IFR: 5 robot trends for 2023

Last year, the global inventory of industrial robots reached a new record of around 3.5 million units. The value of installations rose to an estimated USD 15.7 billion. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) now provides an outlook on the most significant trends that will shape robotics and automation in 2023.

1. energy efficiency

To increase the competitiveness of companies in times of rising energy costs, energy efficiency is a crucial factor. In this context, the use of robots is an important contribution to reducing energy consumption in manufacturing. Compared to traditional assembly line production, automation enables significant energy savings through reduced room temperature. At the same time, robots operate at high speeds and increase production rates, making manufacturing more efficient and energy-conscious overall.

Modern robots are also designed to consume less energy and operate with lower operating costs. To meet their manufacturing sustainability goals, companies are turning to industrial robots equipped with energy-saving technologies. For example, robot controllers can convert kinetic energy into electricity and feed it back into the power grid, significantly reducing the energy required to operate a robot. An intelligent power-saving mode that regulates the robot's energy supply as needed during the workday can achieve further savings. Given that industrial plants now need to monitor their energy consumption, such networked power sensors are likely to soon become the industry standard for robotic solutions.

2. backshifting / reshoring

Resilience has led companies in various industries to reshor their production. Especially in the automotive sector, manufacturers are increasingly investing in short supply chains to bring processes closer to their customers. In this context, the industry is relying on robotic automation to cost-effectively produce high-performance batteries needed for electric vehicles in large volumes. In addition, so-called "reshoring" makes it possible to avoid transporting heavy batteries, which is particularly important for logistics companies for safety reasons.

Another trend in reshoring is the production of microchips in the U.S. and Europe. Due to the fact that most industrial products today require a semiconductor chip, it is important to have their production close to the customer. In chip manufacturing, robots meet the extreme precision requirements and therefore play a crucial role in such projects. Specially developed robots are used, for example, to automate the production of silicon wafers, perform cleaning and purification tasks or test integrated circuits. Examples of reverse relocations include Intel's new chip factories in Ohio or the recently announced chip plant in Saarland, Germany, operated by Wolfspeed and ZF.

3. simpler operation

A lot has happened in robot automation in recent years: programming industrial robots is now easier and possible even for non-experts. Suppliers of software-driven automation platforms support companies by making it possible for users without prior programming experience to operate industrial robots. Thanks to OEMs working with low-code or even no-code technology partners, employees of different skill levels can now program robots themselves.

The simple software makes it possible to control the robots without extensive programming. This opens up completely new possibilities for robot automation. Software start-ups are conquering this market with specialized solutions that are particularly tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. For example, traditional heavy industrial robots can be equipped to be used collaboratively through the use of sensors and new software. This allows workers on the shop floor to adapt the heavy machinery to different tasks. By using advanced cobot software and robust and precise industrial robot hardware, the benefits of both worlds can thus be combined.

Easy-to-use programming interfaces that allow customers to set up robots themselves are also driving the emerging segment of low-cost solutions - so-called "low-cost robotics." In the Corona pandemic, many companies have begun to try robotic solutions themselves. Robot suppliers have responded by simplifying robot setup and installation, for example by offering preconfigured gripper software, sensors or controllers. Such units are often sold through web stores and program routines for various applications can be downloaded from an app store.

4. artificial intelligence

Thanks to modern digital technologies, robot manufacturers and system integrators have the opportunity to develop new or enhanced applications that improve speed and quality in manufacturing. Networked robots are increasingly embedded in a digital ecosystem, enabling them to work even more efficiently. Cloud computing, Big Data analytics and 5G mobile networks form the technological basis for this. With the 5G standard, it will be possible to fully digitize manufacturing without the need for cabling.

5. second life for industrial robots

A service life of up to thirty years makes industrial robots a long-lasting investment. For customers who already have the use of robots in operation, there is now an opportunity to upgrade their old equipment with technical equipment. Manufacturers of industrial robots such as ABB, Fanuc, KUKA or Yaskawa operate specialized repair centers near their customers to overhaul or upgrade used equipment in a resource-efficient way. This "prepared-to-repair" concept by robot manufacturers and their customers is not only a cost-effective method, but also a resource-saving one. Long-term repair offerings are an important step toward a circular economy.

Source: International Federation of Robotics