Next-Gen Robotics: Applications in Industries
Table of Contents
Over the past decade, robots have become increasingly common in various industries. They are no longer found only in factories but also in hospitals to assist with surgeries and farms to harvest crops.
According to Statista, the global robotics market will likely reach a revenue of $38.24 billion by 2024. This growth is from manufacturers responding to consumer demands for smarter, more mobile, and versatile robots that can work alongside humans.
In this article, we will explore the applications of robotics across fields like construction, agriculture, and space exploration. We will also discuss what sets the next generation of robots apart from their predecessors and the ethical considerations surrounding their use.
Foundations of next-gen robotics
Next-gen robots represent a significant leap forward compared to traditional models because they are more intelligent, perceptive, and better at working with humans. These robots use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze vast amounts of data continually. This helps them to refine their understanding of various situations, adapt to changes, and carry out their tasks efficiently.
They have better spatial awareness and object recognition abilities as they have advanced sensors like LiDAR and tactile sensors. These sensors allow them to seamlessly move around in their workspace, accurately identify objects, and interact with humans better.
While traditional robots have predetermined parameters, next-gen robots can share workspaces with people and collaborate with them.
What’s more, there is a buzz surrounding generative AI and its potential impact on AI robotics, and rightfully so. With less reliance on coding and more focus on prompts, could this mean more socially adept robots capable of real conversations are on the way?
Robotics in manufacturing
One major application of robotics in the manufacturing industry is in automotive factories. These factories use robots with advanced vision sensors to weld body panels and install microchips on printed circuit boards quickly and accurately. This boosts production and ensures that the cars or parts come out simultaneously.
Precision machining involves tasks like drilling, milling, or cutting parts in a certain design with a minimal margin of error. These tasks can be challenging and even impractical for humans to do perfectly every time, not to mention unsafe. Robots handle it well because they can be programmed down to the millimeter. Plus, they can inspect parts during and after machining for real-time quality control and report any inconsistencies.
As robots become more affordable, companies are embracing collaborative robots (cobots) to team up with their employees. By deploying them, companies minimize human error while enhancing workplace safety. They can assist with tasks like packaging and loading up shipments.
Healthcare robotics
Next-gen robots are used in the healthcare industry to assist with surgical procedures. One notable example is the Da Vinci Surgical System, which surgeons use for minimally invasive surgeries with unparalleled agility and accuracy. The Da Vinci combines high-resolution 3D images of the surgical site with sophisticated robotic arms to facilitate more accurate procedures.
Wearable robot exoskeletons help patients with spinal cord injuries stand and walk to regain lost motor functions and improve their mobility during rehabilitation. These exoskeletons can also be adjusted to support various gait patterns for a custom rehabilitation program.
The last thing hospitals want is for people or, worse, the patients to get hospital-acquired infections. That’s why they use disinfection robots. These robots autonomously navigate hospital environments, identifying potential hotspots for harmful pathogens. Then, they use UV light or other disinfectant technologies to disinfect surfaces for a safer healthcare environment for staff and patients.
Logistics and warehouse automation
Robotics technology provides automated solutions in the supply chain process to help businesses simplify their operations and fulfill orders more quickly to meet demand.
One use of robots in logistics is to automate the storage and retrieval of goods using stacker cranes. These cranes maximize space utilization as they can reach high shelves easily. They also make it easier to monitor the inventory by taking instructions from the warehouse management system on what to pick up and where to drop it off.
Next-gen robots in pallet conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGV), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) optimize internal logistics within factories by transporting goods between workstations. This streamlines the order fulfillment process while reducing labor costs.
Using drones to deliver goods offers the potential for rapid order fulfillment. They can also supply food and medical supplies to areas affected by disasters, such as floods.
Agricultural robotics
The integration of artificial intelligence robotics in the harvesting process may minimize post-harvest losses while maximizing yields. Harvesting robots are equipped with vision sensors that identify ripeness and robot arms with gentle grasping capabilities, meaning that they can selectively pick the highest quality produce within an optimum timeframe.
Weed removal robots are used in farms to maintain crop health. They use ML algorithms to identify and eliminate weeds without harming the surrounding crops. They can get more work done as they work throughout the day and night.
Farmers can use drones to map out their farms. They can gather helpful information on soil moisture levels, pest infestations, and crop health. With this information, farmers can make informed decisions and implement proactive measures. Plus, drones can selectively apply pesticides in affected areas to prevent pests from spreading.
Construction and infrastructure
One application of robotics in the construction and infrastructure sector is robotic bricklaying. Robots like Semi-Automatedated Mason (SAM) use advanced sensors to position bricks with precise alignment and uniformity in building construction. Additionally, bricklaying is a very strenuous job that can result in muscle strain and back. Using robots to do these tasks reduces the risk of injuries and promotes worker safety.
The integration of robotics technology in 3D printing is an exciting prospect in that it opens the door for innovative building designs that were previously difficult to achieve. A prime example is the world’s first 3D-printed steel bridge in Amsterdam, which MX3D constructed.
Self-driving trucks and bulldozers use AI and GPS technology to move around construction sites autonomously. Not only do they transport materials, but they also minimize the risk of accidents, hence making construction sites safer.
Robotics in space exploration
Robots and distant planets are often together in sci-fi movies, but how do they interact in real life? Robots can withstand extreme conditions such as radiation, vacuum, and extreme temperatures, which makes them suitable for space exploration missions.
NASA uses robots imbued with AI technology to learn more about the planets near us. They send out robotics rovers like Spirit and Opportunity to collect invaluable data from rocks and soils while conducting scientific experiments to help us better understand Mars. Then, there are space drones, like the Ingenuity helicopter, which explore places the rovers can't reach.
AI-powered robotics technology can also guide autonomous systems like the Osiris-Rex spacecraft to grab samples from asteroids and bring them back to Earth for scientists to study more.
Robotics in the energy sector
AI robotics inspect pipelines and nuclear power plants to detect leaks or structural integrity issues. The data collected facilitates predictive analysis for timely repairs or replacements to prevent costly equipment failures.
Robots can also access confined spaces and hazardous environments like oil rigs and nuclear power plants to repair leaks and cracks. Using robots to do such tasks minimizes the exposure of human workers to safety hazards.
Next-gen robots such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have sonar and imaging systems for exploring seabeds and mapping geological formations to locate potential oil and gas reserves.
Challenges and ethical considerations
Robots enhance efficiency and productivity for businesses. But why is the adoption rate so slow? Well, one big reason is cost. Robots can cost a lot to buy and maintain. Not to mention, integrating robots requires training current employees or hiring external talent, further escalating expenses.
Safety is another worry. If a robot is faulty, it could pose a security risk to people. If it gets hacked, sensitive data could be stolen, which could ruin the reputation of the company.
Ethical considerations surrounding robotic adoption are equally pressing. The widespread deployment of robots in labor-intensive industries and their role in task automation raise legitimate concerns about the impact on the workforce.
There's also apprehension that robots may perpetuate societal biases, such as gender discrimination, based on the data they are trained on. Plus, there is a question of accountability. Next-gen robots are increasingly becoming more aware and capable of making decisions and taking action. So, who takes the blame if the robot messes up?
Summary
Manufacturers are embracing technological advancements to incorporate machine learning capabilities and computer vision to make the next generation of robots. These robots enhance efficiency, precision, and product consistency while advancing patient care in healthcare settings.
The emergence of AI robotics technology holds immense potential and is poised to drive the Industry 4.0 revolution. However, it also brings challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed.
