At Dura Digital we are completely focused on helping global companies achieve their goals of transforming for the future. There are incredible opportunities ahead in all industries – but also incredible challenges as well. To help customers understand what is even possible, we are starting a new series called Building the Future that will highlight key trends, new technologies and what we should all be prepared for in the future. Things like robotics, Web3, the metaverse and more might feel like they are new and emerging (even though some are here today!) – but they are coming and will be an important part of the transformation fabric companies around the world can build on and include in their plans.
We are kicking off our series with an analysis and overview of the robotics industry. We are big believers in the future of automation and how robotics can be applied to solve real problems for customers. But just figuring out where to start is part of the challenge!
Stay tuned for more Building the Future series –and enjoy our first one below!
The Robots are Coming!
With an estimated annual growth rate of about 15% and projected evaluations in excess of 200 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, the global robotics market is one of the most promising and fastest growing global industries.
For people looking to educate themselves about the robotics industry with limited previous experience or exposure, things might seem a little disorienting. To help with this, we have compiled a list of the most important categories of robots offered by the market today, their applications and the companies that specialize in manufacturing them. If you’d like to discuss anything more about these topics, contact us today to chat!
Industrial Robots
Overview
Some of the first robots to ever see widespread use, Industrial Robots are large and incredibly powerful. Originally developed in the 1950s for manufacturing purposes, these articulated robots use mechanical arms capable of 3 to 6-axis movement for large-scale manufacturing, assembly line and industrial applications. Industrial Robots can complete tasks quicker, more efficiently and more precisely than any human. Industrial Robots also work in environments which are generally too dangerous for humans to occupy, thus reducing the possibility of workplace injuries. Industrial Robots are not limited to only assembly line use. Smaller, CNC manufacturing machines, 3D printers and other "cartesian robots" are also generally considered to be Industrial Robots.
Applications
Industrial Robots are most frequently used in manufacturing for the automotive, electronic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the advent of compact CNC routers, laser cutters and other robots means that Industrial Robots are being used increasingly by small companies and amateurs alike. The most common applications for Industrial Robots include:
- Assembly
- Machining components (wood, metal, plastic, etc.)
- Painting
- Polishing, sanding
- Sealing, gluing, welding and soldering
- Machine tending (loading and unloading)
Example Companies
ABB, Epson, FANUC, KUKA, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Haas
Cobots
Overview
Short for Collaborative Robots, Cobots are an evolution of Industrial Robots designed to work in shared spaces with humans. Cobots are similarly articulated, using 6-axis mechanical arms to interact with their surroundings. These robots are made to be lighter and smaller than their industrial counterparts, with rounded components to avoid injuring human "collaborators" in close quarters. Cobots normally do not complete tasks with humans simultaneously. Instead, tasks are completed sequentially with humans and Cobots sharing the same workspaces. Like Industrial Robots, Cobots can complete certain tasks humans simply would not have the leverage or precision to execute. Cobots also work faster, more precisely and more efficiently, without the need for breaks. They can swap tools independently to perform various tasks and can be equipped with cameras and other sensors to better interact with their surroundings. However, human oversight is still necessary for quality control and ensuring the robots function properly.
Applications
Like Industrial Robots, Cobots are also frequently used in assembly line applications, though on a smaller scale in close proximity to humans. Common applications include:
- Polishing, sanding, routing
- Assembly
- Identifying, picking and placing objects
- Quality inspection and testing using sensors
- Sealing, gluing, welding, soldering
Example Companies
Universal Robots, ABB, Epson, FANUC, KUKA, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Overview
Autonomous Mobile Robots are robots which move and operate independently of humans in various working environments. As a result, the term AMR encompasses a variety of very capable robots. These robots are able to navigate and adjust to their environments using cameras and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) systems like LiDAR (Laser-imaging Detection and Ranging). iRobot's Roomba vacuuming robot is perhaps the most well-known example of a successful domestic AMR. However, AMRs are more common outside of domestic applications, primarily in factory logistics and in hospitals where they are used to transport components, materials and medicines from location to location in closed environments. On-board sensors allow these robots to adjust to and avoid people, objects and any obstacles in their way. AMRs integrated with AI software can even learn to adapt to their surroundings dynamically, avoiding crowded or difficult to navigate areas on certain days or at certain times for better efficiency. This technology will eventually pave the way for self-driving vehicles and other autonomous systems.
Applications
While the majority of AMRs are used to transport items and materiel, others can even take inventory autonomously and still others are AMR/Cobot hybrids, featuring an articulated arm on a moveable chassis. Eventually, AMR drones will be able to perform widespread package delivery for companies like Amazon. Until then, most AMRs are primarily used for:
- Item delivery
- Factory logistics
- Healthcare logistics
- Household cleaning
- Inventory management
- Emergency response
- Agriculture (seeding, weed removal, livestock management, crop cultivation)
Example Companies
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), Fetch Robotics, iRobot, AutoGuide, Siemens, Daifuku, DJI
Humanoids
Overview
Humanoids are generally considered to be robots modelled after or designed to replicate human abilities. This category includes mainly bipedal robots, most of which have been designed for research purposes and learning more about human-like robotic locomotion. Bipedals typically have at least two limbs. Coupled with various sensors, including LiDAR, they can navigate their surroundings similarly to humans. Many bipedals originate from collegiate research, with Cal Tech's Leonardo (a hybrid biped and drone powered humanoid) and Oregon State's Cassie (the first robot to officially "run" a 5-kilometer race) being notable examples. Outside of universities, private companies such as Boston Dynamics have been working on developing legged robots for decades. Boston Dynamic’s biped, Atlas, was designed to see if a legged, humanoid robot could replicate or exceed human levels of agility and mobility.
Applications
Agility Robotics, an offshoot of the OSU team that developed Cassie, hopes that their bipeds can eventually be used for delivery and factory logistics, similar to conventional AMRs. On the other hand, Boston Dynamics hopes that their work with Atlas can help facilitate:
- Research into human-like robotic locomotion
- Item delivery
- Factory logistics
Example Companies
Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, Toyota, Shadow Robot Company
Telepresence Robots
Overview
Telepresence robots look to enable human-to-human communication through a mobile robotics platform. Telepresence robots are remotely controlled vehicles, typically featuring a tablet or screen to provide visual and audio communication for an individual at a different location than the robot. In this way, a telepresence robot can effectively substitute for real-world interactions with one individual in person, and another interacting through the robot. With remote work becoming increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing concern about ways to respond to the next dangerous contagion, these telepresence technologies have become increasingly prevalent and useful.
Applications
Telepresence robots can allow individuals to navigate workspaces in an active capacity without actually needing to be in-person, providing valuable opportunities specifically for doctors, teachers and employees in general. The most common applications include:
- Enabling human-to-human interaction
- Education and teaching
- Remote work
- Medical practices (interacting with patients, especially those who are highly contagious)
Example Companies
Double Robotics, Ava Robotics, iRobot, InTouch Technologies
Companion Robots
Personal companion robots seek to replicate human interaction and intelligence and are generally used to interact with the elderly and isolated individuals. Originally developed in 1990s Japan as lifestyle aids for the elderly, companion robots are usually small, portable and provide assistance and companionship to human beings. In clinical trials, many companion technologies have shown strong correlation with reduced depression and suicide. Such systems (for example, ElliQ) are still used to assist the elderly, but much more well-known examples exist, such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple's Siri, which see much greater use globally. Future evolutions of these companion robots will likely have more powerful capabilities for interfacing with users. Cognitive brain implants such as Neuralink, while is still under development, promise the possibility of a future in which companion robots and AI interface directly with the human brain.
Applications
Companion robots have intriguing societal applications. For countries with aging populations and communities with disabilities, these technologies can be vital for lifestyle enhancement and fostering a sense of connection. Present-day and future applications include:
- Lifestyle aids for the elderly, the isolated, or disabled individuals
- Everyday interfacing with users (Google Home, Alexa, Siri)
- Computer-brain interfacing
Example Companies
Intuition Robotics (ElliQ), Neuralink,
We believe these are the main categories of robots which promise to shape the future of global culture, society and labor. At Dura Digital, we hope to help people and organizations learn about, assess and adapt to a world in which robotics are actively shaping the future.
This article is part of our ongoing series called Building the Future. We are committed to helping you understand new and emerging technologies – contact us today to discuss more!
