pharmaceuticals, metal / machinery etc. They are used for a wide range of tasks including pick and place; assembly; handling; packaging; processing; fabrication; welding; machine tending and quality control.
Robots can be split into several different types, that include:
■ Articulated robots: Robots with rotary joints, commonly used for tasks requiring a high degree of freedom. Articulated robots offer versatility and flexibility with their multiple rotary joints, mimicking human arms, and enabling them to handle complex tasks in confined spaces. The six-axis robot, providing six degrees of freedom, is the most common configuration for articulated robots due to its ability to move in any direction and reach any point within its workspace. Robot vision, a critical technology, enhances the capabilities of these robots, allowing them to identify and manipulate objects through computer vision systems.
ISMR May 2025 | ismr. net | 23