The installation of industrial robots annually has tripled within ten years (2010-2019), reaching 381 thousand units in factories globally.
Dr. Susanne Bieller, General Secretary, IFR, said: “The mission to combine traditional production with ´go digital strategies´ puts robots in a pole position.”
The International Federation of Robotics highlights a few trends shaping industries around the globe as follows:
Robots are flexible to humans tasks: Artificial intelligence software combined with vision and other sensing systems, allow robots to master difficult tasks. One such task is bin picking, which was only feasible for a human hand until now. Next-gen robots are easy to install and program. Advances in communication protocols integrate robots seamlessly into automation and Industry 4.0 strategies.
Smart factories robots: The automotive industry pioneered smart factory solutions utilizing industrial robots throughout assembly lines that have dominated traditional automobile production for more than 100 years. The future belongs to the networked interaction of robots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). When models are changed completely, it is only necessary to reprogram the robots and AMRs rather than dismantling the entire production line.
Robots enter new sectors: The connectivity breakthroughs, contribute to increased robot adoption in manufacturing sectors have recently turned to automation, such as food and beverage, textiles, wood products and plastics. Ongoing digital transformation will lead to completely new business models because producers can diversify easily.
Robots reduce carbon footprint: Reduction in carbon footprint will drive investments in modern robot technology. Modern robots are energy-efficient, reducing the energy consumption of production. Through higher precision, they also produce substandard goods with few rejections.
Robots help secure supply chains: The ongoing pandemic highlights the weakness of globalized supply chains. Robots allow manufacturers the opportunity to rethink supply from a different angle. When productivity is levelled through automation, manufacturers possess increased flexibility that may not have been available in high-wage countries.
