Contrary to popular opinion, innovations in robotic technology create machines that improve operational capacity in factories rather than replace human labor. The aim is to create a system where machines perform tedious, unwanted tasks and free human resources for more demanding, complex tasks.
The modern robotic arm is an example of the developmental aspect of human-machine collaboration. Since the 1970s, the use of the industrial robot has gained significant ground in creating a safer and more efficient working environment, with this technology rapidly integrating into several production and assembly fields.
In principle, the robot arm is more flexible, has better handling and is easy to assemble. You are also looking at technology that has become fully autonomous and can perform multiple tasks with little to no supervision. That said, here is an overview of the strides made by robotics and what manufacturers should look forward to in the future.
Current State of Robot Arm Technology
At present, the robot arm is one of the highest-grossing robot techs, with millions of units sold each year. This collaborative technology opens up new frontiers based on its vast integration into multiple industries. Modern varieties are equipped with a higher payload, further reach, higher speed, and easy programming.
This equipment is also safer, requires less floor space to operate, and can share a workspace with human labor. Robot arms are also equipped with vision and motion sensors to help them safely maneuver through factory floors and reduce the rate of injury.
The demand for collaborative robots is rapidly increasing, mainly because these machines are more flexible and compact. Unlike other industrial robots, this variety complements the human workforce rather than replaces unskilled labor. With an estimated worth of $7.5 in the next five years, this industry is becoming a regular feature purely on value analysis.
Since 2018, robot arm purchases have grown by 60% annually, and this figure is projected to grow even further in 2022. Electronic and automotive industries are the largest adopters of this technology, with manufacturing and medicine following close behind. These figures are based on direct investment, and it is only a matter of time before retail outlets begin to heavily invest in it.
Collaborative robots are showing tremendous growth, making one of the largest shareholders in robot sales worldwide. On top of reducing production costs, these robot arms also increase factory efficiency and maintain quality at the highest level.
Material handling is the most common application for robot shipping, with most of the usage being in product assembly and pick and place functions. Projections for this equipment show that the industry will be worth $1.5 billion at the close of 2022 and up to $7.5 billion in the next five years.
Key Stats
Here are a few statistics that show how the robot arm will be a tremendous market in the future.
- Up to 30% of global businesses are expected to adopt artificial intelligence in 2022. This is up from a previous 15% in 2021.
- 34% of Industrial robots purchased today are mainly collaborative. The reason for this is they work with humans rather than replace them. Collaborative robots factor in safety protocols that allow them to operate effectively with humans without the risk of injury.
The fascinating thing is that cobots only represented a mere 3% of industrial robot purchases in 2016. This rapid growth is a testament to how much this industry has grown in a little under five years.
- The introduction of robots that can locate, process, and package items for shipment has also made this technology useful in many circles. Large companies with huge factories are the biggest beneficiaries, as this will save time and lower operational costs.
- As of 2021, robotic use rose by 50% in healthcare and medical practice. Modern hospitals across the globe are using robot arms in surgery and various applications in caregiving. We also used intelligent robots in customer service, marketing, and other service-oriented fields across the board.
Retraining and Retaining Human Resource
The rate at which factories incorporate robotic technology is faster than most people can adapt. This fact alone will be a problem if factories do not train the human workforce to collaborate with modern robots. The unskilled labor force is likely to fall on the wayside if they do not adapt to these new systems.
Robots are taking up most low-level jobs and are performing better and more effectively. As unskilled personnel, it is crucial to get technical training to survive this technological surge. There will be a need for workers to gain the ability to transition rapidly to other more demanding job descriptions.
Robots are outperforming humans in many fields. The more this happens, the more humans will be required to maintain a competitive edge. Although robots will kill jobs in the next 10-20 years, they also establish an environment that facilitates job creation. They create a system that provides new job opportunities that humans are more suited to.
Even with the best tech, robots can only operate on instruction. Even the most advanced AI is limited by its inability to think for itself, meaning humans still have the upper hand. Inventors are hard at work trying to develop free-thinking robots, but this has not been realized.
Essentially, robots are still incapable of perception, learning, and reasoning. Training the human workforce is a better investment, and it produces results. Currently, most robotic arms can only perform repetitive and pre-programmed tasks-this severely limits their ability to replace even an aging workforce.
The fundamental question here is how well can new robotic technology deal with shifting variables and an ever-changing work environment. Can they quickly learn new systems without a constant change in software? For the most part, robot functionality deals with repetition and not adaptive capability.
Bottom Line
Robotic technology is here to stay. While many people are apprehensive about robots taking over the world, they still improve production processes and enhance living standards. Mostly, robotics has more advantages than it does pitfalls. It is for this precise reason that we should embrace it.
Follow Technoroll for more!
Editorial Staff of the TechnoRoll, are a bunch of Tech Writers, who are writing on the trending topics related to technology news and gadgets reviews.
