ABB identifies new frontiers for robotics and AI in 2024
CONTROL & AUTOMATION AI SOLUTIONS
ABB ROBOTICS
ABB identifies new frontiers for robotics and AI in 2024
Marc Segura , President ABB Robotics Division , identifies three drivers for robotics-driven AI solutions in 2024 , as ABB continues expansion in new segments not previously served by robotic automation .
“ The coming year will see a growing focus on the critical role of AI ,” said Marc Segura , President ABB Robotics Division . “ From mobile robots and cobots , to enabling new robotic applications in new sectors and creating new opportunities for people to learn and develop , these new frontiers for AI are redefining the future of industrial robotics .”
1 - AI will drive new levels of autonomy in robotic applications Accelerating progress in AI is redefining what is possible with industrial robotics . AI is enhancing everything from robots ’ ability to grip , pick and place as well as their ability to map and navigate through dynamic environments . From mobile robots to cobots and beyond , AI is giving robots unprecedented levels of speed , accuracy , and payload carrying ability , enabling them to take on more tasks in settings like flexible factories , warehouses , logistics centers and laboratories .
“ AI-enabled mobile robots can transform sectors like discrete manufacturing , logistics and laboratories ,” said Segura . “ Robots equipped with ABB ’ s new Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping ( Visual SLAM ) technology , for example , have advanced mapping and navigation skills , granting new levels of autonomy , while greatly reducing the infrastructure needed by previous generations of guided robots . This paves the way for a shift from linear production lines to dynamic networks , creating significant efficiencies and taking on more dull , dirty and dangerous tasks , to enable workers to take up more rewarding jobs .”
2 - AI will see robots enter new sectors The potential offered by AI-enabled robotics is influencing sectors far beyond manufacturing . In 2024 , these technologies are expected to bring substantial efficiency improvements to more dynamic environments , such as healthcare and life sciences , as well as retail . Another example is the construction industry , where AIpowered robotics can make a material contribution to boosting productivity , enhancing safety and sustainable construction practices while spurring growth .
“ The construction industry is a great example of a sector where AI-powered robots will prove transformative , delivering real value by addressing many of the issues facing the industry today , including worker shortages , safety issues and stagnant productivity ,” said Segura . “ Abilities such as enhanced recognition and decisionmaking offered by AI , coupled with advances in collaborative robots enable safe deployment alongside workers . These advances also enable robots to perform key tasks such as bricklaying , modular assembly and 3D printing with greater precision and speed , all while contributing to more sustainable construction by lowering emissions , such as concrete mixing on site , to reducing the need to transport materials across far distances with onsite assembly ”
3 - AI will offer new opportunities for education and working with robots The advances being made in AI and robotics is significant for training and education , closing the automation skills gap and making robots more accessible to more people and businesses . With AI making programming easier , through leadthrough and even natural language , education can shift more towards how robots can assist humans more effectively , rather than just teaching programming skills . This transition will make robots more approachable and bring them to a wider audience , leading to new job prospects while helping alleviate labor and skills shortages .
“ A shortage of people with the skills needed to program and support robots has long been a hurdle to the uptake of robotic automation , especially in small to medium sized manufacturing companies ,” said Segura . “ We will see this increasingly being overcome as advances in generative AI lower the barriers to automation and expand the focus of education beyond programming . Developments in natural language programming , powered by AI in which workers can verbally instruct a robot in its task , will create a new dynamic in human-robot interactions .”
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42 PECM Issue 67