Robotic Automation and the Future of Robotic Maintenance Systems
Overview
The global landscape of industrial technology is significantly changing thanks to the rapid advancements in robotic automation. This shift brings along the need for more effective robot maintenance systems to ensure their functionality, longevity, and safety. The future of robotic maintenance is pivotal in elevating the efficiency and productivity of robotic automation. Anticipation in this technological evolution is evident as the International Federation of Robotics reports that robotic installations are growing annually by 12% and McKinsey predicts that by 2025, applications of advanced robotics will have a potential economic impact of $1.5 to $2.6 trillion annually. Furthermore, a study by Boston Consulting Group suggests that by 2025, nearly 25% of jobs will be automated, accentuating the significance of robotic maintenance systems.
Robotic Automation
Robotic automation is a key facet driving the Fourth Industrial revolution, projected to transform the operational landscape of various industries. Advancements in automation are witnessing the rise of self-operating machines that are capable of performing a series of complex tasks, potentially without human intervention. The International Federation of Robotics reports that robotic installations reached approximately 422,271 units worldwide in 2019, marking an annual growth of 12%. This phenomenal growth underlines the rising dependence on automation that consequently highlights the importance of efficient robotic maintenance systems.
The Future of Robotic Maintenance Systems
The future of robotic maintenance systems is looking towards more advanced, intuitive and predictive methods. Predictive maintenance uses data-driven, proactive techniques to monitor the condition of equipment and predict when maintenance should be performed. This approach promises cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance, as tasks are performed only when required. Vanson Bourne research states that businesses can anticipate an average 12% cost saving over traditional maintenance methods, while also expecting a 20% increase in asset availability. Essentially, proactive, data-driven maintenance provides an avenue for maximizing operational efficiency of the robot, and by extension, the entire automated system.
Benefits and Limitations of Robotic Maintenance Systems
While the benefits of robotic maintenance systems are inherent in their capabilities, some limitations persist. As robots become more complex, their maintenance requirements must evolve equally. Yet, approximately 75% of businesses suffer extended downtime due to delayed maintenance, according to ServiceMax. These delays can cost companies as much as 12% of their annual revenue. Despite these challenges, effective maintenance systems continue to drive value by prolonging the lifecycle of robots, maximizing uptime and preventing costly repairs.
Key Takeaways
- The growth of robotic automation is accelerating, with robotic installations growing annually by 12%.
- Predictive maintenance systems are poised to drive the future of robotic maintenance, offering potential cost savings of 12% over traditional maintenance methods.
- While extended downtime due to maintenance problems can cost firms up to 12% of their annual revenues, effective maintenance systems can significantly mitigate these losses.
3Laws Robotics and its Role in Robotic Automation and Maintenance
3Laws Robotics stands at the forefront of innovative software solutions designed to enhance safety and reliability for robotic systems. Aimed at overcoming the common challenges of certification in robotics, 3Laws offers 3Laws Supervisor, a powerful software bestowed with robust safety features. This functioning simplifies the certification path by providing evidence of system robustness.
In particular, this software is constructed on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), technology birthed from Caltech that assures mathematically provable safety. Their technology has been instrumental in various industries, providing applications for warehouse automation, human-robot interaction, and operating in dynamic environments.
With its adaptable software, real-time safety guards, and compatibility with popular middleware, 3Laws Robotics provides a next-generation safety solution that goes beyond traditional e-stop methods. This proactive outlook towards safety seeks to unlock the complete potential of robotics, providing dynamic and predictive safety that can be certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.