28 n ROBOTS January 2024 www.drivesncontrols.com Four predictions for robotic automation in 2024 The past year has been an exciting one for innovation. The emergence of technologies such as generative AI captured global attention and dominated headlines. However, the adoption of generative AI by businesses is still very much in its early stages and there are many questions around how best to harness the technology. Digital transformation is an ongoing process so we can expect to see last year’s trends continuing to shape society in the year ahead. But how will these trends aect robotics and automation and what can the manufacturing sector expect in 2024? I foresee four major trends impacting the sector. AI will set new development pace AI is transforming the world of software development, making it cheaper, faster, and more eective. Software is a key component of automation, and with AI, software developers will be able to create more customised and optimised systems for various tasks and challenges. If software development has sometimes felt like digging with a shovel, the introduction of AI is like adding two horses and a plough to the process. However, automation expertise will remain a scarce and valuable resource as AI revolutionises manufacturing. It has been interesting – and perhaps surprising – to see AI changing the lives of oce workers before it aects working practices in most factories. I look forward to seeing the bene ts of machine learning reaching more manufacturers in 2024. After all, the technology is already there – we have many partners developing applications using AI to allow our robots to perform complex and diverse functions. For example, AI allows robots to have human-like perception, handle variations, move parts precisely, adapt to changing environments, and learn from their own experience. With time, these capabilities will lead to unprecedented exibility, quality and reliability in manufacturing. Software developments will enable more sharing and re-use Robotics software is the glue that binds users to their mechanical counterparts – a digital connection that transcends physical interaction. Software developments are enabling a new dimension in collaboration – connecting people who use robots. 2024 will see software developments leading to new levels of sharing and re-usability. Imagine a world where, instead of reinventing the wheel, we leverage existing software assets – components, interfaces and algorithms – across multiple applications. It’s a principle What does 2024 hold in store for the world of robotics and automation? Anders Billesø Beck, vice-president of strategy and innovation at Universal Robots, o ers four predictions for the year ahead. Cobots are continually nding new applications – in this case, nishing ceramics
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