We, Robot
Steady but unspectacular
Annual global installations of industrial robots and projections (‘000 units)
Source: World Robotics 2023* forecast
Robots have primarily been confined to routine tasks, delivering tireless and quick precision, but within fairly limited industrial applications — though these have been expanding steadily. But there’s good reason to believe that two trends in innovation will trigger a major shift in robotics: artificial intelligence and lighter, more powerful batteries.
Much of this industrial demand has been within manufacturing, particularly in electronics and automobile manufacturing. Both sectors were pioneers in the use of industrial robots, with the car industry adopting hydraulically-driven robots for heavy lifting from the 1960s. Electronics and automotive applications continue to dominate. Unsurprisingly, countries with big electronics and automotive industries and facing demographic challenges tend to have the greatest demand for these robots – for example South Korea.
More powerful batteries will give robots greater capabilities, allowing them to travel further, operate longer and handle heavier loads. This will significantly expand the role of robots in logistics, transportation and agriculture, far beyond their current capabilities.
At the same time, artificial intelligence will make robots much more adept at navigating their environments independently by allowing them to analyse and process information captured through their sensors and then act on it in a logical way. This will be particularly important for cobots, robots that work collaboratively with people.
AI will help grow the market for service robots, opening up new possibilities for both professionals and consumers.
Packing in the electrons
Battery energy density (watt hours per kilogram)
Source: RMI
| Professional services | Consumer robots | Medical robotics |
| Agricultural robots | Domestic tasks | |
| Professional cleaning | Social interaction and education | |
| Inspection and maintenance | Care at home | |
| Construction and demolition | ||
| Logistics and transportation | ||
| Search and rescue | ||
| Hospitality |
*International Federation of Robots classifi cation scheme https://ifr.org/wr-service-robots/
Small beginnings
Service robots for professional use, top five applications (sales, ‘000 units)
Source: World Robotics 2023
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