Robotic automation to receive a significant boost with the advent of AI technology

AI will revolutionize the field of robotics and automation, setting a new pace of development. The introduction of AI in software development will make it more cost-effective and efficient, allowing for the creation of customized and optimized solutions for various tasks. This advancement in software development is akin to bringing two horses and a plough to the process, making it much more productive. However, expertise in automation will still be a valuable resource as AI continues to transform the manufacturing industry.

It is intriguing to witness how AI has already impacted the lives of office workers, even before it has fully integrated into factory practices. In the coming year, I anticipate that machine learning will bring its benefits to a wider range of manufacturers. The technology is already available, with many partners developing AI applications that enable robots to perform complex and diverse functions. AI allows robots to possess human-like perception, handle variation, move parts precisely, adapt to changing environments, and learn from their own experiences. Over time, these capabilities will lead to unparalleled flexibility, quality, and reliability in the manufacturing sector.

Advancements in robotics software will facilitate increased collaboration and the ability to reuse resources. Robotics software serves as the digital connection between users and their mechanical counterparts, surpassing mere physical interaction. The progress in software development will pave the way for enhanced levels of sharing and reusability by 2024. Imagine a world where the existing software assets can be leveraged, such as components, interfaces, and algorithms, across various applications instead of starting from scratch. This principle is already at the core of our UR+ partner ecosystem, streamlining innovation and reducing time-to-market. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the evolution of this concept in the coming year.

In addition, companies will merge their IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) sectors, utilizing data to enhance their operations. The future of manufacturing is intricately tied to the integration of IT and OT, as data will serve as the foundation for innovation and efficiency. Research indicates that the manufacturing industry has been at the forefront of adopting cloud-based software services, and some customers have already begun utilizing these services to improve quality, cost efficiency, and predictability. This gives confidence that in 2024, world will witness the growth of data-driven logistics and manufacturing systems.

Many people still hold an outdated perception of the cloud, viewing it solely as a means of collecting and backing up data, similar to how it can be used in our personal lives. However, the true potential and power of the cloud extend far beyond data storage and machine connectivity. The real transformative leap occurs when cloud-based software services facilitate the connection between humans and machines, enabling manufacturers to streamline complex processes and make more informed decisions.

The advantages of this digital evolution are substantial. By providing remote access to manufacturing data, the cloud enables swift responses to issues and continuous improvement in automation. With the increasing importance of dynamic systems, reliable cloud technologies offer state-of-the-art services and the latest in security measures. Companies in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) sector emphasize this progress, promising enhanced efficiency and reduced downtime through visualization of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and predictive maintenance.

As approaching 2024, manufacturers stand to benefit greatly from these advancements, achieving higher quality standards, reduced downtime, improved predictability, and cost optimization. This transition is not just a choice but a strategic necessity, supporting the shift towards high-volume, high-mix production, resilient supply chains, effective utilization of competitive data, and the pursuit of sustainability goals.

One particular area that will receive significant attention in the realm of robotics is logistics. Earlier this year, Interact Analysis examined the projected growth rates of robot shipments across various industries. The standout area of projected growth? Logistics, where Interact Analysis estimated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46 percent for collaborative robot (cobot) shipments between 2023 and 2027. This comes as no surprise, considering the rapid expansion of the market for non-industrial applications.

Like manufacturing, many logistics companies face serious labor shortages while pressure is increasing as a result of globalization, e-commerce and complex multichannel supply chains. More logistics, warehouse and distribution centers will turn to automation next year to provide services faster and with greater accuracy.

To take an example – facing the challenge of surging e-commerce demands, one logistics company, worked with revolutionized its fulfilment center with collaborative robots, resulting in a 500 percent surge in efficiency and order accuracy. The automation system, adept at processing thousands of orders daily, particularly excelled during peak periods, like Black Friday, where a robot managed up to 4,400 orders in one day with just a small crew for replenishment.

Robots– and the smart use of data – are poised to revolutionize logistics businesses across the whole value chain from incoming packages to outbound logistics.

The pace of development is robotics remains impressive and can be looked forward with great anticipation to another exciting year of progress.