Robotic Automation and the Future of Libraries and Archives

Overview

The landscape of libraries and archives is set to be revolutionized with the advent of robotic automation. With the global library automation service systems market set to grow at a CAGR of 3.44% between 2019 and 2026, and 85% of all service inquiries predicted to be handled with no human interaction by 2021, the impact of robotics and automation in this space is undeniable. This guide explores the future of libraries and archives in the context of robotic automation, from automated book retrieval systems to AI-powered archiving solutions.

The Rise of Automated Book Retrieval Systems

There's been a significant surge in the adoptions of Automated Book Retrieval Systems (ABRS) in libraries. These systems, first adopted in the 1990s, have become more efficient, enabling a fast and seamless user experience. By employing ABRS, libraries can handle up to 90,000 items, massively reducing manual labor. A study shows that 87% of libraries with ABRS report an improved user experience, making it a fundamental shift in how libraries function.

AI-Powered Archiving Solutions

Another area witnessing a significant change is in digitizing and preserving records. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms can make sense of vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. Using sophisticated Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanners and AI, 100% accuracy can be achieved while digitizing archives. These AI-Powered Archiving Solutions help in preserving archival material, presenting it in searchable digital formats and enhancing accessibility.

Library Management Systems and Interactive Robotics

Library management is being simplified using Interactive Robots and Library Management Systems (LMS). Some libraries deploy friendly interactive robots to assist users and carry out mundane tasks. By 2023, it's estimated that 30% of libraries worldwide will use interactive robots to some extent. Along with interactive robots, the Library Management Systems Market is projected to reach USD 3.75 billion by 2024, helping automate the library's administrative and operational processes.

Key Takeaways


3Laws Robotics: Supporting the Wave of Robotic Automation

Our comprehensive suite of tools, headlined by the innovative 3Laws Supervisor software, has been designed to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency of various robotics systems - from automated book retrieval systems in libraries to warehouse automation. At 3Laws, we're committed to addressing the significant problem of certification in the robotics industry.

Our software, built on Control Barrier Functions technology, offers mathematically provable safety features, that simplify this certification process and potentially streamline its path. Proven successful in various industries, we've helped an autonomous forklift improve efficiency by 40%, ensured safe human-robot interaction, and implemented reactive collision avoidance capabilities to enable effective operation in dynamic environments.

By minimising the inconvenience and costs associated with e-stops or collisions, libraries using our technology can operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety. Compatible with popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2, 3Laws is the next-generation safety solution your institution needs.






News in Robot Autonomy

News in Robot Autonomy