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Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics Division, outlines three key drivers for AI-driven robotics solutions in 2024, as ABB expands into previously untapped segments within robotic automation.
“The upcoming year will witness a heightened emphasis on the pivotal role of AI,” stated Marc Segura. “From mobile robots and collaborative robots (cobots) to facilitating novel robotic applications across various sectors and fostering new learning and development opportunities, these emerging frontiers for AI are reshaping the future of industrial robotics.”
1 – AI to Enhance Autonomy in Robotics: Advancements in AI are revolutionizing the capabilities of industrial robots. AI is improving tasks such as grasping, picking, placing, mapping, and navigating through dynamic environments. From mobile robots to cobots, AI is empowering robots with unparalleled speed, accuracy, and payload capabilities, enabling them to undertake diverse tasks in flexible factory setups, warehouses, logistics centers, and laboratories.
“AI-enabled mobile robots have the potential to revolutionize industries like discrete manufacturing, logistics, and laboratories,” explained Segura. “Robots equipped with ABB’s Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (Visual SLAM) technology possess advanced mapping and navigation capabilities, enhancing autonomy while minimizing infrastructure requirements. This facilitates a transition from linear production lines to dynamic networks, resulting in significant efficiencies and the delegation of mundane tasks to robots, thereby allowing workers to focus on more rewarding roles.”
2 – AI to Drive Robotic Penetration into New Sectors: The potential of AI-enabled robotics extends beyond manufacturing, with expected efficiency enhancements in dynamic environments such as healthcare, life sciences, and retail. The construction industry, in particular, stands to benefit from AI-powered robotics, leading to improved productivity, safety, and sustainability.
“The construction industry is poised for transformative change with AI-powered robotics, addressing critical issues such as workforce shortages, safety concerns, and stagnant productivity,” noted Segura. “Advancements in AI-driven recognition and decision-making, coupled with collaborative robot technologies, facilitate safe deployment alongside human workers. These advancements enable robots to perform tasks like bricklaying, modular assembly, and 3D printing with precision and speed, contributing to sustainable construction practices.”
3 – AI to Revolutionize Education and Human-Robot Collaboration: Advances in AI and robotics hold significant implications for training and education, bridging the automation skills gap and making robots more accessible. Simplified programming through AI, including lead-through and natural language interfaces, shifts educational focus towards effective human-robot collaboration, expanding job opportunities and mitigating labor shortages.
“The shortage of skilled personnel for robot programming and support has hindered robotic automation adoption, particularly in small to medium-sized manufacturing firms,” highlighted Segura. “However, with developments in generative AI and natural language programming, workers can interact with robots more intuitively, lowering automation barriers and diversifying educational priorities beyond traditional programming skills.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Robotic Innovation: The evolution of AI-powered robotics represents the latest chapter in ABB’s fifty-year history of robotic innovation, beginning in 1974 with the introduction of the world’s first commercial all-electric robot, the IRB 6. Throughout 2024, ABB will commemorate 50 years of robotic innovation, continuing to pioneer solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability through robotic automation.
About ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation: As a leading supplier of robotics and machine automation solutions, ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation offers a comprehensive portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots, and machine automation solutions, supported by value-creating software. ABB supports companies across various sectors in transitioning towards connected and collaborative factories of the future, fostering resilience, flexibility, and efficiency.
