It’s not difficult to see that robots will continue to play substantial roles in society this year. However, there are some robotics trends likely to be especially prominent. Let’s explore them.
1. Collaborative Robots Used in Manufacturing to Support Labor Needs
Collaborative robots ” sometimes called cobots ” are those that work alongside humans to help them do tasks faster. They’re mainly popular in manufacturing since companies frequently run tight schedules and know failing to keep pace is a costly problem.
Throughout the United States and Europe, manufacturing plants are increasingly relying on cobots, and that trend should continue beyond this year, too. Statistics from a report published by the International Federation of Robotics indicate a projected 15 percent growth rate in industrial robotics from 2018-2020 and show cobots taking a leading role in propelling that increase.
They typically perform low-skill, repetitive tasks while humans handle the matters that need additional critical thinking skills. Also, a German auto manufacturer was able to use a cobot to work night shifts, giving humans time to rest while achieving a 24-hour operating schedule.
These are just some of the ways cobots are helping conquer skill shortages in the manufacturing sector ” without leaving humans jobless.
2. The Rise of Robotics as a Service
Robotics as a Service (RaaS) allows organizations to integrate robotics into existing cloud computing models, thereby illustrating a promising partnership that estimates indicate will become extremely lucrative.
A market research report from Technavio highlighting the global RaaS market shows a growth rate of more than $713 million from 2018-2020. It also discusses how companies in the Americas should account for approximately 43 percent of that uptake.
When companies use robots to meet operating goals, RaaS platforms help them speedily retrieve data from the machinery and analyze it to determine if things are on track or need adjustment.
RaaS providers can also handle robot maintenance or integrate numerous bots and databases for better efficiency. In turn, it becomes easier for businesses to scale up and handle growing client needs.
Companies in the RaaS market offer Wi-Fi-enabled robots that operate with cloud-based resources. Some also provide robots on a rental basis, allowing clients to purchase robotic equipment that includes other necessities, such as periodic servicing.
3. Better-Than-Ever Robots Used in Operating Rooms
Using robots to perform surgeries is not a new trend in itself, but many of the robotic medical machinery unveiled in 2018 is likely to have extremely intelligent capabilities. For example, the Senhance system, which recently earned FDA approval, facilitates laparoscopic surgeries and features haptic feedback that allows surgeons to experience tactile stimulations, informing them about the tissues the robot touches.
Depending on positioning in the environment and the tasks they perform, surgical robots could keep healthcare staff away from surgical smoke, which has been proven to be cytotoxic. Analysts also believe robotic technology will soon help with essential tasks like suturing, allowing surgeons to save time without compromising patient care.
4. More Personal/Consumer Robots Available
The popularity of the Amazon Echo apparently made tech manufacturers eager to capitalize on convenience by offering many household-oriented, helpful robots at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Even if some aren’t available to buy this year, expect this trend to make people more curious than ever about how robots could simplify their lives.
One called Aeolus recognizes objects and can pick them up off the floor to put them back in their rightful places. It uses brooms and mops to tackle household tasks as well.
There’s also the appropriately named Walker, which is notably the first commercialized biped for consumers. It responds to voice and touchscreen commands and can control smart home gadgets, play music or even assume a security role.
Honda also showed it was especially interested in the trend of people buying and using robots to help them with life. It unveiled several models at CES 2018, including one that shows emotions to humans and others that look like carts and double as transportation devices or help carry cargo.
In mid-2018, people can reportedly buy a consumer version of the iPal, a humanoid robot equipped with sensors and a camera. It’s aimed at kids ” and parents who want to keep an eye on them ” but there’s a market for the iPal in the elderly population, too.
5. An Increase in Robots Used for Military Purposes
News about some of the military’s tests indicate the people who engage in global warfare will show a greater dependence on robots.
The Army, in particular, has ramped up its investment in autonomous vehicles for military uses and believes the robotics-driven innovations could protect soldiers traveling through especially dangerous areas.
Last October, the Army announced a competition that would award the winning company the right to supply the military branch with thousands of robotic vehicles. Polaris Industries is one of the numerous companies vying for the opportunity.
Analysts also say robots will be used even more frequently for defusing bombs, allowing humans to stay further away from explosive devices and reduce their chances of getting hurt if one detonates.
Similarly, artificial intelligence could help robots with mapping and imaging techniques, allowing them to survey buildings for booby traps before sending troops inside for further investigations. This technology would improve situational awareness.
Robots could assist with peacekeeping duties, too, thereby maintaining safe perimeters for civilians and preventing disastrous consequences. Experts say the technology available to do so is already available to buy, but it would involve purchasers using it in pioneering ways.
Understandably, some people have qualms about the military becoming more dependent on robotics in warfare, fearing the bots would become killing machines that have no regard for human life.
Although, people with alternative views point out that if robots can perform permissible military functions with fewer errors and less risk than humans, they should be allowed to do so because the result could save soldier and civilian lives.
This list highlights how there’s a lot to get excited about in the robotics sector. As these trends come into the forefront this year and beyond, they may forever change how humans work and live.
