A closer look at how next-generation robotics address emerging manufacturing trends
The world of industrial automation is experiencing a significant transformation driven by a rising demand in high-growth sectors such as warehousing, logistics, food and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and more. As many of these industries have complex or multifaceted processes, traditional linear robotics have been of little help. Now, with the convergence of advanced robotics, machine inspection, vision systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Comau is helping customers around the globe move from manual and/or industrial manufacturing to intelligent automation.
Looking closer at the Advanced Automation space, the segment is slated for a five-year CAGR of ten per cent (2024 – 2030). Comau believes the logistics market will grow significantly, reaching $141 billion by 2030 according to internal estimates and supporting market research. At the same time, the company estimates that up to 80 per cent of warehouses have limited or no automation. This dichotomy underscores the vast opportunity for mobile robotics, automated depalletization, automated bin and piece picking solutions, and wearable robotic exoskeletons that help reduce muscle strain for the upper and lower back.
Automation challenges
Food and Pharmaceuticals are other segments in which automation must be advanced enough to handle the dynamic, sensitive, and unstructured environments in which they operate. Here, the need for precision, hygiene, and process flexibility necessitates a unique combination of high-speed robotics with cleanroom and/or IP68 and food grade materials certifications.
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are another route for companies looking to automate semi-manual processes. These robots easily fit into small spaces, operate safely and collaboratively alongside human workers, and do so cost-effectively. Rather than replacing human labor, cobots complement industrial automation lines, enhancing overall productivity.
Similarly, the push to incorporate sustainable and renewable energy sources is driving the need for innovative solutions for the installation of solar panels and the manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. In all these cases, advanced automation helps lower costs, increase quality, and speed up deployment in these fields.
Yet the transition to automation in these sectors is not without unique challenges. Unlike the structured environments of automotive plants, emerging and non-automotive industries deal with dynamic and often unpredictable conditions. Traditional robotics lack the necessary flexibility and versatility to handle such variability. And the significant shortage of skilled workers capable of managing advanced manufacturing and automation processes further complicates the situation. Not to forget that many of the companies in these sectors lack floorspace and require small footprints. They also tend to have little experience in automation, and need an easy-to-use and easy-to-implement solution that may also include operating alongside human workers.
Accelerate adoption
This is where Comau’s 50+ years of experience in industrial automation comes into play. With strong systems integration capabilities and a history of solving
complex problems with innovative solutions, the company specializes in designing advanced automation systems that are highly flexible and scalable. This is crucial for industries like logistics, where batch production can vary significantly in volume and product mix. Comau’s vision for advanced automation is based on a shift from low mix, high volume automation to software-driven solutions that allow for greater flexibility and adaptability within unstructured environments.
The next generation of robotics must also be more sustainable and affordable than ever before. Even within the automotive industry, whose level of automation is among the highest in the world, there is a growing trend of reprogramming and re-using existing robots for new production lines. There is also an increasing demand for new business models, a heightened interest in rental or leasing, and innovative maintenance concepts focused on refurbishment.
With all these technological advances underway, the key question is how to accelerate the adoption of the next generation of robotics. Comau believes the answer lies at the software level. To start, advanced robotics are highly software driven. There is also a strong need for intuitive automation software to bridge the global skills gap. This is particularly crucial in robot programming and digital automation. Comau is taking significant strides in this direction through its partnership with an important player in the AI field. This collaboration focuses on developing a game-changing software platform that makes the next generation of robotics more accessible to companies of all sizes and across all industries.
There is little doubt that the future of manufacturing is evolving rapidly, with advanced automation and robotics at the forefront. Comau’s visionary approach and cutting-edge solutions are paving the way for more flexible, sustainable, and efficient manufacturing processes, meeting the diverse and dynamic needs of various industries. The next generation of robotics promises to revolutionize how we think about and implement automation, driving significant advancements in productivity and sustainability.
Alessandro Piscioneri
Comau is a leader in advanced industrial automation, offering solutions for vehicle production, robotics, logistics, and digital services. With over 50 years of experience, Comau enhances quality and productivity across industries.