International Federation of Robotics (IFR) announced in early January where robot density is the densest in the world. The stock of operational robots around the world has now reached a new record of about 3.9 million. This number has been driven by some extraordinary technological innovations. IFR lists five robot trends.
The speed at which robots are being deployed in factories around the world is impressive: the new average robot density worldwide has reached a record 151 robots per 10,000 workers. This is more than double the number measured in 2016. According to the IFR , there are five robot trends that have been gaining ground recently.
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
The trend of using artificial intelligence in robotics and automation continues to grow. The rise of generative AI is enabling new solutions. This subset of AI specialises in creating something new from things it has learned through training and has been made popular by tools such as ChatGPT. Robot manufacturers are developing generative AI-driven interfaces that allow users to programme robots more intuitively by using natural language instead of code. Workers no longer need specialised programming skills to select and customise the robot's actions.
Predictive maintenance
In addition to generative AI, predictive AI is becoming increasingly common . Data on robot performance is analysed to determine the future state of systems. Predictive maintenance can reduce machine downtime. In automotive, every hour of unplanned downtime costs an estimated $1.3 million - reports the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation. This points to the huge cost-saving potential of predictive maintenance. Machine learning can also analyse data from multiple robots performing the same process. The benefit of this is optimisation. In general, the more data a machine learning algorithm receives, the better it performs.
2 - Cobots expand into new applications
Human-robot collaboration remains a key trend in robotics. Rapid advances in sensors, vision technologies and smart grippers allow robots to react to changes in their environment in real time, working safely alongside human workers.
Cobots offer a new tool and can relieve and support workers. They can help with tasks that require lifting heavy parts, repetitive movements or working in hazardous environments. The range of collaborative applications offered by robot manufacturers continues to grow. A recent market development is the increase in cobot welding applications, driven by a shortage of skilled welders. This demand shows that automation is not causing a labour shortage, but rather a means to solve this shortage. New competitors are also entering the market with a specific focus on cobots. Mobile manipulators, the combination of collaborative robotic arms and mobile robots (AMRs), offer new use cases that could significantly increase the demand for cobots.
3 - Mobile manipulators
Mobile manipulators - so-called "MoMas" - automate material handling tasks in sectors such as automotive, logistics or aerospace. They combine the mobility of robotic platforms with the agility of manipulator arms. This allows them to navigate through complex environments and manipulate objects, which is crucial for applications in manufacturing. Equipped with sensors and cameras, these robots perform inspections and maintenance tasks on machines and equipment. One of the key advantages of MoMas is their ability to collaborate and support workers. A shortage of skilled technicians is likely to increase demand.
4 - Digital twins
Digital twin technology is increasingly being used as a tool to optimise the performance of a physical system by creating a virtual replica. As robots are increasingly digitally integrated into factories, digital twins can use their real-world operational data to run simulations and predict likely outcomes. Because the twin exists purely as a computer model, it can be tested and modified without safety implications. This leads to cost savings. Digital twins bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
5 - Humanoid robots
Robotics is witnessing significant advances in humanoid robots. They are designed to perform a wide range of tasks in different environments. Thanks to its humanoid design with two arms and two legs, the robot can be flexibly deployed in working environments that are actually made for humans. It can therefore be easily integrated into existing warehouse processes and infrastructure, for example.
Robot trends
"The five mutually reinforcing robot trends in 2024 show that robotics is a multidisciplinary field where technologies come together to create intelligent solutions for a wide range of tasks," says Marina Bill, president of the International Federation of Robotics. "These advances continue to shape the convergence of the industrial and service robotics sectors and the future of work."
