ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION
A Stäubli AGV with high payload ( 20 tons ). Image courtesy of Stäubli .
level of 40,373 units achieved in 2018 .
“ The main growth driver was the automotive industry that displayed surging installations by + 47 % ( 14,472 units ). The share of the automotive industry has now grown back to 37 %, followed by the metal and machinery industry ( 3,900 units ) and the electrical / electronics industry ( 3,732 units ),” explained the IFR .
The two other major markets are Mexico , where installations grew by 13 % ( 6,000 units ), and Canada , where demand dropped by 24 % ( 3,223 units ). This was the result of lower demand from the automotive industry , the strongest adopter , according to the report .
“ Brazil is an important production site for motor vehicles and automotive parts . The International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers ( OICA ) reported an output of 2.4 million vehicles in 2022 . This shows the huge potential for automation in the country . Annual installation counts grew rather slowly with cyclical ups and downs . In 2022 , 1,858 robots were installed . This was 4 % more than in the previous year ,” confirmed the IFR .
Global outlook
“ The year 2023 will be characterized by a slowdown in global economic growth . Robot installations in 2023 are not expected to follow this pattern . There is no indication that the overall long-term growth trend will come to an end soon : rather , the opposite will be the case . The target of 600,000 units installed per year worldwide is expected to be reached in 2024 ,” continued the IFR .
It noted that supply-chain constraints are easing although inflation remains high . It also pinpointed various technological trends affecting robotics . These included cloud computing ; 5G mobile networks ; new business models ; fully digitalised production ; machine vision ; simplified programming ; re- as well as near-shoring of production and the advent of artificial intelligence . Small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) increasingly need easy access to automation , it added , lowering the hurdles for robotisation . It therefore launched a new online platform , Go4 Robotics , to raise robotic awareness . n
https :// ifr . org /
About the IFR
The International Federation of Robotics is a professional non-profit organisation , established in 1987 , as a communication and networking platform . It has around 90 members ( national robotics associations ; R & D institutes ; robot suppliers
WATCH and integrators ), with over 3000 organisations represented VIDEO indirectly .
Robot deburring cell with Yaskawa handling robot deburring and chamfering all types of gearing components . Image courtesy of Yaskawa .
Go4Robotics programme
The labour shortage has become one of the most pressing challenges for small and midsized enterprises ( SMEs ) in OECD countries . The manufacturing sector is hit especially hard by high job vacancy rates . Since robots are becoming easier to install , implement and operate , SMEs have greater access to automation . The new Go4Robotics online platform by IFR provides independent guidance for their automation journey .
“ The lack of skilled labour is a strong driver for automation in many countries ,” said Dr . Susanne Bieller , IFR ´ s General Secretary . “ In fact , statistics from the EU say that three quarters of all companies across the EU have a problem attracting workers with the required skills .”
The new online platform , Go4Robotics , from the IFR raises awareness of the many benefits provided by robotics . Small and midsized enterprises can find educational content that comes with a checklist . Experts dispel myths about segments that are relatively new to automation . Managers can also learn how to benefit from new trends , such as easy-to-program robots for nonexperts .
“ Given a choice , many young people prefer to work in a company that uses future technology . If there is a robot operating on the shop floor , the employer can advertise a job to prospective employees as work that involves controlling a robot . This is often a game-changer . Since the robot takes on the 4 ‘ Ds ’ of dull , dirty , dangerous and difficult work , their use is even more attractive . Employees have more time to skill-up for more interesting jobs ,” added the IFR . For further information , see https :// go4robotics . com /
28 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023