IFR Highlights Robotics Trends for 2024

In addition to the use of AI, digital twins and cobots, mobile manipulators and humanoid robots are increasingly shaping developments. This is the assessment of the International Federation of Robotics.

The global stock of industrial robots is not stopping at the current record level of 3.9 million units. Technological innovations continue to drive demand. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has now compiled the most important trends for the year 2024.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The use of generative AI (GenAI) in particular is finding its way into robotics. GenAI specializes in creating new things - for example texts, program codes or images. One application example from robotics is GenAI-controlled interfaces that allow users to program robots in natural language. No special programming skills are required.

Predictive AI analyzes the performance data of robots and predicts their future state. This allows robots to be serviced predictively. In addition, machine learning algorithms analyse data from several robots running at the same time, for example, and thus help to optimize processes.

Cobots

Thanks to advances in sensor technology, image processing and intelligent grippers, robots are increasingly reacting to changing environments in real time and can therefore work safely alongside humans. This means that heavy lifting, repetitive movements and work in hazardous environments are no longer necessary for humans. To counter the shortage of skilled workers, companies are increasingly turning to collaborative robots, particularly in welding technology. They complement traditional industrial robots with their much higher working speeds - but they do not replace them.

Mobile Manipulators

Mobile manipulators are mobile robot platforms with attached manipulator arms. They handle material in production or are used for inspections or maintenance work on machines and systems. They can work directly with people.

Digital Twins

Robots are increasingly digitally integrated in factories. Digital twins can use real operating data to optimize the operation of a robot with the help of its virtual image or to simulate the use of a robot under extreme stress conditions on a computer model.

Humanoid Robots

Human-like robots with two arms and two legs are used in environments that are actually designed for humans. In its analysis, the IFR quotes the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China, which sees humanoids as a ground-breaking technology comparable to computers or smartphones. Series production is to be established in China by 2025. According to the IFR, however, it remains to be seen whether humanoids can compete with established robotic solutions such as mobile manipulators on the mass market in terms of cost.

This is a partly automated translation of this german article.