Cobots in the upcoming decades

Flexible production with Cobots in 2023-43

The development of a collaborative robot requires the proper hardware, software, and sensors. These components must be designed to work seamlessly together. Due to the complexity of the system, it can take a long time to get them up and running. With the help of our Plug&Produce solutions, Wired Workers has created a solution that enables fast and easy integration. These types of plug & produce solutions, which include box folders and various other items, can be up and running in just a couple of minutes. Before the robot can start working, it must first be determined which objects it should handle. With the help of software, it can be quickly set up and executed. It is expected that more and more such applications will be introduced in 2023. Moreover, by 2023, there will be a shift toward custom solutions, as customers become more knowledgeable about the automation market and are more willing to provide input. As a result, robotics companies will be working with their customers to develop new products. Through the use of cobots, customers can have a direct impact on the product they buy. This provides valuable feedback for robotics firms and helps manufacturers improve their processes.

Despite the importance of industrial robots in certain industries, such as manufacturing, the trend toward flexible production models has increased. With the help of their mobility and light weight, cobots are becoming more popular. The design of collaborative robots allows them to work alongside humans, posing less risk to safety and being more adaptable to diverse environments. The cobot industry is predicted to grow to over $2 billion by 2026, with more modular units being developed. Although cobots have gained a significant share of the automated market, they still aren't able to fully automate certain applications due to their payload or long reach limitations. Fortunately, manufacturers are working on developing solutions that will allow them to meet these needs by 2023. In 2018, Universal Robots introduced the U.R.20, which is designed for high-speed and longer reach. Its payload of 20 kg and 1750 mm reach make it ideal for various applications. In addition, Techman Robot launched the TM20 and the TM25. These two robots are designed to provide a wider range of applications, such as the production of food and beverage packaging.

According to a report released by IFR World Robotics, the number of robots installed in 2021 was a record high. However, the growth rate was slower in 2022 due to the lack of electronic components and global uncertainties. Even with the increasing popularity of collaborative robots, the trend toward their automation is still expected to continue throughout 2023. This is mainly due to the need for skilled workers and the shift toward Industry 5.0, where robots and people work together seamlessly.

Most commonly, cobots are used in the production of cars, such as surface polishing. Due to the increasing number of electric vehicles, many car production lines need to be reconstructed or retrofitted. One of the biggest issues that large carmakers face is the safety of their employees when one of their industrial robots gets damaged. One of the main factors that could cause a significant downtime cost is the lack of control over the robots. With the help of cobots, human operators can work with them without affecting the other robots. Large automotive companies such as Volkswagen have also proposed using intelligent factories that would allow them to enhance their production. According to IDTechEx, the global market for cobots in the car industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.2% during the next two decades.

Cobots in food and electronics industry

Most of the time, cobots are utilized for tasks such as surface polishing and car assembly. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, car production lines need to undergo reconstruction or retrofitting. One of the biggest concerns of carmakers is the safety of their workers when one of their robots gets damaged. This issue could lead to significant downtime costs. However, with the help of cobots, human operators can work with them without affecting the other robots. Some carmakers have also proposed using intelligent factories that aim to improve the efficiency of their operations by connecting humans and robots. IDTechEx mentioned that the global market for cobots in the automotive industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.2% during the next two decades.

The electronics industry is expected to be one of the main applications of collaborative robots in the next few years. They are mainly used for tasks such as PC processor inspection and phone chip inspection. Despite the steady decline in the annual shipments of smartphones and tablets, IDTechEx projects that the demand for PCBs will still increase. Compared to manual inspection, which can lead to errors and reduce accuracy, using cobots for electronic inspection can help improve the efficiency of the process. Despite the increasing number of applications, IDTechEx believes that adoption of cobots in the electronics industry will not be as rapid as in other sectors. IDTechEx looks into the various applications of cobots in the electronic industry. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that will influence the adoption of the technology in the sector.

Conclusion

In 2023, the emergence of cobots in commercial, industrial, and consumer settings is expected to become more common. As the cost of developing and implementing these robots continues to decrease, they will be widely used in various industries to automate tasks. Furthermore, it is expected that cobots will become more intelligent and capable of carrying out complex tasks, and they will be able to integrate with other technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. They will also have the capability to work in a safe and collaborative manner, which will allow them to complete tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Pic Courtsey-Arseny Togulev at unsplash.com

(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)