Robotic Automation and the Future of Underwater Robots
Overview Robotic Automation and the Future of Underwater Robots represent exciting frontiers in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Statistics reveal the market for underwater robots, which are forecasted to hit $7.52 billion by 2026, affirming a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5%. Safety and reliability are paramount, highlighting the necessitate for advanced software, such as the one being developed by 3Laws Robotics, to drive certification and efficiency in robotic systems.
Robotic Automation The cutting-edge world of robotic automation holds promising prospects for various industries. Robotic automation, particularly underwater robots, will play a crucial role in diverse applications like marine research, oil & gas exploration, and military security. As per reports, the global market for underwater robotics was worth $2.52 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach an astonishing figure of $7.52 billion by 2026. This growth signifies a prospective CAGR of 13.5% from 2019 to 2026, indicating an encompassing trend in favor of autonomous solutions.
Future of Underwater Robots Underwater robots are leading the surge in fostering next-generation capabilities in automation technology. These waterborne bots are dynamically used in various sectors, viz., Commercial, Military & Defense, and Scientific Research. The International Society of Automation reports that underwater robots will likely carry out 50% of the activities in the oil and gas industry by 2025. Moreover, NOAA states that autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have already covered over 500,000 kilometers in scientific surveys since their inception, reflecting the steep increase in their use.
Importance of Safety and Reliability Safety and reliability constitute the bedrock of advanced robotic systems, more so in the case of autonomous underwater vehicles. Practical evidence shows that an accident with a 100 kg robot traveling at only 2 m/s can equate to the force of a small car moving at 50 km/h. This underscores the importance of robust safety measures to mitigate risks to human-robot interaction. Reports resonating with ISO/TS 15066 state that globally, there is a 72% uptick in sales of professional service robots in the year 2019.
Key Takeaways • Robotic Automation is gaining momentum, with forecasts predicting a CAGR of 13.5% till 2026. • Underwater Robots are destined to lead the charge, with predictions claiming about 50% of activities in the oil and gas industry will be performed by these technologies by 2025. • Safety and Reliability are non-negotiable in robotic systems. There’s been a 72% increase in sales of professional service robots due to these factors.
3Laws Robotics champions the effort to enhance safety and reliability in the world of robotics. 3Laws actively addresses the challenge of certification, a significant pain point for robotics companies, through their innovative software called 3Laws Supervisor. This software offers robust safety features, facilitating an easier certification process.
Built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a cutting-edge technology from Caltech, 3Laws Supervisor provides mathematically provable safety. 3Laws has already made a dent in diverse fields. In warehouse automation, 3Laws significantly boosted efficiency by 40%, and in human-robot interaction, they enabled safe operations near humans.
Robots equipped with 3Laws technology can navigate through dynamic environments with reactive collision avoidance capabilities. 3Laws aims to minimize downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions, thereby increasing operational efficiency.
Being versatile, adaptable, and compatible with common robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2, 3Laws solidifies its position as a next-generation safety solution. It dispenses a proactive approach to safety, allowing the full potential of robotics to be unlocked. 3Laws working towards safety certification for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262 throws the spotlight on their dedication to advance safety standards in robotic automation.