AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS
Image: Shutterstock. com. are revolutionising the industrial sector and setting new standards for productivity and innovation. The integration capabilities of these robots contribute to smart factories, factory automation and supply chain optimisation, leading to productivity gains and cycle time reduction. Subscription models and cloud robotics provide cost-effective access to advanced robotics technology, making it accessible to a broader range of industries,” outlined analyst, Technavio.
■ SCARA robots: Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arms, suitable for pick-and-place tasks.
■ Cartesian robots: Also known as gantry robots, they operate on three linear axes.
■ Cylindrical robots: Robots with a primary cylindrical coordinate system, suitable for specific assembly operations.
■ Parallel robots: Robots with parallel joint linkages, often used for precision tasks.
Smart factories
Industry 4.0 is accelerating the adoption of connected robotics solutions, transforming traditional manufacturing into smart factories. Smart factories leverage interconnected robotic systems, real-time data analytics and cloud computing to optimise efficiency, reduce waste and improve supply chain management.
“ With advances in digital twin technology and augmented reality, manufacturers can simulate and optimise production processes before implementation, reducing errors and improving overall productivity. The integration of robotics with Industry 4.0 principles is expected to drive significant growth in the industrial automation sector,” said analyst, Future Market Insights.
Technological advances continue to drive innovation in the industrial robotics sector. The integration of robotics with cloud robotics and digital twin technologies is also gaining traction, contributing to the development of smart factories and the optimisation of supply chain operations.
AI and ML( machine learning) algorithms
Advances in sensor technology and computer vision allow robots to perform intricate tasks, such as visual inspections and quality control, with precision
enable robots to learn from data, make decisions and optimise processes in real-time, making them more adaptable to dynamic environments. IoT integration facilitates seamless communication between robots and other devices, resulting in coordinated actions and improved operational efficiency. Smart devices and connected systems are becoming integral to our daily lives with data analytics, cloud computing and wireless sensors playing crucial roles in real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
“ Advances in sensor technology and computer vision allow robots to perform intricate tasks, such as visual inspections and quality control, with precision. These advances
Image: Shutterstock. com.
Predictive maintenance and flexible automation
“ Predictive maintenance is a game-changer in industrial robotics, reducing downtime and operational costs. By leveraging IoT and AI-driven analytics, companies can anticipate machinery failures before they occur, ensuring seamless production and improved equipment lifespan. Predictive maintenance systems use sensors and data analytics to monitor the health of robotic systems, alerting operators to potential issues before they result in costly breakdowns. This approach improves reliability, enhances productivity and minimises unexpected disruptions in manufacturing processes,” commented analyst, Future Market Insights.
The growing need for customisation and agility in production lines has also led to the rise of flexible automation solutions. Traditional rigid automation systems are being replaced by adaptable robotic solutions that can quickly adjust to changing production demands.
“ With modular robotics, manufacturers can reprogram and reconfigure robotic systems to handle different tasks, increasing operational efficiency. This flexibility is particularly valuable in industries with high product variability such as consumer electronics, automotive and foodprocessing,” concluded Future Market Insights. n
Image: Shutterstock. com.
24 | ismr. net | ISMR May 2025