The Trifecta: Trends in Automation, AI and Robotics
At AtomTech™, we work with automation. One of the important aspects of that is to stay on top of the trends influencing this field and those adopting it. By remaining in the know, we are able to better serve our clients as they transition further into an automated environment. In this post, we examine some of the latest articles exploring the topic.
AI and Machine Vision
In a recent piece for Automation World, David Greenfield broke down the developments that IoT Analytics “sees as having the biggest impact on machine vision technology and applications today.” An obvious entry on the list is Artificial Intelligence. As we’ve touched on previously, AI is a hot subject. The tech associated with it is increasingly being applied throughout industries. The same goes for industrial machine vision technology, which has grown with the advancement of AI. According to the article, AI-based machine vision is able to provide a plethora of benefits, including “accurate results for non-quantifiable characteristics.” It’s also helping to improve automated training. Machine vision software is capable of building its own rules to enhance a product because of the assistance of AI.
Robots and AI
Aside from the example of machine vision, AI’s effect is easily identifiable in the rise of robotic use. This brings us to the next trend of “uncaged” robots. Gary Hilson at Fierce Electronics reports on the upcoming surge in the next generation of robots. Essentially, an “uncaged” robot is a more collaborative robot. The reason they can be more collaborative is AI. Hilson points to a report that “The market for collaborative robots was pegged at $1.1 billion in 2022 with the potential to grow to $9.2. billion by 2028.” While this growth unfolds in settings such as factories and warehouses, the focus will be on ensuring that they are safe and designed to serve the mission as efficiently as possible. In turn, software and machine learning enhancements are a focus as well. This pursuit is fueling programs like the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, an accelerator for robotics startups.
Automation, AI and Robotics in the Real World
An example reflecting the coming together of automation, AI and robotics is the recent announcement made by UPS and Gap. The companies have decided to combine their logistics to equip small and medium-sized businesses with a product that improves supply chain capabilities. As David Edwards writes for Robotics & Automation, UPS and Gap “will now offer SMBs access to world class fulfillment centers, where advanced technology, automation and robotics can deliver a scalable network that provides as fast as one-day click-to-door fulfillment.”
Business decisions that prioritize the integration of AI, automation and robotics are likely to continue rising in popularity. According to Angus Loten at Wall Street Journal, corporate technology leaders are relieving pressures such as economic concerns and labor issues by investing more in AI and software automation tools. For instance, Diogo Rau, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer at Eli Lilly & Co., told the publication that the company is in the midst of implementing such a strategy in order to expand operations without needing additional staff.
As these trends escalate one another, AtomTech is here to help your business figure out the best, smartest way to approach the world of automation. Make sure to reach out to us with any questions at info@atomtechcontrols.com.
Sources
“3 Machine Vision Technology Trends” - David Greenfield, Automation World
https://www.automationworld.com/factory/sensors/article/22697448/3-machine-vision-technology-trends
“Uncaged industrial robots need advanced sensors, AI for work with humans” - Gary Hilson, Fierce Electronics
https://www.fierceelectronics.com/sensors/uncaged-industrial-robots-need-advanced-sensors-ai-work-humans
“UPS and Gap units partner to offer ‘unmatched automation and supply chain capabilities’ to apparel merchants” - David Edwards, Robotics & Automation
https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2023/02/03/ups-and-gap-units-partner-to-offer-unmatched-automation-and-supply-chain-capabilities-to-apparel-merchants/59881/
“Uncertain Economy Spurs Growth in AI-Powered Office Automation” - Angus Loten, Wall Street Journal
https://www.wsj.com/articles/uncertain-economy-spurs-growth-in-ai-powered-office-automation-11675282156