Ramesh Bhorania, Vice President, Robotics and Factory Automation, Prama Hikvision India Private Limited.

How has the adoption of robots and cobots evolved in the manufacturing sector over the past decade?

The adoption of robots and cobots in the manufacturing sector has undergone significant evolution over the past decade, driven by advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and the need for increased efficiency and productivity. Here are some key developments:

Increased Adoption: The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) estimated that 2.7 million industrial robots were deployed by 2020, with cobots growing four times faster than traditional robots. ABI Research predicts that worldwide cobot shipments will exceed 47,000 annually by 2026.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Cobots have become more sophisticated, versatile, and accessible, making them increasingly popular in manufacturing settings. They are designed to work alongside humans, enhancing productivity and workplace safety.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: The integration of AI and machine learning has enabled robots to make adaptive and autonomous decisions, further improving their capabilities.

High-Mix, Low-Volume Production: Robots and cobots are being used to support customised manufacturing, accommodating short production runs and improving efficiency.

Improved Productivity: Robots and cobots can perform tasks faster and with greater precision than human workers, leading to increased productivity and reduced downtime.

Enhanced Safety: Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Flexibility and Scalability: Robots and cobots can be easily integrated into existing production lines, allowing for flexible and scalable manufacturing solutions.

Which industries or manufacturing processes are seeing the most significant adoption of robotic automation?

Industries seeing significant adoption of robotic automation include:

Manufacturing Sector: Automotive industry with 1,148 industrial robots per 10,000 employees, has witnessed substantial robot installations.

Assembly Line Robotics: Robots deliver speed, precision, and adaptability, making them crucial in modern manufacturing.

Healthcare: Robotics and automation improve precision and accuracy in surgical procedures.

Rehabilitation: Robots aid in patient rehabilitation, enhancing recovery and care.

Diagnostics: Automated systems enable efficient and accurate diagnostic testing.

Patient Care: Robots assist in patient care, reducing workload for healthcare professionals.

Logistics:

E-commerce Fulfillment Centers: Robotic systems optimise warehouse management and order fulfillment.

Material Handling: Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) transport materials efficiently, reducing manual labor.

Smart Manufacturing:

Industry 4.0: Robotics and automation converge with digital technologies, enabling smart factories and predictive maintenance.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Cobots work alongside human workers, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

What are the key factors driving the increased use of collaborative robots (cobots) over traditional industrial robots?

The key factors driving the increased use of collaborative robots (cobots) over traditional industrial robots include:

Safety and Collaboration: Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, reducing the need for safety fencing and enabling collaboration.

Ease of Use: Cobots are often simpler to program and operate, making them accessible to a wider range of users.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Cobots can be easily integrated into existing production lines and adapted to changing production needs.

Cost-Effectiveness: Cobots are often more affordable than traditional industrial robots, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Increased Productivity: Cobots can work alongside humans to increase productivity and efficiency.

Improved Quality: Cobots can perform tasks with high precision and accuracy, improving product quality.

Growing Demand: The demand for cobots is growing rapidly, driven by the need for flexible and adaptable automation solutions.

Overall, the increased use of cobots is driven by their ability to provide flexible, adaptable, and cost-effective automation solutions that can work safely alongside humans.

How do AI, machine learning, and vision systems enhance the capabilities of robots in manufacturing?

AI, machine learning, and vision systems significantly enhance the capabilities of robots in manufacturing by:

Improving Accuracy and Precision: Machine learning algorithms enable robots to learn from data and improve their performance over time.

Enhancing Flexibility and Adaptability: AI-powered robots can adapt to changing production needs and learn to perform new tasks.

Enabling Real-Time Decision-Making: Vision systems provide real-time data, enabling robots to make decisions and take actions quickly.

Increasing Efficiency and Productivity: AI-optimised robots can optimise production processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Some key applications include:

Quality Inspection: Vision systems enable robots to inspect products and detect defects.

Object Recognition: AI-powered robots can recognise and classify objects, enabling efficient sorting and processing.

Predictive Maintenance: Machine learning algorithms enable robots to predict maintenance needs, reducing downtime.

By integrating AI, machine learning, and vision systems, robots can perform complex tasks with increased accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility, transforming manufacturing processes.

Are there concerns about job displacement, and how can companies address workforce transition challenges?

Yes, there are concerns about job displacement due to automation and robotics. Companies can address workforce transition challenges by:

Upskilling and Reskilling: Providing training and development programs to help employees acquire new skills.

Redeployment: Redeploying employees to new roles that are created by automation.

Communication and Transparency: Communicating changes and providing transparency about the impact of automation on jobs.

Support and Resources: Offering support and resources to employees who may be displaced.

Focusing on Human-Centric Tasks: Automating repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on high-value tasks.

Some companies are also exploring new business models that prioritise human-AI collaboration, creating new opportunities for employees to work alongside technology.

By taking a proactive and strategic approach, companies can mitigate the negative impacts of job displacement and create a more sustainable future for their workforce.

Where do you see the biggest innovations in robotics for manufacturing in the next 5-10 years?

The biggest innovations in robotics for manufacturing in the next 5-10 years will likely be driven by advancements in AI, machine learning, and IoT integration. Some key areas to watch include:

Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Cobots will become increasingly prevalent, working alongside humans in shared environments and enhancing productivity. They'll be equipped with advanced sensing and cognitive technologies, enabling natural language perception and physical navigation in complex environments.

AI-Powered Robotics: AI will drive significant improvements in robotics, enabling machines to learn from experience, adapt to new tasks, and improve decision-making. This will lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and predictive maintenance.

Industrial Mobile Robots: Industrial mobile robots will play a crucial role in optimising logistics, reducing environmental impact, and increasing efficiency in manufacturing environments. They'll navigate through facilities, perform critical tasks with precision, and minimise energy consumption.

3D Printing and Robotics: The integration of 3D printing with robotics will enable rapid production of prototypes and parts, reducing material waste and accelerating innovation cycles.

Smart Manufacturing: Smart manufacturing will become more widespread, leveraging robotics, AI, and IoT to create intelligent, responsive, and adaptive production systems.

Predictive Maintenance: Predictive maintenance will become more prevalent, enabling manufacturers to anticipate equipment failures, reduce downtime, and optimise maintenance schedules.

Enhanced Worker Safety: Robots will continue to take on hazardous tasks, reducing workplace injuries and improving overall safety.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Robots will work around the clock, increasing production rates, and reducing errors, leading to higher efficiency and productivity. These innovations will transform the manufacturing landscape, enabling companies to produce high-quality products more efficiently, sustainably, and safely.

(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented)