Industrial robotics

Industrial robotics stands as the foundational pillar upon which the entire field of robotics was built. Many of the technological advancements we witness today, especially in motion planning and control methods, have their roots in the development of industrial robots tailored for specific industrial processes.

Industrial robotics for years has been driving robotics research and robotic applications. With an estimated annual turnover of US $32 billion, it’s by far the largest commercial application of robotics. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), there are roughly 3.5 million industrial robots deployed in the world as of 2021.

Industrial robots wear many hats in the manufacturing world. Here are some tasks they excel in:

• Handling and transportation: robots efficiently manage tasks such as grasping, transporting, picking, packing, and palletising objects, ensuring seamless operations.
• Food processing: the food industry has increasingly turned to robotics to automate processes, from ingredient handling to packaging, ensuring consistent quality and hygiene.
• Assembly lines: robots play a pivotal role in assembling intricate components, most notably seen in sectors like automobile manufacturing and electronics.
• Painting and spraying: industrial robots provide precision in painting tasks, ensuring uniformity and efficiency, especially in large-scale operations.

Traditionally, many robots in these sectors have been pre-programmed to execute repetitive motions. Such robots operate within their predefined parameters, which means they don’t necessarily react or adapt to unexpected changes in their environment (according to the definitions in this course, they aren’t intelligent). Due to safety concerns, these robots often operate within cages or strictly controlled zones, isolated from human workers. But this isn’t a shortcoming. By being specialised for a specific task in a defined setting, these robots achieve unparalleled speed and accuracy, drastically reducing errors.

The dawn of intelligent industrial robots

In more recent times, there has been an interest in integrating intelligence into industrial robots. These ‘smart’ robots, equipped with advanced sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, are more versatile. They can be repurposed for various tasks, adapt to different challenges, and offer cost-effective solutions for industries looking for flexibility in their robotic workforce.

In conclusion, the realm of industrial robotics is not just about machines performing tasks. It’s about the continuous evolution of technology, from foundational repetitive systems to adaptable intelligent entities, striving for efficiency and accuracy in every process. The journey of industrial robotics thus far promises an even more transformative future ahead.

The next step will look at the use of robotics in logistics and e-commerce.