The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) recently listed this year's top five global robotics trends and attributed the growing demand for automation to technological innovation.

The IFR noted that the global inventory of operating robots hit a new record of approximately 3.9 million units in 2022, with average robot density (number of robots per 10,000 human workers) rising to 151.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning help more robots

There is a growing trend of using artificial intelligence in robotics and automation.

In particular, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities. IFR explains that this subset of AI is specialized in creating something new from what it has learned through training, and generative AI has been popularized by tools like ChatGPT.

Robot makers have begun developing generative AI-driven interfaces that allow users to program systems more intuitively using natural language rather than code. Experts predict that workers will no longer need specialized programming skills to select and adjust robot movements.

Another example of the technology mix is the use of predictive artificial intelligence to analyze robot performance data and determine the future state of equipment, while predictive maintenance can save manufacturers the cost of machine downtime, IFR said.

According to the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, unplanned downtime costs an estimated $1.3 million per hour in the auto parts industry. This demonstrates the cost-saving potential of predictive maintenance.

Machine learning algorithms can also analyze data from multiple robots performing the same process for optimization. The IFR said that generally speaking, the more data a machine learning algorithm is given, the better it performs.

Collaborative robots expand into new applications

Human-robot collaboration remains a major trend in robotics.

Rapid advances in sensors, vision technology and smart grippers enable robots to respond to changes in their environment in real time to work safely alongside human workers.

Collaborative robot applications provide human workers with a new tool that reduces their burden and support. Collaborative robots can assist with tasks that require heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or working in hazardous environments.

The range of collaborative applications offered by robot manufacturers continues to expand, with a recent market development being the increase in collaborative robot welding applications due to a shortage of skilled welders.

Demand suggests that rather than causing labor shortages, automation provides a solution to labor shortages.

Collaborative robots will therefore complement rather than replace investments in traditional industrial robots, which operate much faster and therefore remain important for increasing productivity in response to low product margins.

In addition, IFR pointed out that new competitors are entering the market, and collaborative robots are of particular concern. The combination of collaborative robot arms and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in mobile manipulators offers new use cases that can expand the demand for collaborative robots.

Mobile robots automate material handling

Mobile manipulators, so-called "MoMas", automate material handling tasks in industries such as automotive, logistics or aerospace.

They combine the mobility of a mobile robot with the dexterity of a collaborative robot arm, which allows them to navigate complex environments and manipulate objects, which the IFR says is critical for manufacturing applications.

Equipped with sensors and cameras, these robots can perform inspection and maintenance tasks on machinery and equipment. One advantage of mobile robots is their ability to collaborate and support human workers. The IFR asserted that a shortage of skilled labor and workers applying for factory jobs could increase demand.

Digital twins help optimize performance

Digital twin technology is increasingly used as a tool to optimize the performance of physical systems by creating virtual copies.

As robots become increasingly digitally integrated in factories, digital twins can use their real-world operational data to run simulations and predict possible outcomes.

IFR stated that digital twin technology can check all experiments before contacting the physical world, and can perform stress tests and modifications without creating safety hazards and saving costs. Digital twin technology can effectively bridge the gap between the simulated world and the physical world.

Humanoid robots will move forward

"Robotics technology is witnessing major advances in humanoid robots designed to perform a variety of tasks in a variety of environments"

The humanoid design with two arms and two legs allows the robot to be used flexibly in environments built for humans, IFR said. As a result, companies may more easily integrate humanoid robots into existing infrastructure and facilities, such as warehouses.