"The Top 5 Robotics and Automation Trends 2024 show that robotics is a multidisciplinary field where technologies support each other to create intelligent solutions for a variety of tasks," says Marina Bill, President of IFR. "These advances will continue to shape the convergence of industrial and service robotics and the future of work."

1 - Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

The use of artificial intelligence in robotics and automation continues to grow. The development of generative AI is opening up new solutions. This subgroup of AI specializes in learning through training and creating something new from it - these solutions have already become known with online tools such as ChatGPT. Robot manufacturers are developing generative AI-driven interfaces to program robots more intuitively: Users program using natural language instead of code. This means that workers no longer need special programming skills to select and adapt the robot's desired actions.

Another example is predictive AI, which analyzes robot performance data to determine the future condition of equipment. Predictive maintenance can help manufacturers save costs on machine downtime. In the automotive supply industry, every hour of unplanned downtime costs an estimated 1.3 million US dollars, as reported by the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation. This order of magnitude shows the enormous cost-saving potential of predictive maintenance. Machine learning algorithms can also be used to analyze data from several robots running at the same time and optimize processes on this basis. In general, the more data a machine learning algorithm receives, the better its performance.

2 - Cobots for new applications

Human-robot collaboration continues to be an important trend in robotics. Rapid advances in the development of sensors, vision technologies and intelligent grippers are making it possible for robots to react to changes in their environment in real time to work safely alongside humans. Collaborative robot applications support human workers in their daily work: tasks such as heavy lifting, repetitive movements or working in hazardous environments are no longer necessary.

Robot manufacturers are offering more and more areas of use for collaborative applications. One current market development is the increase in robot welding applications, which has been triggered by the shortage of qualified specialists in this segment. This demand shows that automation does not lead to a shortage of labor, but conversely contributes to solving the personnel shortage. In this sense, collaborative robots will complement - not replace - investments in traditional industrial robots, which operate at much higher speeds. Conventional industrial robotics will remain important for improving productivity in response to tight product margins.

In addition, new competitors are entering the market that focus specifically on collaborative robots. Mobile manipulators, the combination of collaborative robotic arms and mobile robots (AMRs), offer new use cases that could significantly increase the demand for collaborative robots.

3 - Mobile manipulators

Mobile manipulators - so-called 'MoMas' - automate the handling of materials in industries such as the automotive industry, logistics or aerospace. They combine the mobility of robotic platforms with the dexterity of manipulator arms. This enables them to move in complex environments and handle objects. This is a particularly important capability for manufacturing applications. Equipped with sensors and cameras, these robots carry out inspections and maintenance work on machines and systems. One of the key advantages of mobile manipulators is that these machines can work directly with human workers. The shortage of skilled workers and personnel for factory jobs is likely to further increase demand in the future.

4 - Digital twins

Digital twins are increasingly being used to optimize the performance of physical systems with their virtual counterparts. As robots in factories are increasingly digitally integrated, digital twins can use the real operational data captured to run simulations and predict likely outcomes. As a pure computer model, the twin can be tested and modified under stressful conditions without creating wear and tear or a safety risk. Compared to tests with physical systems, such virtual simulations save considerable costs. The advantage: digital twins bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

5 - Humanoid robots

In robotics, there have been significant technological advances in humanoids, which can perform a wide range of tasks in various fields of work. The human-like design with two arms and two legs enables the robot to be used flexibly in working environments that were actually created for humans. For example, it can be easily integrated into existing warehouse processes and infrastructures.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently published detailed targets for the country's ambitions to mass-produce humanoids by 2025. The MIIT believes that humanoids will be another disruptive technology, similar to computers or smartphones, that could change the way we produce goods and the way we live.

The potential impact of humanoids on various sectors makes them an exciting area of development. However, bringing humanoids to the mass market remains a complex challenge. A key factor here is cost: success will depend on whether they are viable in competition with established robotic solutions such as mobile manipulators, for example.