2023 Top 10 Development Trends for the Intelligent Robotics Industry

Top 10 Development Trends for the Intelligent Robotics Industry in 2023

As large, cumbersome machines that have long dominated factory floors, robots have made significant strides since their early beginnings. Today, they are more versatile and adaptable than ever before, rapidly becoming an essential part of many business operations.

Recent shifts in the business environment, such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increasing geopolitical instability, are leading many companies to reassess their operational strategies. Robots and other forms of automation are becoming core tools in addressing these challenging circumstances.

What will happen as we approach 2023? It's hard to say for sure, but here are some predictions about which trends may dominate the robotics industry in the coming year:

  1.  Data-Driven Automation

We are now in the age of big data, and automation is no exception. Automation technologies are increasingly data-driven, emphasizing solutions based on real-world data.

According to some analysts, one-third of European companies are now prioritizing data-driven automation.

One area where you can see data-driven automation in action is supply chain logistics, with robots used to make decisions based on real-time logistics data.

  2.  Enhancing Human Capabilities with Robots

Robotics technology is increasingly being combined with other technologies to enhance human capabilities and address labor shortages, with around 35% of organizations combining physical robots with other technologies. Companies are realizing that robots are not a replacement for human work, but rather a way to enhance what human workers can already do. As many industries grapple with worrying skill and labor shortages, robots are becoming a necessary means of bridging the growing gap.

  3.  The use of collaborative robots will continue to rise

Collaborative robots have become an integral part of the robotics industry over the past decade, with an expected 30% of the entire robotics market to be made up of collaborative robots by 2027.

Designed to work safely alongside humans, collaborative robots are inherently easy to use. This makes them ideal for companies without prior experience with robotics technology and without enough space or resources to accommodate large industrial robots that require additional safety fencing.

The widespread adoption of collaborative robots has brought unprecedented automation to more companies.

  4.  Autonomous mobile robots are on the horizon

Autonomous mobile robots seem to be entering more industries, especially in logistics.

At this year's Automatica trade fair, we saw many autonomous mobile robots. This technology, which has been around for years, is finally becoming mainstream. Companies are now adopting mobile robots to improve their logistics operations in warehouses and other industrial environments, enhancing efficiency.

   5. Skill Shortages May Hinder Automation

We have already discussed how robots can help companies overcome skill shortages in their industries by taking over the lower-skilled portions of workers' jobs. However, there is one skill shortage that robots cannot solve: a shortage of robot skills.

It is predicted that a lack of robotics expertise will slow down some companies' adoption of robot automation. This makes selecting robot solutions that almost anyone can deploy, regardless of their experience with robotics, more important than ever.

   6. Logistics Remains a "Sweet Spot" Industry

The logistics industry saw a surge in attention during the global pandemic in 2020, with global e-commerce on the rise.

Logistics remains a "sweet spot" for robotics technology, as it offers many opportunities for automation and has the potential for growth in robot use.

In the coming years, we may see more growth in robotics applications related to logistics. Robotic palletizing remains one of the most popular automation solutions.

   7. Electronic Assembly Automation Will Grow

Another "sweet spot" for robotics technology is electronic manufacturing, particularly electronic assembly. Robots can assemble electronic components more consistently than human workers performing the same task. This can save companies time and money while reducing errors caused by manual product assembly.

Robotic screwdriving is an example of a task that is now easier than ever to perform with robots. This basic task can help speed up the entire assembly process.

  8.  The Automotive Industry Loses its Lead in Robotics

For years, the automotive industry has been a major user of robotic automation. However, it has recently lost its lead.

This shift demonstrates how prevalent robotic automation has become. It marks a turning point, with more robots entering more industries in the future.

  9.  Smarter and More Adaptive Robots

Robots are also becoming smarter and more adaptive. The latest wave of robots can integrate real-time information into their operations. They are able to quickly respond to changes in their environment and adjust their operations accordingly.

With the rise of practical artificial intelligence algorithms, we can expect to see more advanced and complex robots in the coming years.

  10.  Easy-to-Use Robots are Key

With the rise of easy-to-use robot solutions, such as robot application kits, the barrier to entry into the robotics automation field is decreasing. Robots are now easier to use for any company, not just those with robotics expertise.

This trend towards intuitive robots seems likely to continue. In addition to application packages, we are also seeing more robot-as-a-service business models as companies seek to reduce friction associated with deploying robots.