- Collaborative robots (cobots): These are robots designed to work alongside humans, assisting with tasks that are too dangerous or difficult for humans to perform alone. Cobots are equipped with sensors that allow them to work safely around humans, and they are typically smaller and more agile than traditional industrial robots.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advances in AI have enabled robots to perform increasingly complex tasks, such as recognizing and manipulating objects, and even learning from their own experiences to improve their performance.
- Internet of Things (IoT) integration: By connecting robots to the internet and other devices, they can exchange data with other machines and systems, improving their efficiency and effectiveness.
- Cloud Robotics: Cloud computing is being used to offload some of the computational requirements of robotics, enabling robots to access vast amounts of computing power and data stored in the cloud, and allowing them to perform more complex tasks.
- Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs): AMRs are robots that are designed to move autonomously through their environment, using sensors and algorithms to navigate and avoid obstacles. They are being used in applications such as material handling, logistics, and inventory management.
- 3D printing: 3D printing is being used to create customized parts and tools for robots, as well as to print entire robots. This technology is enabling the rapid prototyping and development of new robot designs.
- Robotics as a service (RaaS): RaaS is a business model that allows companies to rent robots instead of purchasing them outright. This can lower the upfront cost of adopting robotics technology and make it more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.