The workforce is evolving. From sci-fi to commonplace, collaborative robots, autonomous ground vehicles and traditional robotic arms are augmenting the workforce. These intelligent machines, supercharged from the marriage of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, are reshaping factory floors as we know them.
With promises of increased productivity, improved safety, and greater flexibility, automation and robotics are at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution. According to the International Federation of Robotics, 523,000 new robots were installed worldwide in 2023, bringing the total number of operational robots in industry to more than 4.5 million.
However, adopting robots is not without its challenges. Concerns about job displacement, ethical considerations, and the need for workforce retraining are key obstacles. As with any major technological shift, the transition to automated robotics requires careful planning and open dialogue between employers, employees, and policymakers.
The Role of Robotics in Industry 4.0: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity
Collaborative robots, or "cobots," are a key example of how AI, IoT, and automation intersect. Cobots are designed to work alongside human workers, not replace them. Equipped with advanced sensors and software, cobots can detect the presence of nearby humans and adjust their movements to ensure safe interactions.
While automation has long been a part of manufacturing, the current wave represents the latest stage in a centuries-long evolution. The first industrial revolution introduced mechanized production powered by steam and water. The second revolution, driven by electricity and mass production, further accelerated automation. The third revolution brought computers, electronics, and information technology to manufacturing. Now, with cyberphysical systems, Industry 4.0 is transforming the landscape once again.
A prominent feature of this transformation is the rise of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These robots are now used in about 60% of automotive manufacturing facilities and 80% of e-commerce operations.
"Safety may not be the primary driver of why to adopt, but it is a benefit of adoption,” said Dan Roman, Director of Private Wireless Infrastructure at Verizon. “Language independence per robot plays an important part in adoption rates too."
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is also contributing to innovation. Whereas older systems were limited to repetitive tasks, modern cobots possess capabilities that allow them to perform tasks alongside humans with remarkable efficiency. These machines are increasingly integrated into real-world workspaces, coexisting safely with human workers.
Read this article in full in our Integr8 Playbook, "Rise of the Machines: Robotics and Automation Reshaping Industries," here.
