Robot Autonomy and the Future of Domestic Robots
Overview: This information guide provides an insight into the future of domestic robots, focusing on the shift towards greater autonomy and real-world applications. Major thematic areas include the rise of robot autonomy, the deployment of domestic robots, and the challenges and safety requirements surrounding this emerging technology. Key figures in these discussions include the prediction that the global domestic robot market will reach $23.1bn by 2025, and the expectation that up to 30 million American homes will incorporate some form of domestic robot by 2029.
Rise of Robot Autonomy: Over the past decade, robots have rapidly shifted away from being solely programmable machines to possessing self-governance with high levels of autonomy. This increased self-sufficiency allows for enhanced productivity and efficiency. A study shows that autonomous robots are 85% more efficient than their human-directed counterparts. This increase in productivity has paved the way to a vast variety of application areas for autonomous robots, from industrial to domestic use.
Deployment of Domestic Robots: The widespread deployment of domestic robots is no longer a question of if, but when. As per a recent Tractica report, the global market for domestic robots is set to hit $23.1bn by 2025, up from $6.4bn in 2018. From performing household chores to offering companionship, robots are set to become an integral part of our daily life. Added to this is the ease of programmability offered to the end-user, relying on smart technologies and user-friendly interfaces. By enabling an average of 2 hours of household time-saving per week, robots will take over mundane tasks and offer families quality time together.
Challenges and Safety requirements: Despite the rapid advancement of domestic robots, significant challenges remain. Chief among these is the issue of safety and robustness, especially when robots are interacting with humans and the environment. With over 30 million American homes expected to have some form of domestic robot by 2029, the safety and reliability of these machines are of critical concern. There are standards like ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262, which provide guidelines for robot safety on the ground and vehicles respectively, that manufacturers must adhere to.
Key Takeaways: - Autonomous robots are up to 85% more efficient than those directed by humans. - The global market for domestic robots is predicted to reach $23.1bn by 2025. - Over 30 million American homes are expected to adopt domestic robots by 2029. - Safety standards such as ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262 are crucial for robot manufacturers.
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Introducing 3Laws Robotics: To address the above challenges and opportunities, 3Laws is developing innovative software that enhances safety and reliability for robotics systems. Keeping the challenge of certification in focus, the software 3Laws Supervisor aims to offer robust safety features that not just conform to but potentially ease the path of adherence to standards like ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.
This software is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology scientifically proven to ensure safety. 3Laws Supervisor has a variety of applications ranging from warehouse automation, resulting in a 40% efficiency gain, to dynamic environments where the reactive collision avoidance capabilities enable effective navigation.
By minimizing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions, 3Laws aims to enhance operational efficiency. Its software is adaptable to a variety of platforms such as mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators and is compatible with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2. The overarching goal of 3Laws Robotics is to provide a next-generation safety solution that can unlock the full potential of robotics by offering dynamic, predictive safety.