#CollaborativeRobots

[melssblog]

Industry 5.0 For A Balanced Approach To Your Automation Needs

The vision for the Fourth Industrial Revolution – or Industry 4.0 – was presented at the Hannover Messe fair in Germany in 2011.

The term Industry 5.0 was borne out of the Japanese invention – Society 5.0 at the CeBIT 2017 trade fair in Hannover, Germany.

While Industry 4.0 was embraced by industry with a lot of fanfare, continued practice revealed its shortcomings too, leading to the adoption of an industrial revolution with a more humane approach – Industry 5.0.

Common factors of both Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 builds on the basic tenets of Industry 4.0 with its inherent benefits at the business level.

While big companies implement robotic solutions and fully automated industrial machines across large manufacturing and logistics facilities, smaller medium-sized businesses utilise robotics in the form of collaborative robots (Cobots) which are smaller, more affordable, and easier-to-use industrial devices.

Robotics, smart machines and automation solutions have not only replaced human workers to perform repetitive, mundane and dangerous tasks, they do so more efficiently with more consistent product quality and production line flows, allowing companies to manufacture high-quality products at lower costs.

Interconnected industrial automation systems, IoT devices and robots consistently generate large volumes of data about the work processes, manufacturing and production line flows, providing vital business insights for further optimisation of industrial environments and manufacturing processes. The data is also used to create more flexible robots and smart manufacturing solutions to enable manufacture of a wider range of consumer products. This flexibility is to cater to customers demanding preconfigured options with minimum manufacturing costs.

Automation and robotic solutions can be implemented anywhere in the world, making it easier to relocate many manufacturing jobs to countries with low-cost labour.

Limitations of Industry 4.0

1. Well-being of workers and social dimension

Industry 4.0 led to improved efficiency, precision and productivity, leaving the social dimension of the new industrial revolution completely out of scope.

2. Economic resilience and regenerative features

The designs of robotic and AI-controlled production lines lacked the vision for restorative feedback across all the operational processes and layers.

3. Environmental aspect and promotion of green energy adoption

Although Industry 4.0 was also centered around energy efficiency and total optimisation of operational processes, it viewed energy consumption and resources utilisation from the business performance perspective alone.

4. One-sided perception of the role of robotics and automation solutions

Machines, technologies and devices designed to complement human capabilities played a secondary and supportive role in production lines with Robotics playing the major role in Industry 4.0; led to Industry 5.0.

Although automation and robotics have created a new benchmark for higher quality, efficiency and productivity which is difficult to emulate by the human workforce, they have led companies to focus more on revenue generation, often ignoring environmental impact. In many ways, this led to the concept of Industry 5.0 starting to gain momentum.

Industry 5.0 can be seen as a revised version of Industry 4.0 after addressing its shortcomings; many features are common to both.

How does Industry 5.0 differ from Industry 4.0?

In the Industry 5.0 vision, robots, smart machines, IoT, AI and Big Data are still the key to business success, but emphasis on increasingly intelligent and efficient devices is balanced with more focus on sustainability, resilience and enhancement of human talent.

Industry 5.0 adds the human touch to Industry 4.0 by focusing more on machines and new technologies for better empowerment of human workers.

Here are some of the most common human-machine-interaction technologies used in Industry 5.0:

Collaborative robots working alongside human workers

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for industrial testing, personnel training and inclusiveness

Advanced working instruments and safety equipment, enhancing human capabilities with robotic tools and data connectivity

Automatic recognition of human speech and gestures

Augmenting cognitive abilities of human workers with AI and other innovative tech

Tracking devices to monitor health and mental state of human workers

Recyclable and recycled (generated from waste) materials

Raw, living, self-repairing and lightweight materials

Materials with intrinsic traceability

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Energy-autonomous biosensors

Energy-efficient data transmission and analysis

Industry 5.0 vision

Industry 5.0 is envisioned as:

Integrating human workers and machines in industrial environments

Instead of robotic solutions and smart machines replacing humans they now support and augment human work

Repositioning human workers from repetitive tasks to more creative jobs that require problem-solving, experience and intuition

Moving away from excessive automation

Moving towards a more balanced approach with optimal use of robotics

Focusing more on customer experience

Building responsive and distributed supply chains

Designing and manufacturing not only customised but also interactive products

Addressing the security risks and vulnerabilities of interconnected industrial automation systems

Frost & Sullivan had envisioned bringing back empowered humans to the shop floor, at the SPS fair in 2019.

Elon Musk had shared the drawbacks of too much reliance on automation and summarised in his tweet thus: “Yes, excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake. To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated.”

MELSS provides a wide range of products and services for the implementation of Industry 5.0 such as the Sixdime range of IoT products, and in Industrial automation and robotics.

[patvinengineering]

There are multiple differences between cobots and industrial robots and one may choose between them according to their own preferences. Patvin Engineering has been providing quality cobots and industrial robots for years. Visit our blog for more information.

[priyarao-01]

Motion Control Market: Trends to Watch in 2024 & Beyond

Motion control systems are pivotal components in automation, enabling the precise control of movements in machines across various industries. As industries increasingly lean towards automation, the global motion control market is projected to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 5.21% during 2024-2032, reaching $26,569.12 million by 2032. This substantial expansion is driven by the rising demand for motion control solutions and technologies, particularly in response to the growing adoption of robotics and automation technologies.

The increasing focus on operational efficiency and accuracy fuels the need for advanced motion control products. Businesses are striving to optimize their operations and reduce labor costs, leading to a surge in demand for these systems. This trend is especially pronounced in fast-growing regions like Asia-Pacific, where motion control manufacturers and enterprises are rapidly expanding their offerings to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Explore in detail about this market in our FREE sample

Automation, Robotics, and Industry 4.0: Driving Growth in the Motion Control Market

The rapid integration of automation, driven by Industry 4.0, has placed the motion control industry at the heart of technological transformation. Advanced robotics and automation are revolutionizing manufacturing processes globally. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), global industrial robot installations rose by 10% in 2023, with the Asia-Pacific region dominating the landscape, accounting for nearly 70% of these installations.

China, in particular, has emerged as a leader in this domain. In 2023, 276,288 industrial robots were installed, representing 51% of global installations, marking the second-highest level ever recorded. Domestic manufacturers have significantly increased their market share, capturing 47% of the Chinese market. This growth reflects China’s strategic focus on enhancing its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse. The World Bank reports that manufacturing contributed 28% to China’s GDP in 2022, underscoring the importance of industrial automation in its economic framework.

The government has implemented policies aimed at fostering the adoption of automation technologies, with a particular focus on motion control systems. These systems ensure precision, efficiency, and scalability in production, key elements in the shift towards smart manufacturing under Industry 4.0. This substantially supports the fast growth of the Asia-Pacific motion control market.

Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop Systems: The Backbone of Motion Control

In the motion control market, two dominant system types underpin industry operations: open-loop systems and closed-loop systems. Each system offers distinct advantages tailored to the application’s precision requirements and cost considerations.

Open-Loop Systems: Known for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, open-loop systems operate without feedback mechanisms. The control signal sent to the motor remains unadjusted regardless of the outcome, making them ideal for applications where precision is not the top priority. While this lack of feedback limits accuracy, open-loop systems continue to be favored in cost-sensitive industries, where ease of maintenance and lower expenses outweigh the need for precise control.

Closed-Loop Systems: In contrast, closed-loop systems incorporate feedback loops that continuously adjust motor movements, ensuring superior accuracy and reliability. These systems are crucial in high-precision applications, such as robotics, CNC machinery, and advanced medical devices, where exact positioning and velocity control are essential. According to industry sources, the adoption of closed-loop systems is expected to grow, driven by the escalating demand for accuracy in automation processes.

Connect with our experts for a simplified analysis!

Recent Innovations by Key Players in Motion Control Technology

Latest advancements in motion control technologies have focused on enhancing performance, efficiency, and connectivity. Several leading manufacturers have introduced innovative products in 2023 and 2024, marking significant strides in the motion control market.

In March 2024, FANUC America unveiled its Power Motion i-MODEL A Plus (PMi-A Plus) at MODEX 2024. This PLC/CNC motion controller is designed to support general motion control equipment, expanding the versatility and functionality of FANUC’s product lineup.

In April 2024, Rockwell Automation Inc launched the FLEXLINE™ 3500, a low-voltage motor control center (MCC) for IEC markets. This solution enables manufacturers to unlock production data and improve productivity through smart, connected devices.

In November 2023, Siemens introduced the latest version of the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal. This update simplifies motion control operations, offering flexible production solutions and addressing the skilled worker shortages prevalent in the industry.

Robert Bosch GmbH and Mazda collaborated in October 2023 to develop DSC-TRACK, ESP® control for motorsports, which features Vehicle Dynamics Control 2.0. This advanced system improves safety, agility, and comfort, providing enhanced performance for motorsport applications.

Future of Motion Control: AI, Cobots, and Industry Growth

The motion control market is set for transformative growth, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. AI-powered motion control systems will enable manufacturers to dynamically optimize processes, particularly benefiting precision-dependent industries like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Additionally, the rise of collaborative robots (cobots), designed to work alongside humans, presents a major growth opportunity. With a projected CAGR of 31.13% through 2028, cobots are expected to become an essential component in manufacturing, boosting demand for motion control technologies.

In conclusion, the integration of automation, robotics, and AI is shaping the future of the motion control industry, opening new avenues for innovation and investment across sectors.

Explore Our Latest Release for the 2024-2032 Market Analysis

FAQs:

Q1) What is motor control in motion control systems?

Answer: Motor control refers to the methods and technologies used to regulate the movement of motors in a machine. In motion control systems, motor control ensures that motors function precisely to achieve the desired position, velocity, or torque.

Q2) What are the primary benefits of using motion control systems in automation?

Answer: Motion control systems offer improved precision, efficiency, and scalability in automation processes. They are critical for industries that require high-speed, accurate movements, such as automotive manufacturing, electronics assembly, and medical device production.

[iplusmobotonline]

Cobot Collaborative Robots  are easy to use, with an intuitive interface that requires minimal training. They can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, including assembly, sorting, packaging, and more. With our robots, you can increase your output, reduce your labor costs, and improve your overall efficiency. At IPLUSMOBOT, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and safety. Our robots are built with high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the highest standards. They are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as force-sensing technology, to ensure that they can work safely alongside human workers.

[melssblog]

We bring you D:PLOY from OnRobot It is an innovative and the industry’s first automated platform for building, running, monitoring, and re-deploying collaborative applications. It helps to get a robotic application up and running quickly even from the manufacturing floor with zero programming and zero simulations. It offers savings of up to 90% on Deployment and redeployment time from existing solutions, enabling you to bring down overall automation costs. This results in faster and lower-cost implementation, while you gain control over ongoing automation changes in your production.

It works with various grippers, robots, machine types, infeed/outfeed and pattern options, position, tool mounting and robot mounting.

For More Info https://www.melss.com/industry-4-0/grippers-eoat-and-end-effectors-for-robots/

[patvinengineering]

Patvin Engineering is a leading company in Cobot Solutions for automation. Our services are designed with advanced technology to ensure reliability, low energy consumption and durability. Learn about more by visiting our webpage. 

[paulamath]

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A post shared by Ana Paula Kolisch (@paulabee3d)

#Repost @universalrobots • • • • • ⠀ This is just great @promenergoavtomatika 😀 😍⠀ ⠀ #robotics #robotarm #cobots #collaborativerobots #Robots4all #solution #cool⠀ ⠀ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzhs4R0nApc/?igshid=gegaa6n4skkw

[industrytechnologyreports-blog]

Collaborative Robots Market Worth $10.1 Billion By 2025 | CAGR: 44.5%

The global collaborative robots market size is expected to reach USD 10.14 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. it is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 44.5% during the forecast period. Increasing investments in automation of manufacturing processes is boosting the demand for collaborative robots or cobots.

The research and development environments have been involved in the use of robots possessing embedded torque and force sensing technologies over the decades which in turn is increasing the implementation of collaborative robots in automation. Despite having a long history of using robots for several manufacturing purposes such as on the assembly lines and welding, the companies operating in automotive industry that are new to automation, might face challenges with the programming robots. The need for user-friendly robots that do not require highly skilled workforce to deploy and carry operations as well as are low maintenance, has paved the way for developing a common software platform. This platform enabled the integration of robots, their motion controlling and drives along with the generation of an interface that eases the programming of such robots

The demand arising from the automotive industrial customers, engineers, and researchers has initiated the development of collaborative robots. Moreover, these robots assist the packaging market and the industries targeting to enhance their production rates. Robots are currently working in several industries and are on the verge of impacting the logistics industry overcoming the challenges such as complicated work processes, handling numerous tasks in several number of combinations all in the compact spaces. With the development of next-generation of collaborative robots that are capable of seeing, moving, and reacting to the environment can precisely work in collaboration with the humans to increase the demand for cobots across several industry verticals along with logistics. Hence, increasing demand from logistics is anticipated to drive the overall collaborative robots market.

To request a sample copy or view summary of this report, click the link below: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/collaborative-robots-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

High demand     for collaborative robots in various industrial applications is attributed     to the factors such as the high payload carrying capacity of cobots. As     the cobots operate as an assisting device to human and assist increasing     the efficiency, along with the quality of work done

Various     countries are intensely reviving the electronics and consumer goods     industries, in turn, catalyzing the demand for cobots. In addition, the     small and medium enterprises usually emphasize on higher return on     investment amenities. Thus, the affordable cobots are effectively grabbing     the attention of such SMEs and driving the overall market at a     considerable pace

Europe led     the collaborative robots market in 2018 and accounted for over 37% of the     global market share

Key market     players include ABB Group; DENSO Robotics; EPSON Robots; Energid     Technologies Corporation; F&P Robotics AG; Fanuc Corporation; KUKA AG;     MRK-Systeme GmbH; Precise Automation, Inc.; Rethink Robotics, Inc.; Robert     Bosch GmbH; Universal Robots A/S; Yaskawa Electric Corporation; MABI AG;     Techman Robot by Quanta Storage, Inc.; Franka Emika GmbH; AUBO Robotics     Inc.; and Comau S.p.A.

See More Reports of This Category: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/display-technologies

About Grand View Research:

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

[tanmayjsb-blog]

Global Collaborative Robots Market Size Study-  The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within each of the regions and countries involved in the study.  

[msitec]

Rethink Robotics Announces $26.6 Million Series D Round of Financing

Rethink Robotics announced $26.6 million in Series D financing today.  New Investors GE Ventures and Goldman Sachs bring the cumulative investment to $100 million.  All of their earlier investors also participated in the round.

Read the full press release here.

[melssblog]

Industry 5.0 For A Balanced Approach To Your Automation Needs

The vision for the Fourth Industrial Revolution – or Industry 4.0 – was presented at the Hannover Messe fair in Germany in 2011.

The term Industry 5.0 was borne out of the Japanese invention – Society 5.0 at the CeBIT 2017 trade fair in Hannover, Germany.

While Industry 4.0 was embraced by industry with a lot of fanfare, continued practice revealed its shortcomings too, leading to the adoption of an industrial revolution with a more humane approach – Industry 5.0.

Common factors of both Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 builds on the basic tenets of Industry 4.0 with its inherent benefits at the business level.

While big companies implement robotic solutions and fully automated industrial machines across large manufacturing and logistics facilities, smaller medium-sized businesses utilise robotics in the form of collaborative robots (Cobots) which are smaller, more affordable, and easier-to-use industrial devices.

Robotics, smart machines and automation solutions have not only replaced human workers to perform repetitive, mundane and dangerous tasks, they do so more efficiently with more consistent product quality and production line flows, allowing companies to manufacture high-quality products at lower costs.

Interconnected industrial automation systems, IoT devices and robots consistently generate large volumes of data about the work processes, manufacturing and production line flows, providing vital business insights for further optimisation of industrial environments and manufacturing processes. The data is also used to create more flexible robots and smart manufacturing solutions to enable manufacture of a wider range of consumer products. This flexibility is to cater to customers demanding preconfigured options with minimum manufacturing costs.

Automation and robotic solutions can be implemented anywhere in the world, making it easier to relocate many manufacturing jobs to countries with low-cost labour.

Limitations of Industry 4.0

1. Well-being of workers and social dimension

Industry 4.0 led to improved efficiency, precision and productivity, leaving the social dimension of the new industrial revolution completely out of scope.

2. Economic resilience and regenerative features

The designs of robotic and AI-controlled production lines lacked the vision for restorative feedback across all the operational processes and layers.

3. Environmental aspect and promotion of green energy adoption

Although Industry 4.0 was also centered around energy efficiency and total optimisation of operational processes, it viewed energy consumption and resources utilisation from the business performance perspective alone.

4. One-sided perception of the role of robotics and automation solutions

Machines, technologies and devices designed to complement human capabilities played a secondary and supportive role in production lines with Robotics playing the major role in Industry 4.0; led to Industry 5.0.

Although automation and robotics have created a new benchmark for higher quality, efficiency and productivity which is difficult to emulate by the human workforce, they have led companies to focus more on revenue generation, often ignoring environmental impact. In many ways, this led to the concept of Industry 5.0 starting to gain momentum.

Industry 5.0 can be seen as a revised version of Industry 4.0 after addressing its shortcomings; many features are common to both.

How does Industry 5.0 differ from Industry 4.0?

In the Industry 5.0 vision, robots, smart machines, IoT, AI and Big Data are still the key to business success, but emphasis on increasingly intelligent and efficient devices is balanced with more focus on sustainability, resilience and enhancement of human talent.

Industry 5.0 adds the human touch to Industry 4.0 by focusing more on machines and new technologies for better empowerment of human workers.

Here are some of the most common human-machine-interaction technologies used in Industry 5.0:

Collaborative robots working alongside human workers

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for industrial testing, personnel training and inclusiveness

Advanced working instruments and safety equipment, enhancing human capabilities with robotic tools and data connectivity

Automatic recognition of human speech and gestures

Augmenting cognitive abilities of human workers with AI and other innovative tech

Tracking devices to monitor health and mental state of human workers

Recyclable and recycled (generated from waste) materials

Raw, living, self-repairing and lightweight materials

Materials with intrinsic traceability

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Energy-autonomous biosensors

Energy-efficient data transmission and analysis

Industry 5.0 vision

Industry 5.0 is envisioned as:

Integrating human workers and machines in industrial environments

Instead of robotic solutions and smart machines replacing humans they now support and augment human work

Repositioning human workers from repetitive tasks to more creative jobs that require problem-solving, experience and intuition

Moving away from excessive automation

Moving towards a more balanced approach with optimal use of robotics

Focusing more on customer experience

Building responsive and distributed supply chains

Designing and manufacturing not only customised but also interactive products

Addressing the security risks and vulnerabilities of interconnected industrial automation systems

Frost & Sullivan had envisioned bringing back empowered humans to the shop floor, at the SPS fair in 2019.

Elon Musk had shared the drawbacks of too much reliance on automation and summarised in his tweet thus: “Yes, excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake. To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated.”

MELSS provides a wide range of products and services for the implementation of Industry 5.0 such as the Sixdime range of IoT products, and in Industrial automation and robotics.

[melssblog]

The Role of Industrial Automation and Robotics in Process Improvement

Industrial Automation is an umbrella term that refers to the improvement of processes by using any form of software and hardware to aid operators, including Robotics. After the start of the Industrial Revolution, the most important disruption has been the introduction of industrial automation.

The first attempt at industrial automation was made during World War 2 with the introduction of Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machines. The CNC machines have evolved from basic equipment to those that minimized the need for human intervention and ensured higher levels of operational accuracy.

Industrial Automation also includes data acquisition systems, supervisory control, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems collect data from various sensors and PLCs attached to the factory equipment. They not only collect data from the PLCs but also control their functioning.

The advent of Robots in the early 1970s has added a new dimension to Industrial Automation, while Collaborative Robots (Cobots) have added momentum to the adoption of Robotics. The vast range of End of Arm Tools (EOATs) available is often the distinguishing performance factor for robots and cobots.

Robots

Normally used to handle heavier or larger-sized objects with speed and precision, robots require dedicated space with limited human movement to avoid workspace injuries. This is achieved by using proper fencing in the enclosure where they are located. Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) should also be applied to avoid any accidental operation which can lead to injury – only authorised persons should be allowed to set LOTO. In closed environments, floor space becomes critical for such an arrangement.

For external environments such as despatch bays of automobile plants or in cargo bays of seaports, there is a need to withstand adverse climatic conditions. Hazardous or continuous process environments also present their own unique challenges. Robots made of speciality materials are used in these cases.

In special cases Robots can also be equipped with special sensors, in which case a Robot performs its tasks in 3 stages of sense, plan, and act. In-built sensors enable robots to sense their environment. Based on this, the optimal route plan for the robot is prepared using the required programmable interface system. In the act stage, the robot performs the processes and sequences as determined in the planning stage.

Cobots

Unlike robots, Cobots can function alongside humans. They need less floor space, no safety fencing system and come with many in-built safety features to reduce collision or contact injury to humans. They can easily be moved from one application to another by simple reprogramming, and their movement is also easy due to lower weight. Additionally, they also cost less than their robot counterparts. Certain models can be mounted on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to augment pick and place operations in warehouses. Cobots are particularly useful in applications such as CNC, injection moulding, and welding which handle smaller objects.

Trends in Robotics

The field of Robotics today also encompasses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning using which robots can be programmed to perform advanced tasks. Advances such as open source Operating Systems like ROS (Robot Operating System) have made programming Robots accessible to the public at lesser cost. This drives innovation making Robots more agile and contributing to improved efficiency, quality, and productivity.

EOATs

The suitability of any Robot or Cobot to an application is determined by its EOAT (End of Arm Tooling). Different EOATs are available suiting different industries such as logistics, F&B, automobiles, avionics, shipping, medical, hospitality, and continuous process.

MELSS has provided many automation solutions for industry including SCADA, PLCs, Robots and Cobots. We provide complete solutions in Robotics and our experts suggest appropriate equipment based on your needs. We use an exhaustive range of Cobots from Doosan, Robots from Yaskawa/ Epson and EOATs from OnRobot. Our indigenously developed Solderbot helps in Robotic Soldering. MELSS repertoire of automation also involves electronic hardware developed in-house that allows our many customers to acquire data on the shopfloor for enabling traceability, data logging, warehouse automation and assembly-kitting activities.

[melssblog]

Assembly Lines have played an important role in the manufacturing industry ever since they were introduced by Henry Ford in the early 1900s. Evolution from manual to robotic assembly lines has benefited manufacturing not only in terms of precision and efficiency but also in terms of productivity and profitability. Collaborative robots (Cobots) play a major role in assembly lines, alongside humans, especially in tasks involving small parts in hard-to-reach areas such as screwdriving, polishing, buffing, gluing, and pick-and-place. Besides, Cobots can be moved across assembly lines to perform diverse applications with precision. We provide a wide range of solutions for industry in industrial automation and robotics as well as cobot's and end-effectors.

[melssblog]

Growing Industrial Robotics Adoption in India

The Indian industry has grown by leaps and bounds since the economy was opened for foreign investment in the early 90s. Irrespective of the government of the day, the industrialisation policy has remained a constant. The states of India are competing with each other in a healthy investment ecosystem. In the last decade of industrialisation in India, robotics has played a key role. While adoption of robotics started in the automobile and electronics sectors, advances in robot technologies such as mobility, vision systems, grippers, connectivity and ease-of-programming have resulted in increased robot adoption in other sectors as well.

India, as a global manufacturing hub

What started with the automobile sector with almost all the major brands setting up manufacturing plants in India has now engulfed the entire industrial spectrum. The electronics manufacturing industry has established itself strongly in India with major home appliance and smartphone brands vying with each other to set up shop in India with the current Government’s Make-in-India drive. With the Government’s thrust on infrastructure development, industries in this domain have shown tremendous growth.

The very large and burgeoning Indian population with an ever-increasing purchasing power has led to a very high demand generation to sustain the increased supply from the rapid industrialisation. Quick availability of cheap labour coupled with the increase in education levels of the Indian population is another factor that is drawing more investment into India.

Against this backdrop of an increasingly industrialised India, products manufactured in India are finding a better value in the international market. Brands are able to sell their products at a competitive price globally. The internet has also turned the entire world into a huge marketplace for any company in the world today. This needs better manufacturing practices to compete at the global level. Increasing efficiency, reducing wastage, putting manpower to better use such as innovation and improving safety levels have all become major considerations of the industry today.

India and Robotics

It is but natural for all industries in India to look at ways and means to sustain and grow in today’s global arena. Robotics is playing a key role in the Indian industry to help it grow in volume and value. The automobile industry has adopted robotics on a large scale with almost all manufacturing lines in any unit in India adopting it. The electronics industry has embraced robotics in a big way too, with all brands having factories in India achieving greater profitability through the adoption of robotics. With the rapid industrialisation of India, industries across domains are adopting robotics in a big way.

The present regime has been speeding up the promotion of robotics and is adopting robotics in a big way, such as the indigenously developed ‘Daksha’ which is an automated mobile platform for multi-purpose payloads used by the Indian Army primarily for handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), ‘Mitra’ which is an indigenously built humanoid robot while ‘Manav’ which is India’s first 3D-printed humanoid robot used in research.

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, formed by a Union Cabinet resolution on January 1, 2015, is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Government of India, providing both directional and policy inputs. It signed a statement of intent with ABB to collaborate in the fields of Robotics and AI. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed many contract agreements with academia for developing technologies related to robotics and AI. The All India Council for Robotics and Automation (AICRA) was formed in 2014 with a vision to make India a global leader in the field of Robotics, IOT and Artificial Intelligence.

Industrial Robotics Adoption in India

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), while the global annual industrial robot installation figures increased by 11% between 2014 and 2019, in India 4,771 new industrial robots were installed in 2018, increasing by a record 39 percent over the 3,412 units in 2017 which in turn rose by 30 per cent over the 2,627 units installed in 2016. India stood eleventh worldwide in terms of annual installations in 2018. Between 2012 and 2017 India saw a Compound Annual Sales Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18 percent.

The automotive industry accounted for 44% of total installations in India in 2018, while the general industry comprising of rubber and plastics, metal and the electrical/electronics industry grew by 28% and robotics in non-automotive manufacturing is fast catching up with the automotive sector, which presents a promising picture indeed (the growth of robotics in the general industry was an impressive 46% in 2017). Although the average robot density (the number of robots per 10,000 workers) in India is less than the global average, the higher growth rate should reflect in gradual improvement in robot density.

The outlook

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted sales and manufacturing in India, like elsewhere globally, the Indian economy has started looking up with the GDP turning positive again in this quarter compared to the downturn in the earlier 2 quarters. Subsequently, the outlook for robotisation has reason for cheer.

MELSS provides diverse solutions for robotics, and has tied up with major brands to offer a world-class range of Collaborative Robots and End-effectors. 

For more information, please visit https://www.melss.com/latest/industry-4-0/robotics/. 

For a list of our partners, please visit https://www.melss.com/latest/partners/.

[melssblog]

Visit us at Productronica India between Sep 11th-13th, 2024. Witness our wide range of solutions for Electronic Manufacturing, Testing, Repair and Automation. https://www.melss.com/