Humanoids and the Future of Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing
Overview The rise of humanoids in the semiconductor and related device manufacturing industries represents a significant shift towards automation, promising efficiency and productivity gains. However, this comes with challenges related to safety and certification. Innovative solutions like those offered by 3Laws Robotics, utilizing Control Barrier Functions and versatile software like the 3Laws Supervisor, are aiding in these transitions without compromising safety or operational efficiency. Warehouse automation, human-robot interaction, and dynamic environments are key potential applications.
The Emergence of Humanoids in Semiconductor Manufacturing Over the past few years, there has been a remarkable growth in the adoption of humanoids in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. According to Technavio, the humanoid robot market is expected to grow by USD 3.3 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 37%. Primarily, this growth is driven by the need for enhanced efficiency and precision in manufacturing processes. Evidence suggests that humanoid robots can reduce human error by up to 50%, thereby improving product quality and minimizing wastages.
Challenges and Opportunities in Robotics Safety Optimizing safety in the use of humanoids and other robotic systems in manufacturing is crucial, particularly given the increasing integration of these systems and their proximity to human workers. Advances in technology have made it possible for robots to detect and avoid collisions dynamically, yet this advanced level of interaction creates new risks. Up to 40% of industrial accidents involving robots are due to unforeseen reactions to changes in their environment. Hence, ensuring safety is a significant challenge. Yet, it also presents an opportunity for innovators to develop advanced safety systems.
The Role of Certification in Robotics One of the key challenges in deploying humanoids and other robotic systems in semiconductor manufacturing is achieving the necessary certification(s). Meeting industry standards such as ISO 3691-4 (for industrial trucks) or ISO 26262 (for automotive functional safety) can be a complex process, and this complexity can act as a barrier to the widespread adoption of robotics technology. It is reported that certification-related challenges can prolong the Go-To-Market time by approximately 18-24 months for robotics companies.
3Laws Robotics: A New Era in Robotics Safety 3Laws Robotics is pioneering a new wave of advanced safety solutions for the robotics industry. The 3Laws Supervisor software, developed with the use of Control Barrier Functions technology, offers robust safety features intending to simplify the certification process.
The software attempts to ensure safety by providing real-time guardrails for autonomous systems, thereby allowing robots to operate closer to their peak capabilities while reducing incidents of unnecessary stoppages or collisions. The versatile nature of the software allows it to work across a wide range of platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators.
Key Takeaways - There is a rapidly growing trend in the use of humanoids in the semiconductor and related device manufacturing industries, expected to grow by USD 3.3 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 37%. - Safety challenges around dynamic environmental reactions increase the risk of accidents involving robots, with unforeseen environmental reactions accounting for up to 40% of accidents. - The complexity of achieving relevant certifications can prolong GTM for robotics companies by up to 18-24 months. - 3Laws Robotics introduces software that responds to these challenges with real-time, predictive safety guard rails, versatility across platforms, and a focus on easing the certification process.
3Laws Robotics: Your Partner in Robotics Safety 3Laws Robotics is committed to harness the potential of robotics technology while negating the risks associated with it. With a focus on addressing the immense challenge of certification, we are developing robust software that enhances safety and reliability.
Our flagship software, 3Laws Supervisor, uses Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a mathematical technology developed at Caltech, designed to provide stringent safety measures. The software is not only highly effective but also adaptable, compatible with ROS and ROS2 middleware.
We have successfully tested our technology across diverse use cases. In warehouse automation, we were able to help an autonomous forklift customer achieve a whopping 40% efficiency gain, translating into a payback period of just six months.
We see a growing need for human-robot interaction. With our innovative software, we enable safe and uninterrupted operation of robots near humans, addressing the pressing need for collaborative robotics solutions.
Our reactive collision avoidance system, a significant feature of our software, allows robots to successfully navigate in unpredictable environments, minimizing downtime caused by unanticipated collisions.
Positioning ourselves as a next-generation safety solution, we go beyond traditional e-stop methods, offering a proactive approach to safety. With 3Laws Robotics, you unlock the full potential of robotics with dynamic, predictive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.