21.07.2023: An Insight into the Latest Advancements in Robotics
Introduction:
In this week’s news briefs, we explore the rising trend of solution-selling in the robotics and cobot industry. Instead of selling individual machines and components, vendors are now focused on providing complete automation solutions to meet manufacturing and logistics needs. One notable partnership is between Doosan Robotics and Telstar-Hommel, offering a job-ready automation package for small and medium-sized enterprises. Doosan also recently introduced a new food-safe cobot for the food and beverage industry. Additionally, Mitsubishi Electric and Realtime Robotics are collaborating to automate collision-free movement of cobots, saving valuable floor space. In the steel industry, a four-legged safety robot from ANYbotics is helping increase safety and optimize production at Outokumpu’s German facility. Meanwhile, the UN’s World Food Program plans to test autonomous trucks in South Sudan, and b:bot’s recycling robots in France are shredding millions of plastic bottles.
Full Article: 21.07.2023: An Insight into the Latest Advancements in Robotics
Solution-Selling on the Rise: Cobots vs. Individual Machine Sales
In the world of robotics, there is a growing trend towards solution-selling rather than the traditional approach of selling individual machines and components. This shift is driven by the desire to provide customers with a complete automation package that addresses their specific manufacturing or logistics needs. By demonstrating how a job can be done using their products, robot and cobot vendors can increase their chances of making a sale.
One example of this trend is the partnership between Korean cobot vendor Doosan Robotics and Telstar-Hommel, a joint venture between Telstar Engineering and Hommel-Wertic. Telstar-Hommel specializes in providing smart manufacturing solutions to automate factories, and their partnership with Doosan Robotics enables them to offer a job-ready, complete automation package to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This partnership makes it easier for Doosan to sell their cobots for various applications such as welding, screw fastening, pick and place, and machine tending.
Food-Safe Cobots by Doosan
Doosan Robotics has recently introduced a new food and beverage (F&B) cobot that is designed to handle a wide range of food and beverage items, including coffee, ice cream, fried foods, confectionery, fast food, and barbecue cooking. This cobot has a contamination-resistant coating and sealed gaps between connecting axes, which have helped it secure food hygiene and safety certification from a US hygiene safety agency.
Doosan plans to launch its proprietary AI-powered smart factory platform, called “Dart Suite,” in 2024. This platform will enable easy design and sharing of functions essential for collaborative robot operations. According to Ryu Jung-hoon, CEO of Doosan Robotics, the F&B cobot was developed to address labor shortages in the food service industry, and they aim to maintain their position as the leading collaborative robot company in Korea by providing the best F&B solution.
Cobot Solutions: Saving Space and Increasing Efficiency
Another popular cobot solution is focused on saving valuable floor space while providing automation for various processes. For example, Mitsubishi Electric and Realtime Robotics have collaborated to automate collision-free movement of Mitsubishi Electric’s cobots. This collaboration allows multiple robots to work in close proximity with each other, making it easier to switch manufacturing processes quickly and efficiently.
Safety Robots in Steel Plants
Industrial accidents are a major concern in steel plants, and Finnish-based Outokumpu’s German facility in Krefeld has been exploring ways to improve safety management using AI and robotics. After careful research, they decided to partner with Swiss robotics vendor ANYbotics to develop an autonomous robotics solution. The use of robots can significantly reduce human exposure to hazardous substances and environments, optimize production through preventive maintenance, and decrease environmental impacts. According to Outokumpu, robotics could potentially reduce human exposure to hazardous substances by 80%.
Robot Trucks for Delivering Aid in Conflict Zones
In conflict and disaster zones, delivering food and supplies can be a dangerous task for aid workers. The UN’s World Food Program (WFP) is exploring the use of AI-powered robotic vehicles to deliver food parcels in such areas. In South Sudan, where attacks against aid workers have increased in recent years, the WFP plans to test autonomous trucks that can combine data from various sources to navigate the challenging terrain. These trucks are designed to be amphibious and can carry up to 1-2 tons of food each.
Robots Tackling Plastic Bottle Recycling
In France, there are 500 robots dedicated to shredding plastic bottles, processing an impressive 500,000 bottles per day. Since 2021, these robots have shredded over 130 million bottles. The company behind this initiative, called b:bot, recently raised $22.3 million to expand its operations. They plan to double the size of their robot workforce by the end of the year and expand into new markets, including the recycling of cans. With a growing global market for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), b:bot aims to become a major player in collection and recycling solutions.
Conclusion
The trend towards solution-selling in the robotics industry is gaining momentum, with vendors focusing on providing complete automation packages to meet the specific needs of customers. Partnerships between cobot vendors and companies specializing in smart manufacturing solutions enable the development of cost-effective and turn-key solutions for a variety of applications. Additionally, cobot solutions that save space and improve efficiency are becoming popular, as are autonomous vehicles for delivering aid in conflict zones and robots for tackling plastic bottle recycling. As the robotics industry continues to evolve, these innovative solutions are set to transform various sectors and improve overall productivity and safety.
Summary: 21.07.2023: An Insight into the Latest Advancements in Robotics
The latest news in the robotics industry includes the rising popularity of solution-selling, where vendors offer complete automation packages instead of individual machines. Korean cobot vendor Doosan Robotics has partnered with Telstar-Hommel to provide turn-key solutions for smart factories. Doosan has also introduced a new food-safe cobot for the food and beverage industry. Another trend is cobots that save space, such as Mitsubishi Electric and Realtime Robotics’ collaboration for collision-free movement of cobots. In the steel industry, Outokumpu has implemented AI-powered safety robots to reduce accidents and improve employee safety. The UN’s World Food Program plans to use autonomous trucks to deliver food and supplies in conflict zones. Lastly, robots in France are shredding plastic bottles at an impressive rate, with plans to expand into new markets and recycle cans.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is robotics and how does it work?
A1: Robotics is a field of technology that involves the design, development, and use of robots. Robots are programmable machines that can carry out tasks automatically or with limited human intervention. They consist of a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems that work together to perform specific functions. Through a set of programmed instructions and sensors, robots can perceive their environment, make decisions, and execute physical actions.
Q2: How are robots used in different industries?
A2: Robots have found applications in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, and logistics, among others. In manufacturing, robots are commonly used for tasks such as assembly, welding, and packaging, leading to increased efficiency and precision. In healthcare, robots are employed in surgeries, prosthetics, and rehabilitation to assist medical professionals and enhance patient outcomes. Similarly, agriculture benefits from robots in tasks like harvesting, planting, pesticide application, and livestock management.
Q3: What are the advantages of using robots in the workforce?
A3: The use of robots in the workforce offers several advantages. Firstly, robots can perform tasks repetitively and consistently, potentially reducing errors and enhancing productivity. Additionally, they can replace humans in hazardous or physically demanding jobs, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of injuries. Moreover, robots can operate continuously, enabling round-the-clock production, which can lead to increased output and decreased costs over time. Overall, robots can enhance efficiency, precision, and overall performance in various industries.
Q4: What are the challenges and limitations of robotics?
A4: Despite the numerous benefits, robotics also faces challenges and limitations. One major challenge is the high initial cost of developing and implementing robots, making it less accessible for small businesses and individuals. Furthermore, the complexity of programming and maintaining robots can be a hurdle, requiring specialized skills. Additionally, robots often lack the adaptability and decision-making capabilities of humans, making them less suitable for tasks that require complex problem-solving or creativity.
Q5: How does robotics impact the job market and employment?
A5: The introduction of robots in the workforce has raised concerns about potential job displacement. While it is true that robots can replace certain repetitive and manual jobs, they also create new opportunities. The use of robots often requires skilled technicians and engineers for their maintenance, programming, and operation. Moreover, robotics can lead to the development of new industries and job roles, spurring innovation and economic growth. Ultimately, the impact on employment depends on how society adapts to the evolving requirements and opportunities presented by robotics.
Note: This content is unique and written to the best of the AI’s abilities. However, it is always recommended to double-check the accuracy and update the information as needed.
