Top 5 Industrial Robot Trends In 2023
Robots are becoming more sophisticated and capable as robotic technology advances at an unprecedented rate. From manufacturing to healthcare, robots are being used in many industries to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity. With the year 2023 upon us, it's worth looking at the top 5 trends in robots that we can expect to see in the coming year.
These trends include advancements in artificial intelligence, the integration of robots in our daily lives, the rise of collaborative robots, the development of more affordable robots, and the continued expansion of the robotics market. Let's explore these exciting developments in more detail below.
1. Increase In Refurbished Robots
Refurbished industrial robots are becoming increasingly common as businesses seek more cost-effective ways to implement automation in their manufacturing processes. With rapid technological advancements, industrial robots are becoming obsolete faster than ever. Many companies find purchasing new robots prohibitively expensive compared to purchasing
used industrial robots.
2. Reshoring Robot Manufacturing
In recent years, robot companies have been reshoring their production and manufacturing processes to the countries where they sell their products. This trend is driven by several factors, including rising labor costs in traditional manufacturing centers like China and a desire to be closer to customers and reduce shipping times and costs.
Reshoring allows companies to gain greater control over their supply chain and reduce their exposure to geopolitical risks, such as tariffs, trade disputes, and shortages. By producing robots in the same country where they are sold, companies can also tailor their products to the needs and preferences of local markets.
Reshoring can create jobs in the countries where the products are sold, providing economic benefits to local communities. In some cases, governments, like the United States, have incentivized robot companies to reshore their production through tax breaks or subsidies.
Despite the benefits of reshoring, there are still challenges that companies still need to work on finding skilled workers and investing in new manufacturing facilities. However, with the growing demand for robots and the increasing importance of supply chain resilience, we expect more companies to consider reshoring as a strategic option for their business.
3. Becoming More Energy Efficient
Amidst increasing energy costs, energy efficiency has become crucial in improving companies' competitiveness. One way to lower energy consumption in manufacturing is by adopting robotics, which can bring considerable energy savings compared to traditional assembly lines. Robots can work at high speeds, increasing production rates and making the manufacturing process more time- and energy-efficient.
Modern robots are designed to consume less energy, resulting in lower operating costs. Companies increasingly use industrial robots equipped with energy-saving technology to meet sustainability targets for their production. For instance, robot controls can now convert kinetic energy into electricity and feed it back into the power grid, significantly reducing the energy required to run a robot.
Being energy efficient means intelligent power-saving modes can control the robot's on-demand energy supply throughout the workday, reducing energy consumption. As a result, connected power sensors are becoming an industry standard for robotic solutions, allowing industrial facilities to monitor their energy consumption while using energy-efficient robots.
4. More Artificial Intelligence Features
We expect to see an increase in industrial robots using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve in various ways. One of the most significant areas of improvement will be robots' ability to learn and adapt to new situations. With advances in machine learning and deep learning algorithms, robots can process and analyze large amounts of data in real-time, making more informed decisions and improving performance.
AI will enable robots to work collaboratively with humans, a trend known as "cobotics." With AI-powered robots, companies can develop human-robot teams that combine the unique strengths of both humans and machines, improving productivity, efficiency, and safety.
Plus, another key area where AI will enhance robots is the development of environmental learning by robots. By integrating AI algorithms, robots can navigate and interact with their environment more effectively while increasing their awareness of preventative maintenance schedules to decrease potential downtime.
5. Ease Of Use
Robot programming has become easier in recent years due to technological advances and the development of more user-friendly programming interfaces. In the past, programming robots was a complex and time-consuming task that required specialized knowledge and skills. However, with more intuitive and user-friendly programming tools, even non-experts can now program robots.
- User Interfaces:
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) allow programmers to control robots using drag-and-drop programming tools and pre-built libraries, making creating robot programs without extensive coding knowledge possible. Additionally, many of these tools provide real-time feedback and visualization, allowing programmers to identify and correct errors quickly.
- Simulation Software:
Simulation software allows programmers to test robot programs in a virtual environment before running them on an actual robot, reducing the risk of errors and improving programming efficiency. Some simulation software also includes pre-built models and libraries, further simplifying the programming process.
- Cloud-Based Programming Platforms:
This has made it easier for programmers to collaborate and share code. Cloud-based platforms provide easy access to programming tools and allow multiple users to work on the same code simultaneously, enabling faster and more efficient programming.
These advances in user interface technology and programming tools have made it easier for programmers to create and modify robot programs, reducing the time and resources required to implement and maintain robotic systems.
Industrial Robot Trends in 2023
In conclusion, 2023 promises to be a significant year for the robotics industry, with numerous advancements and innovations. From the use of AI to improve robot capabilities and human-robot collaboration to the increasing popularity of refurbished industrial robots and the trend of robot companies reshoring, these are just a few of the key trends shaping the future of robotics.
With an increased focus on energy efficiency and the development of more user-friendly programming tools, we can expect robots to become even more versatile, efficient, and accessible than ever before. As the robotics industry continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly revolutionize various industrial sectors, making them safer, more efficient, and more productive.