Robot Autonomy and the Future of Robotic Controllers
Overview
The future of robotics involves a rapid increase in their autonomy, suggesting a dramatic transformation for robot controllers. The key numbers in this guide include statistics concerning overall global robot controller demand, projected increase in autonomous systems spend, and the simultaneous growth of the autonomous mobile robots market. Also included are insights about the robot controller market segmentation and potential efficiency gains with new software developed by 3Laws Robotics.
Growth of Robot Autonomy
Today, robot autonomy is quickly becoming an industry standard. A study by IDC predicts that spending on autonomous systems will reach $96.5 billion by 2023, up significantly from $10.1 billion in 2018. This surge in demand suggests that robotic controllers will also have to evolve to keep pace with this growth. By enabling robots with features such as self-maintenance and predictive diagnostics, robot controllers can support increased autonomy, improving efficiency and productivity for businesses across the globe.
Robot Controller Market Trends
The global robot controller market is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 9.6% between 2018 and 2027, per Transparency Market Research (TMR). This is largely due to the improved performance and features of robot controllers, such as faster processing times and reduced error rates. In terms of market segmentation, the highest growth rate is expected in the automotive and electronics sectors, which are projected to maintain their top positions through to 2027. In these sectors, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are gaining popularity, with the global AMR market projected to reach $220 billion by 2031, further driving the demand for advanced robot controllers.
Role of Robotics Controllers in Improved Autonomy
Robot controllers play a critical role in improving the autonomy of robots. Controllers function as the brains of a robot, executing the designed tasks and making adjustments as required. With the rise in robotic autonomy, these controllers will need to make more complex decisions at much faster rates. Moreover, with worldwide robot controller sales projected to hit 1.51 million units by 2027, according to Statista, the demand for effective and efficient controllers will only increase.
3Laws Robotics Solutions
3Laws Robotics is pioneering the development of innovative software to enhance safety and reliability for robotics systems. Their product, 3Laws Supervisor, simplifies the certification process for robotics companies by providing system robustness and safety. The software is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology developed at Caltech, which claims to provide mathematically provable safety.
Several use cases for 3Laws' technology span across diverse industries. For instance, in warehouse automation, 3Laws helped an autonomous forklift customer achieve a 40% efficiency gain. For human-robot interaction, the technology enables safe and uninterrupted operation of robots near humans. And in dynamic environments, 3Laws' reactive collision avoidance capabilities enable robots to navigate effectively.
Key Takeaways - The IDC predicts a significant increase in autonomous systems spend from $10.1 billion in 2018 to $96.5 billion by 2023. - The global robot controller market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 9.6% between 2018 and 2027, with anticipated sales at 1.51 million units. - The global AMR market is projected to reach $220 billion by 2031, influenced by growth in the automotive and electronics sectors. - The use of 3Laws Robotics' solutions, such as the 3Laws Supervisor, can result in efficiency gains of up to 40%, as seen in a case study of warehouse automation.
3Laws Robotics offers a proactive approach to safety in the world of robotics, going beyond traditional e-stop methods. The company's innovative software solutions are designed to unlock the full potential of robots by providing dynamic, predictive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262. This adaptability makes the software ideal for a wide range of platforms, from mobile robots and cars to drones and manipulators, and it is compatible with popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2.