What is the Future Outlook for Industrial Robots?
Industrial robots have a long history of automating manufacturing. The first industrial robots were rigid machines capable of only simple, repetitive tasks. Each year since their inception into the manufacturing world we have seen advancements in their technology and capabilities. Today’s industrial robots are extremely flexible, intelligent, and durable. The adoption of robotic automation has exploded in the past several years. The growth and use of industrial robots does not seem to be showing any signs of slowing down as future outlooks appear to be bright for robotic automation.
Market Growth
All throughout 2019 the robot market saw high demand with many manufacturers implementing robotic automation. 2020 saw some slowdown in growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused supply chain shortages and stoppages in manufacturing in many industries. However, in 2021 analysts expect the robot market to return to its rapid growth and continue throughout the remainder of the decade. Some analysts believe that by 2024 the industrial robot market could grow by $40 billion. The robot market is expected to have an annual growth rate of 15% over the next ten years. With this growth rate, experts expect the robotic market to reach $119 billion by 2030. The decreasing cost of robots combined with the availability of second-hand robots makes automating with them more affordable and accessible. This means we are likely to see more FANUC M20ia automating assemblies or the Motoman MA1400 being implemented for welding automation.Accelerated Adoption of Industrial Robots
While over the past several years the use of industrial robots has grown, this growth is expected to accelerate in the coming years. Increasing costs, high consumer turnover, and increasing competition have been some of the factors influencing manufacturers to automate with robots. Industrial robots increase productivity, improve product quality, decrease waste, and reduce costs overall. This allows companies to manufacture their products in less time, spending less money, while producing better products. The versatility of industrial robots allows them to easily adapt to process or product changes, helping manufacturers keep up with consumer demands.Another factor driving the push for robotic automation is the need for sustainable manufacturing. Industrial robots are a reliable manufacturing solution. They operate exactly the same with each production cycle, producing the same results, and running for several years. Manufacturing processes become consistent allowing for better control over variables. Automating with the FANUC Arcmate 120ic provides reliability, preventing operation disruptions, delays, or stoppages.
More Advancements
As the robot market grows there is likely to be even more advancements to robotic technology. Just in the last few years we have seen several advancements in robots. The development of specialty force sensors has made it possible for robots and humans to work together. Cobots, like the Universal UR10, have changed robot integration with the elimination of safety barriers. Advancements in robotic vision systems has led to 3D vision, allowing robots to perform more complex applications. Future advancements include robotic software that provides data about performance, potential issues, and efficiency. Developers are also working on incorporating AI with robots for advanced machine learning, robot self-programming, and predictive maintenance. With the continued improvements of robotics, we are likely to see robots automating more industries in the next several years.Robots Done Right is the place to start when it comes to used robots. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a used robot.