This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
Data has become one of the most valuable resources in the manufacturing sector. New advances in data analysis and wireless technology enable factory owners to collect and analyze vast amounts of information. This data is then used to improve and streamline factory processes.
The rise of the smart industry has created a significant opportunity for robotics. Industry experts are taking advantage of this new, constant stream of information to create a new kind of data-driven robotics.
Discover six of trends taking off in data robotics.
1. Automated Mobile Robots
You can already find autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs) in warehouses and factory floors used to transport goods. These robots use AI-powered navigation technology to move across factory or warehouse floors without the need for outside input.
These robots aren't designed for a specific factory or workflow but are instead intended to adapt to new and changing conditions using real-time AI analysis.
The tech that allows AMRs to navigate complex environments is implemented in co-bots as well, a type of robot that can work alongside humans.
2. AI-Powered Collaborative Robots
The implementation of robots does not mean replacing workers. Instead, collaborative robots make the manufacturing process easier for humans.
Scientists designed these bots specifically for small- and medium-sized businesses. These cobots, costing an average of $24,000 , are more affordable than standard robotics technology.
The turn towards collaborative robots reflects a broader trend in robotics — less focus on full automation and more on streamlining processes.
3. IoT Monitoring and Smart Factory Integration
Advances in wireless connectivity technology enabled the rise of the smart factory, a place with a network of sensors and devices that collect data factory owners can use to streamline processes.
These factories use a massive number of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to report data and make robots more efficient — or shut them down in case of an emergency.
Robots use information from these networks to change the task they're working on or reroute themselves based on updates from elsewhere on the floor.
4. Predictive Maintenance
Repairs can be a considerable cost for robots — in some cases, a combination of fixes and downtime can cost manufacturers nearly $3 million per robot. Predictive maintenance is a possible solution to this problem.
Individual pieces, like air compressors, have a range of uses in robots. Even if they're not responsible for the robot's primary functions , they can cause significant downtime when damaged, bringing operations to a halt.