ANALYSIS AUTOMATION ROBOTICS INDUSTRY

Moreover, during the COVID outbreak, the construction, manufacturing, hotel and tourism industries have been severely affected. Production activities have been discontinued or restricted. Construction and transportation activities as well as supply chains have been hampered on a global scale. This led to a decrease in the manufacture of industrial robots as well as their demand in the market, thereby slowing down the growth of the industrial robotics market. Conversely, industries are gradually resuming their regular production and service operations. This is expected to bring industrial robotics companies back to full capacity, which will likely help the market recover by the end of 2024.

In January 2022, DHL Supply Chain invested $15 million in robotic solutions for the supply chain network in the warehouses. Robots contribute to a simple supply chain network by reducing longterm costs, increasing productivity, reducing errors and optimizing picking operations. According to industrial robotics market trends, it is estimated that the supply chain market will grow by over 100% by 2026. Hence, with the growing supply chain network, the increasing need for cost savings and efficiency gains is creating new market opportunities.

The industrial robotics market is segmented by type, industry, function and region. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into joint, card, SCARA, cylinder and other segments. By industry, it is categorized into Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Chemical,

Rubber & Plastics, Machinery, Food & Beverage, and others. By function, it is divided into soldering and welding, material handling, assembly and disassembly, painting and applying, milling, cutting and machining, and others.

Challenges and the future

While automation and robotics offer numerous benefits, their implementation presents certain challenges. The initial investment required to implement automated systems can be significant and discourage smaller manufacturers from adopting these technologies.

Additionally, integrating automation into existing manufacturing processes can require significant reconfiguration and staff training. However, advances in technology and falling costs are making automation more accessible and affordable. Smaller automation solutions are emerging, allowing manufacturers of all sizes to reap the benefits.

The future of automation and robotics in manufacturing holds enormous potential. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and robotics, leading to smarter and more autonomous systems. Collaborative robots or cobots are becoming more common, working hand in hand with human workers in a safe and collaborative environment. These cobots will have advanced sensor capabilities and intuitive interfaces that will enable seamless humanrobot interaction and collaboration.

In addition, the concept of

"lights-out manufacturing", in which factories operate completely autonomously without human intervention, is gaining traction. Uninterrupted production can provide significant benefits in terms of cost reduction, production efficiency and 24/7 operation.

However, the implementation of "lights-out manufacturing" requires robust automation systems, AI-driven decision-making algorithms, and advanced security measures. Additionally, the rise of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is poised to revolutionize manufacturing processes. 3D printing enables rapid prototyping, customization and on-demand production, reducing lead times and eliminating complex supply chains. The integration of automation and robotics with 3D printing technologies can open up new possibilities for highly efficient and agile manufacturing.

The manufacturing industry has experienced a significant transformation thanks to automation and robotics. These advancements have improved efficiency, quality control, safety, and collaboration. Further developments will enhance their capabilities, enabling flexibility, data-driven decisionmaking, and the possibility of lightsout manufacturing. The decreasing costs also make automation more accessible to businesses of all sizes. Companies must adopt these technologies to stay competitive, streamline operations, boost productivity, and meet market demands.