Trends and recent developments in robotics that have marked this ending 2022.
This article compiles the points that you may perhaps have missed. Welcome!
The rise of AI robots. 2022 has been an important year for the development of Artificial Intelligence integrated in robotics. This machine learning technology still has some way to go, but considerable evolution is already being experienced, enabling autonomous mobile robots with advanced capabilities or sensors, for example vision, that collect, analyze, manage information and make more accurate decisions.
Labor shortages have led to the growth of automation. Robotics is an enabler to perform tasks that humans reject. Industry is finding it increasingly difficult to find workers to perform the most repetitive, tedious or physically heavy types of work. Robots are the solution to bridge this labor gap. The data on the growth of automation through robotics are decisive: according to the IFR, in 2021, half a million new industrial robot installations exceeded half a million for the first time and are expected to reach 700,000 new units installed per year by 2025.
Process automation leads to higher employment rates. Robots replace some of the hardest jobs previously done by operators. But one of the benefits of automation through robotics is the consequent increase in productivity and expansion of companies and greater employability.
Betting on robotics R&D. The recent COVID-19 crisis highlighted the relevant contribution of robotics to society and its various industrial sectors. Funding by different governments in robotics R&D programs keeps increasing to allow technology companies continue moving towards new innovation models and more advanced robotic systems.
Cobot expansion. On other occasions we have talked about the rise of collaborative robots or cobots. It is undoubtedly one of the most expanded robotics developments in 2022. The cobot market is growing by an average of 40% per year.
Trends and new developments in robotics for 2023
Some highlights that anticipate the trends in robotics for the coming year.
Robotics and cybersecurity.
Digital insecurity and vulnerability to certain digital risks also affect autonomous mobile robots. New developments in robotics revolve around this aspect, which is, in fact, one of the biggest technological challenges in the short-medium term. To make progress in this regard, collaboration between the legislative side, technology developers and companies is necessary. In 2023, work will continue to ensure robotic security against potential virtual threats that put at risk the data processed and stored by robots and their system in general.
Increased investment in Artificial Intelligence.
This is not a passing technology; rather, AI is here to stay. Governments are going to increase further investment in AI to maximize the potential applications. Evolving algorithms provide new advances in robotics that minimize the possibility of errors.
Robotics and sustainability.
The use of mobile robots in different industrial sectors brings with it greater environmental sustainability for many reasons: energy savings, use of cleaner energies than traditional ones, reduction of the carbon impact or control of gas emissions, among others.
Mobile Handling.
Customers are looking for more precise and intelligent ways of automation, but at the same time, simpler in terms of usability and ergonomics of the robots they purchase. As a result, the demand for autonomous mobile manipulator robots has increased. A single mobile platform that integrates a robotic arm and thus offers the possibility to execute handling tasks in different locations autonomously. This technology erases many of the limits that traditional robotics implied: the static nature, the cost of installing the infrastructure, the limited possibility of evolution, etc.
In this new year, a new type of consumer is emerging who is more informed about the latest robotics developments, who is clearer about the automation needs of his or her business and who looks to robotics for real solutions. In conclusion, it is essential that in 2023 it is the customer who will be at the center of new developments in robotics: listening to their needs to offer the specific tool is Robotnik’s priority.