According to the International Federation of Robotics, industrial robot implementation will be driven by simplification, collaboration and digitalization
The International Federation of Robotics say that simplification, collaboration and digitalization are key drivers that will benefit robot implementation.
According to IFR, from 2020 to 2022 almost 2 million new units of industrial robots are expected to be installed in factories around the world.
“Smart robotics and automation are vital to deal with new consumer trends, demand for product variety or challenges from trade barriers”, said Susanne Bieller, general secretary of the IFR. "New technological solutions pave the way for more flexibility in production."
IFR says that programming and installation of robots will become much easier with digital sensors combined with smart software allowing direct teaching methods, so-called “Programming by Demonstration”. Then the task that the robot arm is to perform is first executed by a human: taking the robot arm and hand-guiding it through the movements. This data is then transformed by the software into the digital program of the robot arm. In future, machine learning tools will further enable robots to learn by trial-and-error or by video demonstration and self-optimize.
Human-robot collaboration is another important trend in robotics says IFR. With the ability to work in tandem with humans, modern robotic systems are able to adapt to a changing environment. The range of collaborative applications offered by robot manufacturers continues to expand. Currently, shared workspace applications are most common. Robot and worker operate alongside each other, completing tasks sequentially. Applications in which the human and the robot work at the same time on the same part are even more challenging. Research and Development focuses on methods to enable robots to respond in real-time. Just like two human workers would collaborate, the R&D teams want them to adjust its motion to its environment, allowing for a responsive collaboration. These solutions include voice, gesture and recognition of intent from human motion. Collaborative operations will complement investments in traditional industrial robots.
Finally, industrial robots are the central components of digital and networked production as used in industry 4.0 says IFR. The “OPC Robotics Companion Specification,” which has been developed by a joint working group of the VDMA and the Open Platform Communications Foundation, defines a standardized generic interface for industrial robots and enables industrial robots to connect into the Industrial Internet of Things. The digital connectivity of robots with cloud technology is also an enabler for new business models: Robot leasing for example - called Robots-as-a-Service - has advantages that might be especially attractive for small and medium-sized enterprises: no committed capital, fixed costs, automatic upgrades and no need for high-qualified robot operators.
Are your heavy duty, automation applications tired of the mess, space, complexity, cost and other issues related to hydraulic systems? Converting to electromechanical linear actuators...
Industrial motors account for a significant portion of energy costs. But reduced power spend isn’t the only advantage of using drives. And motor selection isn’t always...
Watch our one-hour on-demand webinar where industry leaders in the battery sector— Jagenberg Group, Eirich and Siemens- come together to forge the path towards a sustainable battery...
