Mobile robots are more than mere devices; they embody intelligence, communication capabilities, and mobility. The primary function is to transport goods, but it operates within the broader context of a business strategy.
While it’s hoped that figures will have changed since the IFR’s previous report, the gap between the UK and other countries shows there’s still a clear need to drive up robotic adoption.
The traditional portfolio mix of heavy hardware-orientation with associated software is transitioning to application and non-control software. The move to solutions combining hardware, software, and services is real.
The most critical piece of automation, and the one that determines whether that expensive robot arm will ultimately deliver a return on its (significant) investment, is the software that powers it.
Most factories in the world are labor driven. With labor shortage crisis accelerated by Covid, which led to millions of unfilled jobs, manufacturers are in extreme pain and are unable to address customer demand.