Robots and the Future of Robotic Arms
Overview
Robotic arms are a fascinating technology expected to revolutionize many industries from manufacturing to health care. The following guide provides an overview of the evolution of robotic arms and their potential future applications. Key statistics highlighted in the guide include; the projected growth of the robotic arm market, an expected increase in efficiency from using robotic arms and the anticipated impact on employment.
The Evolution of Robotic Arms
The history of robotic arms dates back to 1961 when the first industrial robot, Unimate, was introduced. Robotic arms have advanced significantly since then, with an estimated 1.3 million industrial robots being used worldwide as of the end of 2020. Around 50% of these robot systems include robotic arms, which have become more sophisticated, smaller and adaptable for various applications. The progress in robotic arm technology has been driven mainly by advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors.
Future Use Cases of Robotic Arms
Manufacturing remains the largest market for robotic arms, with approximately 50% of all robotic arms worldwide being used in this industry. However, there are also emerging applications in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and customer service. In healthcare, surgeon-assisted robotic arms have been developed to perform complex surgeries. By 2021, it is predicted that 85% of surgical procedures might be conducted with robotic assistance. In agriculture, robotic arms are being designed to pick fruit, providing up to 25% more efficient yield rates compared to human workers.
The Economic Impact of Robotic Arms
The impact of robotic arms on the economy and employment is a subject of ongoing debate. Analysts predict that the robotic arms market will grow at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2020 to 2025, generating substantial economic opportunities. However, the adoption of robotic arms is likely to displace certain types of jobs, with the McKinsey Global Institute predicting that 800 million jobs worldwide could be automated by 2030.
Key Takeaways
- Robotic arms have come a long way since their inception in 1961, growing to a market of 1.3 million industrial robots worldwide.
- New use cases for robotic arms are continually emerging, especially in healthcare and agriculture.
- The adoption of robotic arms is set to increase economic growth but could also displace certain types of employment.
About 3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics is at the forefront of robotics safety, developing innovative software to enhance reliability and safety for robotic systems. A primary focus is addressing the challenge of certification, a substantial pain point for robotics companies. The company’s software, 3Laws Supervisor, simplifies the certification process by offering robust safety features and evidence of system robustness.
3Laws' technology has vast applications in diverse industries and sectors, such as warehouse automation, human-robot interaction, and dynamic environments. Its reactive collision avoidance capabilities allow robots to navigate effectively in unpredictable surroundings, enhancing operational efficiency by reducing unnecessary downtime.
Built on Control Barrier Functions developed at Caltech, 3Laws' software offers mathematically provable safety, compatible with various platforms including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators. Its adaptability, compatibility with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2, and proactive approach to safety, make it a desirable next-generation safety solution.
With 3Laws’ solutions, robots can operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety, unlocking the full potential of robotics with dynamic, predictive safety that can be certified according to ISO standards such as ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.