The top 5 trends in robotics in 2023 that are shaping the future of automation in the year 2023
The field of robotics and automation continues to evolve at a rapid pace, revolutionizing industries worldwide. In 2023, the International Federation of Robotics identified five key trends shaping the future of robotics and automation. These trends highlight the increasing role of robots in various sectors and demonstrate the potential for transformative advancements.
1. Energy Efficiency
Amidst rising energy costs, companies strive to enhance their competitiveness by improving energy efficiency. The adoption of robotics plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. Traditional assembly lines are being replaced by robotic systems that offer considerable energy savings through reduced heating. Moreover, robots operate at high speed, increasing production rates and making manufacturing more time- and energy-efficient.
Today’s robots are designed to consume less energy, resulting in lower business operating costs. To meet sustainability targets, industrial robots are equipped with energy-saving technology. For instance, robot controls can convert kinetic energy into electricity and feed it back into the power grid, significantly reducing energy consumption. Smart power-saving modes further optimize energy supply throughout the workday. Connected power sensors are also becoming an industry standard, enabling effective energy consumption monitoring.
2. Reshoring
Resilience and supply chain optimization have emerged as key drivers for reshoring in various industries. Car manufacturers, for example, are heavily investing in short supply lines to bring manufacturing processes closer to their customers. Robot automation plays a vital role in the cost-effective and large-scale production of powerful batteries for electric vehicles. These investments eliminate the need for shipping heavy batteries, aligning with safety regulations enforced by logistics companies.
Another reshoring trend is the relocation of microchip production back to the US and Europe. As semiconductor chips are essential components in most industrial products, ensuring their proximity to customers is crucial. Robots play a significant role in chip manufacturing, meeting stringent precision requirements. Specialized robots automate silicon wafer fabrication, cleaning, and testing of integrated circuits. Recent examples include new chip factories in Ohio and the Saarland region of Germany.
3. Robots Easier to Use
Robot programming has become more accessible to non-experts, making it easier for businesses to adopt automation. Software-driven automation platforms enable users to manage industrial robots without prior programming experience. Original equipment manufacturers collaborate with low-code or even no-code technology partners, allowing users of all skill levels to program robots.
User-friendly software and intuitive interfaces replace extensive robotics programming, opening up new opportunities for automation. Start-ups are entering the market with specialized solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized companies. For example, heavy industrial robots can be equipped with sensors and new software that facilitates collaborative setup operations. This enables workers to easily adjust machinery for different tasks, combining the precision of industrial robots with state-of-the-art cobot software.
Additionally, easy-to-use programming interfaces empower customers to set up robots, driving the emerging segment of low-cost robotics. In response to the demand spurred by the pandemic, robot suppliers have developed easy setup and installation processes, providing pre-configured software for grippers, sensors, or controllers. These robots are often available through web shops, and application-specific program routines can be downloaded from app stores.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Automation
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements are propelling robotics to new heights. Robot suppliers and system integrators offer new applications and enhance existing ones in speed and quality. Connected robots are transforming manufacturing processes, operating as part of a connected digital ecosystem facilitated by Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, and 5G mobile networks.
AI plays a pivotal role in robotics by enabling better managing variability and unpredictability in the external environment. AI algorithms, particularly those supporting machine learning, optimize processes, enable predictive maintenance, and enhance vision-based gripping. Manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers benefit from AI dealing with frequently changing products, orders, and stock. The versatility of AI algorithms provides cost-effective and efficient solutions for handling millions of different products in dynamic environments.
5. Second Life for Industrial Robots
Industrial robots have a service life of up to thirty years, presenting an opportunity to give older models a “second life.” Industrial robot manufacturers have established specialized repair centers near their customers to refurbish or upgrade used units resource-efficiently. This “prepare-to-repair” strategy benefits robot manufacturers and helps customers save costs and reduce resource consumption. Offering long-term repair solutions contributes to the principles of the circular economy.
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