Robot Market Research Articles

The rise of the robot industry in China

China has had the largest market for industrial robots in the world since 2013. With market needs and governmental support, the Chinese robot industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate in order to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly developing Chinese economy. In this paper, the current state of the Chinese robot market and industry is summarised. Strategies for developing the Chinese robot industry are further discussed. It has been widely realised that the major obstacle in developing Chinese industrial robots has been the lack of capability to produce high-quality robot components such as motor drives, gearboxes, and controllers. Over the past 30 years, significant investments from the government and private sectors have been made in order to tackle this problem. However, the Chinese robot industry still faces major difficulties today. In the design and manufacturing of these components, “know-how” plays an important role. It is essential to obtain such know-how in order to overcom...

Robotic surgery

AbstractBackgroundProficiency in minimally invasive surgery requires intensive and continuous training, as it is technically challenging for unnatural visual and haptic perceptions. Robotic and computer sciences are producing innovations to augment the surgeon's skills to achieve accuracy and high precision during complex surgery. This article reviews the current use of robotically assisted surgery, focusing on technology as well as main applications in digestive surgery, and future perspectives.MethodsThe PubMed database was interrogated to retrieve evidence-based data on surgical applications. Internal and external consulting with key opinion leaders, renowned robotics laboratories and robotic platform manufacturers was used to produce state-of-the art business intelligence around robotically assisted surgery.ResultsSelected digestive procedures (oesophagectomy, gastric bypass, pancreatic and liver resections, rectal resection for cancer) might benefit from robotic assistance, although the current level of evidence is insufficient to support widespread adoption. The surgical robotic market is growing, and a variety of projects have recently been launched at both academic and corporate levels to develop lightweight, miniaturized surgical robotic prototypes.ConclusionThe magnified view, and improved ergonomics and dexterity offered by robotic platforms, might facilitate the uptake of minimally invasive procedures. Image guidance to complement robotically assisted procedures, through the concepts of augmented reality, could well represent a major revolution to increase safety and deal with difficulties associated with the new minimally invasive approaches.

Leading the way into the future: the development of a (lead) market for care robotics in Japan

Japan is an ideal country for studying the effects of demographic change and population ageing. This paper focuses on an ongoing market creation process for innovative technologies such as care robotics in Japan. The labour market situation in the Japanese healthcare market is worsening, and this is why some creative inventors and entrepreneurs try to develop technologies that can (1) enable aged persons to continue living independently in their usual environment and (2) improve processes in care facilities. Combining lead market theory, stakeholder theory and the literature on market emergence, we analyse two case studies involving the most notable developments in care robotics in Japan: the HAL robot suit and the therapeutic robot Paro. We identify the stakeholders in the market creation process of Japanese care robots and evaluate the lead market potential of this developing sector. The acceptance of such robotic technologies will also be discussed with reference to the cultural specifics of Japan and other countries.

Introduction to Autonomous Manipulation: Case Study with an Underwater Robot, SAUVIM [On the Shelf

This book examines the market for disaster robots and the technology's ability to operate in unstructured environments. It delves into this challenging topic, presenting solutions through a careful case study in underwater robotics, a project called the semiautonomous underwater vehicle for intervention missions (SAUVIM).

Research and Development of Rehabilitation Robotics in Poland

The market of rehabilitation robots has been recording slow, but steady growth for several years and this trend is expected to continue. Therefore, more and more commercial companies offering complete solutions have been entering the market and a new separate branch within the medical devices manufacturing industry can now be distinguished. Moreover, global leaders among rehabilitation robot suppliers can be identified. Nevertheless, there is still room for new companies operating locally for the benefit of their communities. An adequate research & development base and the advancement of R&D works are necessary for the development of rehabilitation robot manufacturing in new countries. This article presents the situation in this field in Poland.

LEARNING APPROACHES TO APPLYING ROBOTICS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION

The methodology and ideas behind educational robotics arise from the 1960s, when the first hardware platforms together with computers were used in research studies in schools. Since the 1990s, the market for educational robotics has grown, and there are many solutions available to use in schools. Despite a wide variety of platform approaches for using robots in education, they are still based on ideas that are decades old. This study evaluates different approaches used nowadays to teach with robots. Problem-based, constructionist, and competition-based learning are identified as the most common uses of robots under observation. Each approach is analysed qualitatively based on the published literature. Each has positive and negative properties; though none have been studied thoroughly using quantitative methods. Results indicate that all these approaches are used in schools with robots interdisciplinary. The current reasons for using robots are based mostly on teachers’ and students’ impressions. However, robotics can be seen as a “tool” to create many approaches to science education, such as inquiry learning and problem solving. Key words: constructionism, constructivism, educational robotics, inquiry learning, LEGO Mindstorms, problem solving.

Expectation for the RT-Middleware contest towards growth of the robotics market

Expectation for the RT-Middleware contest towards growth of the robotics market

Wireless Robotics: A History, an Overview, and the Need for Standardization

The field of Robotics is one of the most fascinating areas of research in the world. Right now, hundreds of universities, corporations, and governments are spending billions researching and developing intelligent robotic systems for use in automation, military, medicine, electronics, food and beverage, service and a host of other industries. There is no doubt that robotic systems will play a major role in shaping the future of the world and as research and industry merge, progress in robotics technology will advance several times beyond the current level. This progress will be driven by a need to not only make life easier for consumers, but also to improve communities and even nations as a whole. The market for wireless robots and robotic systems far exceeds the current utilization and as technology advances, the use of robots will be incorporated primarily or indirectly in almost all fields. Of course the most interesting application is use of mobile and communicative robotic systems in everyday life. The possibilities are limited only by human creativity and intellect--the driving force that can turn this industry into the forerunner for an autonomous robot assisted future. Two of the most important areas for furthering the wide scale adaption of robotics are "autonomous mobility" and "wireless communications". The field of endeavor by which robotic systems communicate wirelessly is known as Wireless Robotics. Advances in the field of Wireless Robotics are necessary to further the growth of robotic systems and their use in everyday life. Research and development in this field needs to progress more rapidly in order to see faster adoption of robots in everyday life. One way to stimulate this growth is by leveraging expertise on a global scale. But for people to cooperate in a global environment and be able to design systems without running into compatibility issues, standards are necessary. In this paper, we shall provide a brief background on the origin of robots and our fascination with them, discuss various use cases in current life, and provide the motivation for standardization in the field of Wireless Robotics.

An Environment Analysis and Competition Improvement Strategy of the Cleaning Robot Market under Korea-US FTA

Abstract This paper aims at examining the Korean export competitiveness of clean robot industry and presenting the strategy to improve capability of clean robot industry under Korea-US FTA. For this purpose, the current status and environment of Korea-US clean robot industry and the core points of Korea-US FTA are analyzed. In addition, using SWOT analysis of Korean clean robot field, we analyzed the characteristics of Korean cleaning robot industry and proposed the strategy for export expansion and strength of export competitiveness. Through above analyzation and strategies, we found out that Korean clean robot industry have some advantage to go into the US market and get the opportunity to improve the export capability though Korea-US FTA. In conclusion, to improve current status and to get the competitiveness, government and companies should recognize and utilize Korea-US FTA effect significantly. Key Words : Cleaning Robot, Korea-US FTA, Environment Analysis, SWOT, Competition Improvement Strategy

Six-axis robot launch represents major development in European robot market

Six-axis robot launch represents major development in European robot market

Where's My Personal Robot?

Where's My Personal Robot tracks recent developments in personal robots. The market for toy robots has suffered in the recession, but applications in medicine, security, maintenance, and telepresence may provide a route to consumer acceptance. Wherever You Go, There You Are focuses on location-based services for mobile computing. xplain Yourself! describes a user interface being developed that acts as a liaison between computer users and their applications, providing a way for users to teach their applications what they really want.

Assembly on moving production line based on sensor fusion

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an intelligent robot assembly system for the moving production line. Moving production lines are widely used in many manufacturing factories, including automotive and general industries. Industrial robots are hardly used to perform any tasks on the moving production lines. One of the main reasons is that it is difficult for conventional industrial robots to adjust to any sort of change. Therefore, more intelligent industrial robotic systems have to be developed to adopt the random motion of the moving production lines. This paper presents an intelligent robotics system that performs an assembly process while the object is moving, using synergic combination of visual servoing and force control technology.Design/methodology/approachThe developed intelligent robotic system includes some rules to ensure the success of the assembly processes. Also visual servoing and force control are used to deal with the random motion of the moving objects. Since the objects on the moving production lines are moving with random speed, visual servoing is adopted to tracking the motion of the moving object. Force control is also integrated to control the motion of the robot and keep the robotic system compliant with the moving objects to avoid the damage of the whole system.FindingsThe developed intelligent robotic technology has been successfully implemented. The wheel loading process is used as example.Research limitations/implicationsSince the developed technology is based on the low‐level motion control, safety has to be considered. Currently, it is done by motion supervision.Practical implicationsThe developed technology can be used to perform assemblies in the moving production lines. Since the developed platform is based on the synergic combination of visual servoing and force control technology, it can be used in other areas, such as seam tracking and seat loading, etc.Originality/valueThis paper provides a practical solution of performing assemblies on the moving production lines, which is not available on the current industrial robot market.

Japanese robotic market in 2006 and forecast for 2010

Japanese robotic market in 2006 and forecast for 2010

2P1-I01 ペット"用"ロボットの提案(ホーム&オフィスロボット)

We propose a robot FOR a pet, not for an owner. Our ultimate goal is to develop a robot that contributes to create and maintain better relation between the pet and the owner while keeping good pet's health condition. In this paper, we propose the robot for the pet and discuss current situation of pet industry. We investigate literatures in the context of animal robot interaction and we discuss a possibility to create a new home robot market. Finally, we show an initial example of ongoing interaction experiment using a tele-operated robot with the dog.

The Developing Market for Medical Robotics

This paper discusses the developing market for medical robotics. It first describes some of the dynamics and market drivers in health care, and then provides an outline of the areas of consideration when developing a commercial medical robot. The paper also offers three case studies of robotic systems that have been commercialized. Finally, it summarizes some of the key ingredients to be considered for the commercialization process

Plotting future UK robotics research programmes

PurposeTo report on a workshop, “Future UK Robotics Research Opportunities and Challenges”, held at Salford University in November 2005.Design/methodology/approachThe driver for the workshop was fear that the UK could miss out on future opportunities in the robotics market, which recent figures suggest could be six times larger in 20 years' time compared with today. The workshop was split into two main sessions. In the morning, the theme was funding sources currently available for research programmes, with presentations from representatives of the European Commission, EURON (the European Robotics Research Network), EUROP (European Robotics Platform) and the UK EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). All these bodies can provide support to UK researchers for appropriate projects. In the afternoon, the focus was on the technical challenges for robotics particularly in the service domain, which is forecast to be the big growth area. Three areas were discussed: human‐robot interfaces, robot modularisation and field robotics. Finally, the outcomes from a final “break out” session are given, the main proposal being a UK national “Grand Challenge” that would reinforce the relevance of robotics to future everyday life.FindingsThere are many opportunities in both the funding of and the challenges to UK (and other European) researchers in robotics, particularly in service environments.Originality/valueProvides a review of the current status of European robotics research programmes and the fundings available to UK teams.

Design issues for assistive robotics for the elderly

The worldwide population of elderly people is growing rapidly and in the coming decades the proportion of older people in the developed countries will change significantly. This demographic shift will create a huge increase in demand for domestic and health-care services and this in turn has the potential to create a major new market for domestic service robots that can assist with the care and support of the elderly and infirm. However, unlike industrial robots, assistive service robots are still under-developed and are not widely deployed. We analyse the nature of the requirements for assistive robotics for the elderly and argue that traditional ‘industrial’ robot engineering approaches are either inappropriate or inadequate to tackle the key problem areas, which we identify as: safety, adaptivity, long-term autonomy of operation, user-friendliness and low costs. A key issue is user acceptability and this paper explores how seemingly difficult and possibly conflicting design requirements can be integrated in a human-centred approach. We develop an approach to the design of autonomous assistive robots for the home, with emphasis on the user and the tasks to be performed. We then introduce some design principles and apply these to a simplified case study. The case study was implemented as a concrete illustration, and a series of experiments are reported. The demonstration shows, (a) how existing software techniques can be combined in a synthesis that satisfies several key design ideas, (b) how a software architecture can provide a flexible and extensible substrate for the integration of the design, and (c) how this approach can be sensitive to the concept of user ‘empathy’ that is characteristic of these applications. By highlighting significant design issues and suggesting different approaches, we hope assistive robotics will be better able to address the novel demands of assistive applications in health-care situations.

Development of the robotics industry in the United States and Japan: a comparison of competitive factors

This study examines the roles of market demand, industry structure, and firm strategy in the development of the robotics industry in the United States and Japan, focusing on differences between the two countries. On the demand side, Japan had a strong market for robots in the automotive and electrical machinery sectors. The U.S. got a slow start in the automotive sector and was unable to move rapidly to other customer sectors. On the supply side, the U.S. robotics industry consisted of mostly small and medium‐sized firms, while the Japanese robotics industry included many large‐diversified firms. Also, many U.S. robotics firms entered the market through acquisitions of and licenses with others, while many Japanese robotics firms moved forward in measured steps rather than attempting to make great leaps. Understanding these differences in market demand, industry structure, and firm strategy can help assess the overall competitiveness and development of the robotics industry in the U.S. and Japan.

Rescue robotics — a crucial milestone on the road to autonomous systems

Rescue robotics is an important steppingstone in the scientific challenge to create autonomous systems. There is a significant market for rescue robots, which have unique features that allow a fruitful combination of application-oriented developments and basic research. Unlike other markets for advanced robotics systems like service robots, the rescue robotics domain benefits from the fact that there is a human in the loop, which allows a stepwise transition from dumb teleoperated devices to truly autonomous systems. Current teleoperated devices are already very useful in this domain and they benefit from any bit of autonomy added. Human rescue workers are a scarce resource at disaster scenarios. A single operator should, hence, ideally supervise a multitude of robots. We present results from the rescue robots at the International University Bremen in a core area supporting autonomy, i.e., mapping.

The what and when of service robotics

Service robotics is the area of robotics with the strongest predicted growth. According to Future Horizon, service robotics will overtake industrial robotics and gain a dominant share of the estimated $59 billion robotics market in 2010 (Key Market Drivers Report, 2004). Such predictions are extrapolations of current trends in the area of robot pets, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, etc. In addition, it is assumed that 10 million “domestic intelligent service robots” will appear, providing assistance to the elderly. However, the exact function of such robots is still a matter of debate and research.