Authoritative Release! Five major trends in robot technology in 2024!

2024-02-27

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) recently listed the top five global robot trends for this year and attributed the growing demand for automation to technological innovation.

IFR pointed out that in 2022, global inventory of operating robots set a new record of approximately 3.9 million units, with an average robot density (number of robots per 10000 human workers) rising to 151.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning help more robots

The trend of using artificial intelligence in robotics and automation is constantly growing.

Especially, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence has opened up new possibilities. IFR explains that this subset of artificial intelligence is specifically designed to create new things from what it learns through training, and generative artificial intelligence has been popularized by tools such as ChatGPT.

Robot manufacturers have begun developing interfaces driven by generative artificial intelligence, allowing users to program systems more intuitively using natural language rather than code. Experts predict that workers will no longer need specialized programming skills to select and adjust robot actions.

IFR suggests that another example of technology combination is the use of predictive artificial intelligence to analyze robot performance data and determine the future state of equipment, while predictive maintenance can save manufacturers machine downtime costs.

According to the Information Technology&Innovation Foundation, unplanned downtime in the automotive parts industry is estimated to cost $1.3 million per hour. This indicates that predictive maintenance has the potential to save costs.

Machine learning algorithms can also analyze data from multiple robots performing the same process for optimization. IFR indicates that generally speaking, the more data a machine learning algorithm provides, the better its performance.

Expanding Collaborative Robots to New Applications

Human machine collaboration remains a major trend in robotics technology.

The rapid development of sensors, visual technology, and intelligent grippers enables robots to respond in real-time to changes in the environment, thereby working safely with human workers.

Collaborative robot applications provide a new tool for human workers, reducing their burden and support. Collaborative robots can assist in completing tasks that require heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or working in hazardous environments.

The scope of collaborative applications provided by robot manufacturers is constantly expanding, and the recent market development is the increase in collaborative robot welding applications, which is due to a shortage of skilled welders.

The demand indicates that automation has not led to labor shortages, but rather provides a solution to labor shortages.

Therefore, collaborative robots will complement rather than replace investment in traditional industrial robots, which operate much faster, and therefore remain important for improving productivity to cope with low product profit margins.

In addition, IFR points out that new competitors are entering the market, with a particular focus on collaborative robots. The combination of collaborative robotic arms and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) in mobile robotic arms provides new use cases that can expand the demand for collaborative robots.

Mobile robotic arms achieve automation of material handling

Mobile robotic arms (also known as "MoMas") can automatically perform material handling tasks in industries such as automotive, logistics, or aerospace.

They combine the mobility of mobile robots with the dexterity of collaborative robot arms, enabling them to navigate and manipulate objects in complex environments, which IFR indicates is crucial for manufacturing applications.

These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras to perform inspection and maintenance tasks on machinery and equipment. One advantage of mobile robots is that they can collaborate and support human workers. The IFR asserts that a shortage of skilled labor and a shortage of employees applying for factory work may increase demand.

Digital twins help optimize performance

Digital twin technology is increasingly being used as a tool to optimize physical system performance by creating virtual replicas.

Due to the increasing level of digital integration of robots in factories, digital twins can use their real-world operational data to run simulations and predict possible outcomes.

IFR states that digital twin technology can inspect all experiments, conduct stress testing and modifications before being exposed to the physical world, without creating safety hazards, while saving costs. Digital twin technology can effectively bridge the gap between the simulated world and the physical world.

Humanoid robots will move forward

"Robotics technology is witnessing significant advancements in humanoid robots, aimed at performing various tasks in various environments"

IFR indicates that the humanoid design with two arms and two legs allows this robot to be flexibly used in environments built for humans. Therefore, companies may find it easier to integrate humanoid robots into existing infrastructure and facilities, such as warehouses.

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