According to February 15th, 2024

According to data released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) in Frankfurt, Germany on February 15, 2024, the current global inventory of robots in operation has reached a new record of approximately 3.9 million units, driven by a series of exciting technological innovations. IFR also released the top five robot trends for 2024 (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Five robot trends in 2024

Source: International Federation of Robotics (IFR)

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

The trend of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of robotics and automation continues to grow. The emergence of generative AI has opened up new solutions. This subset of AI is specifically designed to create new things from what is learned through training and has been popularized by tools like ChatGPT. Robot manufacturers are developing interfaces based on generative AI, allowing users to program robots more intuitively using natural language instead of code. Workers will no longer need specialized programming skills to select and adjust robot movements.

Another example is predictive AI, which can analyze robot performance data to determine the future state of the device. Predictive maintenance can save manufacturers' machine downtime costs. According to data from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) in the United States, the estimated cost of unplanned downtime per hour in the automotive parts industry is $1.3 million, indicating that predictive maintenance has enormous potential for cost savings. Machine learning algorithms can also analyze data from multiple robots performing the same process for optimization. Generally speaking, the more data a machine learning algorithm provides, the better its performance.

2. Collaborative robots expand into new application areas

Human robot collaboration remains a major trend in robotics technology. The rapid development of sensors, vision technology, and intelligent grippers enables robots to respond in real-time to environmental changes, enabling them to work safely alongside human workers.

The application of collaborative robots provides a new tool for human workers, which can alleviate their burden and provide them with support. They can assist in completing tasks that require lifting heavy objects, repeating actions, or working in hazardous environments.

The scope of collaborative applications provided by robot manufacturers is constantly expanding.

A recent market trend is the increasing application of robotic welding, driven by a shortage of skilled welders. This demand indicates that automation has not caused labor shortages, but rather provided a solution to address them. Therefore, collaborative robots will be a supplement to investment in traditional industrial robots, rather than a replacement, as traditional industrial robots operate much faster and remain crucial for improving productivity to cope with tight product profits.

New competitors are also entering the market with a focus on collaborative robots. Mobile robotic arm is a combination of collaborative robot arm and mobile robot (AMR), which provides new use cases and can significantly expand the demand for collaborative robots.

3. Mobile robotic arm

Mobile robotic arms, known as' MoMas', can automate material handling tasks in industries such as automotive, logistics, or aerospace. They combine the mobility of robot platforms with the flexibility of robotic arms. This enables them to navigate and manipulate objects in complex environments, which is crucial for manufacturing applications. These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that can inspect and maintain machinery and equipment. One of the significant advantages of mobile robotic arms is the ability to collaborate with human workers and provide support for them. The shortage of skilled labor and the shortage of factory job applicants may increase their demand.

4. Digital twin

Digital twin technology is increasingly being used as a tool to optimize the performance of physical systems by creating virtual replicas. As more and more robots in factories adopt digital integration, digital twin systems can use their actual operational data for simulation and predict possible outcomes. Due to the fact that twin robots are purely computer models, they can be subjected to stress testing and modification without posing safety hazards, while also saving costs. All experiments can be checked before coming into contact with the physical world itself. Digital twins have built a bridge between the digital world and the physical world.

5. Humanoid robot

Robotics technology has made significant progress in humanoid robots, which can perform various tasks in various environments. Humanoid robots have two arms and two legs, which can be flexibly used in work environments created for humans. Therefore, it can be easily integrated into existing warehouse processes and infrastructure.

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently announced detailed targets for mass production of humanoid robots by 2025. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology predicts that humanoid robots are likely to become another disruptive technology, similar to computers or smartphones, that can change our production methods and human lifestyles.

The potential impact of humanoid robots on various industries makes it an exciting field of development, but its large-scale market application remains a complex challenge. Cost is a key factor, and the success or failure of mature robot solutions such as mobile manipulators will depend on their return on investment.

Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics, said, "The five complementary automation trends of 2024 indicate that robotics is a multidisciplinary field where various technologies are merging to create intelligent solutions for various tasks. These advances will continue to shape the integration of industrial and service robotics, as well as the future of work