With the use of about 3 million robots, the global stock of industrial robots has reached a new record. Milton Guerry, President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), said: "the use of robots has rapidly gained momentum in both traditional and new industries. "More and more companies realize that robotics and automation can bring many benefits to their business.".
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has identified five major trends that will shape global robotics in 2022 and beyond.
(1) Robots have conquered new applications
Automation using robots is reaching relatively new application fields. Changing consumer behavior is increasing the demand for personalized products and delivery. Especially in online retail, corona's pandemic has triggered a boom in demand - e-commerce is expected to continue to grow in 2022. Now thousands of robots are used in this field all over the world, which was unimaginable five years ago.
In order to cope with the labor shortage, companies that have not done so before are also focusing on robotics. In particular, companies that rely on service personnel - such as catering and retail - are increasingly unable to fill vacancies. IFR assumes that these "new" industries will increasingly invest in robotics and automation. The relatively new customer industries of robotics also include delivery and logistics companies, construction industry or agriculture.
(2) Robots are easier to operate
The new generation of robots is easier to operate than traditional industrial robots. The trend is towards new, intuitive user interfaces that work with icons or even hand guided programming. Robot manufacturers and third-party suppliers are also bundling hardware and software packages to simplify implementation. The trend of complete ecosystem has created huge added value for customers and greatly reduced the debugging effort and time.
The trend towards low-cost robots also goes hand in hand with easier installation - in some cases, pre configured applications for specific applications. Robotics provides its customers with standard programs that can be easily integrated with grippers, sensors and controllers. The application store provides ready-made program routines for simple and frequently requested applications, so as to support the low-cost use of robots.
(3) Robots are better changing the working profile of factory workers
More and more governments, industry associations and companies agree that we need to invest more in education and provide the necessary basic skills for the next generation at an early stage. In addition to internal employee training, the provision of external training also helps to achieve the long-term goal of data-driven production. Robot manufacturers such as abb, FANUC, KUKA and yaskwa welcome 10000 to 30000 students to their robot courses in more than 30 countries around the world every year.
Robotics is better changing the job profile of factory workers. New training opportunities around robotics are a win-win strategy for companies and workers: dirty, boring and dangerous tasks are automated, and people gain key skills in the industrial workplace of the future, increasing their income potential.
(4) Robots guarantee domestic production
Trade conflicts and the covid 19 pandemic are prompting companies to move production closer to their customers. With the emergence of supply bottlenecks, many companies are seeking to shift production backward, which can usually be done economically only with the help of automation.
Dr. Susanne bieller, Secretary General of IFR, said: "the pandemic, the resulting supply bottlenecks and the shortage of skilled workers seem to be the necessary driving force for many companies to invest in robots and automation. Especially those companies that have previously considered automation are now investing."
(5) Robots become digital and intelligent
For 2022 and beyond, IFR believes that data is a key factor in the future manufacturing industry. Analyzing the data collected intelligently can make wise decisions. The ability of robots to learn through artificial intelligence and transfer their skills to other robots makes it easier for companies to deploy intelligent automation in other departments. This includes everything from buildings to food and beverage packaging plants to medical laboratories.
In addition, artificial intelligence in robotics is becoming more and more mature, and learning robot is becoming a large-scale application. The industry has passed the pilot stage. By 2022, IFR expects artificial intelligence to be applied on a larger scale.
