For over twenty years, experts have heralded the arrival of a groundbreaking shift in manufacturing: the transition from traditional industrial robots to their nimble, intelligent counterparts—cobots. These collaborative robots are designed to work alongside humans, equipped with internal sensors and AI processing to safely operate in shared workspaces. Yet, for all the hype, the anticipated revolution seems to be lagging. This blog post delves into the current landscape of robotics, particularly the role of enhanced computer vision and sensors that are reshaping how we conceptualize the future of manufacturing.

The Cobot Conundrum

Despite increasing technological advancements, actual cobot adoption rates have fallen short of initial predictions. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), cobots accounted for merely 3% of the total industrial robots sold in 2019. Projections by Statista forecast a slight increase to 8.5% by 2022. In stark contrast, earlier studies estimated that by 2025, as much as 34% of new robots sold in the U.S. would be cobots.

One of the core reasons for this slowdown revolves around limitations inherent to cobots, which typically come with strict controls on speed and force to ensure safety. While cobots such as the Kuka LBR iiwa are impressive in agility and functionality, their constrained capabilities mean they are often sidelined in an environment where speed and strength are crucial.

Replacing Cobots: A New Generation of Robotics

As cobots struggle to gain a foothold, traditional industrial robots are being retrofitted with advanced computer vision technology. This shift allows manufacturers to combine the power of heavy-duty robots with the cognitive capabilities of human workers, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity in ways that cobots were never designed to achieve.

Robotics sensing platforms, which incorporate external sensors and advanced computer vision capabilities, are gaining traction as alternatives to cobots. These platforms allow for real-time motion planning (RTMP) and speed and separation monitoring (SSM), enabling the safe interaction between robots and humans. Unlike cobots, these platforms provide flexibility in integrating with existing industrial robots, alleviating some of the safety concerns previously hindering robotic deployment.

Innovative Solutions from Industry Leaders

• Veo Robotics has developed the FreeMove platform, which employs 3D vision sensing technology to monitor and coordinate robotic activity in real-time. By partnering with industry giants like Kuka and Fanuc, Veo aims to boost efficiency in sectors ranging from automotive manufacturing to consumer products.
• Realtime Robotics offers an innovative platform that allows engineers to simulate and optimize robot movement in various environments. Their collaboration with Siemens Digital Industries significantly reduces deployment time by eliminating cumbersome programming tasks traditionally associated with robotics integration.

Both companies are focused on ensuring safety certification to unlock larger markets, propelling robotic adoption into areas where safety was a barrier. According to Peter Howard, CEO of Realtime Robotics, achieving these certifications will fundamentally change how robots are utilized within manufacturing, allowing for a more seamless human-robot collaboration.

The Advantages of Robotics as a Service (RaaS)

Another significant factor in the growing appeal of enhanced robotics is the emergence of the Robotics as a Service (RaaS) model. This approach allows businesses to access advanced robotic systems without the daunting capital investment typically required. Large manufacturers now offer rental options that mitigate risk for small to medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to integrate robotic systems into their workflows without significant financial burden.

RaaS, combined with robotics sensing platforms, provides a low-risk pathway for manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies. Finally, instead of being dependent on cobots for easier tasks, companies can leverage high-powered traditional robots equipped with enhanced vision systems that can safely operate alongside humans.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Integration

While the ultimate promise of cobots may seem distant, advancements in robotics technology and computer vision are paving the way for more effective operational synergies between humans and machines. As barriers dissolve and safety becomes paramount, we can expect to witness a transformative leap in production efficiency, innovation, and productivity on the factory floor.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

No longer are we limited to traditional robotic deployment or the restrained capabilities of cobots. Instead, the next decade looks promising as enhanced robotics technologies redefine the manufacturing landscape, proving that the marriage of human ingenuity with robotic precision can lead to remarkable results.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.