/industry-wired/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/04/2024-12-04t130344212z-iw-new.png)
/industry-wired/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/04/2024-12-04t130332454z-iw-new.jpg)
/industry-wired/media/post_attachments/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AI-to-supercharge-robotic-automation-in-2024.jpg)
Learn how AI will boost robotics and automation in 2024
We've arrived at the time of year when it's appropriate to reflect on the patterns of the previous 12 months while also looking ahead to what 2024 has in store for the world of robots and automation.
The year 2023 was an eventful one for invention. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as generative AI, has captivated the world's attention and dominated headlines.
However, the adoption of generative AI for organizations is still in its early stages, and many people are wondering how to effectively leverage this technology.
Because digital transformation is an ongoing process, we anticipate that this year's breakthrough trends will continue to affect society in the coming year. But how will these changes affect robots and automation, and what should the industrial industry expect in the next year?
AI will accelerate robotics and automation development
AI is revolutionizing the world of software development, making it more affordable, quicker, and efficient. Automation relies heavily on software, and with AI, software developers will be able to offer more customized and optimized solutions for a variety of activities and issues. If software development has seemed like digging with a shovel at times, introducing AI is like putting two horses and a plough into the mix. However, in the process of AI revolutionizing the industry, automation knowledge will remain a scarce and precious resource.
It's been fascinating, if not surprising, to witness AI change the lives of office workers before it affects working patterns in most industries. In 2024, I hope to see the benefits of machine learning reach more manufacturers. After all, the technology exists - we have several partners building apps that use AI to enable our robots to execute increasingly complicated and diversified tasks. AI, for example, enables robots to have human-like awareness, deal with variance, accurately move components, adapt to changing situations, and learn from their own experience. With time, these capabilities will result in unprecedented production flexibility, quality, and dependability.
Robotics software advancements will allow for greater sharing and reuse
Robotics software serves as the glue that connects individuals to their mechanical counterparts - a digital connection that extends beyond physical engagement.
Software advancements are allowing a new level of collaboration by connecting individuals who utilize robots. In 2024, software advancements will enable unprecedented degrees of sharing and reusability. Consider a scenario in which, rather of rebuilding the wheel, we use existing software assets—components, interfaces, and algorithms—across many applications. It's a guiding philosophy that already guides our UR+ partner ecosystem, speeding innovation and shortening time-to-market. I can't wait to watch how this develops over the next year.
Companies will utilize data to enhance operations by fusing IT and OT
Manufacturing's future is inextricably related to IT/OT integration, since data will support innovation and efficiency. According to research, the manufacturing industry has been in the forefront of adopting cloud-based software services, and some clients are already using them to improve quality, cost-effectiveness, and predictability. That makes me optimistic about the rise of data-driven logistics and manufacturing systems in 2024.
Many people still believe that the cloud is only a data collector and backup function, as we know it from our own lives. However, the true potential and power are not found in storing data or even connecting equipment. The true game changer occurs when cloud-based software services connect humans and machines, allowing manufacturers to simplify complicated processes and make better decisions.
The advantages of this digital transformation are substantial. Remote access to industrial data offers rapid problem resolution and continual automation enhancement. With dynamic systems becoming increasingly important, reliable cloud technologies provide the most up-to-date security and services. Companies offering the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) underline this evolution, promising greater efficiency and decreased downtime through visualization of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and predictive maintenance.
Manufacturers stand to benefit from these developments as we approach 2024, attaining improved quality, decreased downtime, better predictability, and cost optimization. This change is a strategic imperative that will aid in the move to high-volume, high-mix manufacturing, robust supply chains, competitive data utilization, and sustainability goals.
Robotics will concentrate on logistics
Interact Analysis examined predicted growth rates in robot shipments across sectors earlier this year. What is the most notable forecasted growth area? Logistics, where Interact Analysis projects a 46% CAGR for collaborative robot (cobot) shipments from 2023 to 2027. I'm not shocked, given how quickly the market for non-industrial uses is expanding.
Many logistics industries, like manufacturing, are facing severe labour shortages, and pressure is rising as a result of globalization, e-commerce, and complicated multichannel supply chains. More logistics, warehousing, and distribution centres will resort to automation in the next year to offer services more quickly and accurately.