Collaborative Robots and the Future of Soft Robots
Overview: The Robotics Industry and the Rise of Collaborative Robots
The future of robotics is bright, with new advancements in robotics technology creating unprecedented opportunities across diverse industries. A BCG study showed a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% in the robotics sector for the period 2020-2025, with collaborative robots (cobots) a significant part of that growth. Cobots are designed for physical interaction with humans in a shared environment, which makes them extremely beneficial for tasks that require human-robot collaboration.
Simultaneously, the emerging field of soft robotics is revolutionizing the industry by introducing robots with highly compliant materials that mimic biological systems. This development increases the safety and adaptability of robots, making them suitable for a broader range of tasks than their rigid counterparts. According to Market Research Future, the global soft robotics market is expected to reach USD 2.85 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 40.62% from 2018.
Collaborative Robots: Creating Safer and More Efficient Workplaces
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are becoming more prevalent due to their ability to work safely alongside humans without requiring physical safety barriers. A BCG study projected a 47% CAGR for cobots between 2020-2025, positioning them as a key driving force in the robotics industry. Their ability to perform tasks with precision and consistency can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries. A 2020 Robotic Industries Association report showed a 30% decrease in workplace injuries in companies that implemented cobots in their operation, demonstrating their potential to enhance workplace safety.
Soft Robots: Pioneering a Flexible Future
Soft robotics represents a transformative approach to robot design, where robots are constructed using flexible materials that allow for more adaptable and agile performances. Market Research Future predicted that the soft robotics market would reach USD 2.85 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 40.62% from 2018. This growth can be attributed to its wide range of applications, from medical devices to warehouse automation, benefiting from robots that can adjust to varying surroundings and perform complex tasks with a high degree of safety and reliability.
Key Takeaways
- The robotics industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% between 2020-2025, with cobots and soft robots leading the way.
- Cobots have the potential to enhance workplace safety, with a reported 30% decrease in workplace injuries in companies implementing cobot technology.
- The soft robotics market is projected to reach USD 2.85 billion by 2025, signifying the rising demand for adaptability and safety in robotic systems.
About 3Laws Robotics
Positioning themselves as a next-generation safety solution, 3Laws Robotics focuses on the development of innovative software designed to enhance the safety and reliability of robotic systems. Their software, 3Laws Supervisor, is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), an impactful technology developed at Caltech that provides mathematically provable safety.
3Laws addresses the significant challenge of certification for robotics companies and aims to simplify this process with robust safety features. Their technology has proven useful across diverse industries, including warehouse automation where 3Laws helped an autonomous forklift customer achieve a 40% efficiency gain. They also provide solutions for safe and uninterrupted human-robot interaction, fulfilling the rising need for collaborative robotics solutions.
In dynamic environments, their reactive collision avoidance system allows robots to navigate effectively. By offering real-time guardrails for autonomy stacks, 3Laws enables robots to operate closer to their peak capabilities while ensuring safety. 3Laws’ adaptable software works with a wide range of platforms, from mobile robots to drones, and is compatible with popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2.