Robotics is the primary area in the development of AI. The way we live and work has been influenced by AI in recent times.
According to research, the AI robotics market is expected to be around $22.5 billion in 2025, with about $7.24 billion from the US alone.
Statista also says this market will grow by about 23.37% each year, reaching $64.35 billion by 2030.
AI robots learn from information. This is why they can be used in different sectors. Healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing units have already started the use of AI robots. Examples are self-driving cars, automated factories, surgery robots, and drones that fly by themselves.
What Are AI-Powered Robots?
AI-powered robots are robots that have the capabilities to collect and analyze the environmental data to complete tasks without any help from humans.
They learn from the data collected from the environment, like cameras and motion sensors. Depending on the circumstances, cloud services, adjacent devices, or onboard PCs are used to process this data, frequently using machine learning or deep learning methods. The robot then decides what to do based on what it has learned.
Systems that enable machines to mimic highly skilled human abilities are a part of artificial intelligence (AI). Machine learning enables machines to learn from data in order to make decisions or predictions. Machines can now analyze data and take independent action thanks to deep learning.
FANUC
FANUC is playing a huge role in industrial automation. It is especially known for its fast and precise robots from Japan. They offer a variety of robotic solutions for different industries.
Their robots focus on speed and accuracy, making them great for tasks that require high throughput. FANUC’s robots are also easy to maintain.
Popular models:
R-series: Fast robots for various tasks like handling materials and welding
M-series: Collaborative robots for safe, flexible operation near workers.
Pros:
FANUC robots are great for manufacturing, teamwork, painting, and education. They help with automation and staff training.
Cons:
Small businesses and custom production lines might struggle with FANUC’s high prices and limited flexibility.
KUKA
KUKA is a German company that makes strong, heavy-duty industrial robots. Their robots are designed for industries that need to handle big loads in large manufacturing processes.
KUKA robots can work under tough conditions and carry heavy weights. They are used in fields like car making and aerospace.
Main models:
KR AGILUS: Small, fast robots for precise tasks in tight spaces.
KR QUANTEC: Strong robots with different load capacities.
KR TITAN: Extra-strong robots made for very heavy tasks.
Pros:
KUKA robots are popular in many areas, like car production, general manufacturing, and food and drink production.
Cons:
KUKA robots might not be suitable for simple or low-cost jobs.
Kinova Robotics
Kinova is a Canadian robotics company that was founded in 2006. It specializes in making robotic platforms for enhancing human abilities. It is useful in many sectors, including helpcare industry.
Top models:
Jaco: A robotic arm that can be adjusted to help people with disabilities with daily tasks
Gen3: A flexible robot that can be used in research and industrial environments.
Pros:
Kinova’s products, especially the Gen3, have easy-to-use controls and clear documentation, including the ROS package. Kinova focuses on safety, making their robots good for working alongside people.
Cons:
Some models, like the Jaco, are mainly made to help people and might not move as quickly or carry as much as industrial robots. Although flexible, Kinova robots may not be ideal for tasks needing very high speed or heavy loads.
Epson Robots
Epson Robots uses its precision technology expertise to create industrial robots. Known for printers and electronics, Epson Robots focuses on accuracy in its robots, making them great for precise tasks like electronics assembly.
Top models:
SCARA: Robots for fast and precise assembly.
6-axis: Robots that are for versatile tasks.
Pros: Epson robots are user-friendly and have high precision.
Cons: The initial installation and configuration can be expensive.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA uses accelerated computing to solve tough problems in AI and the metaverse, transforming global economic sectors. They are famous for making chips used in various devices like game consoles and PCs.
NVIDIA Isaac focuses on improving robotics to tackle daily challenges. For instance, AI-powered robots can help with environmental issues like sorting recyclables using Recycleye. This technology identifies safe plastics for food packaging, aiming to increase recyclable materials.
By leveraging NVIDIA tech and a large dataset, Recycleye has significantly shortened its model deployment time and achieved high accuracy in item identification compared to human vision.
Cloud-based machine learning trains models on Microsoft Azure with GPU support before deploying them to Recycleye’s devices at client locations. This automation speeds up material sorting processes and improves accuracy.
Pros: Nvidia offers high-performance computing along with deep learning and AI learning, essential for robots.
Cons: It can be expensive for the smaller firms and companies.
Top models:
Racer series: High-speed robots for precise and agile performance in challenging tasks.
Rebel-S SCARA: Fast and accurate robots perfect for assembly and packaging.
NJ series: Flexible articulated robots with various payload capacities.
ABB
ABB has achieved great success in the robotics industry with the AI robots that they have created. This makes them a global leader in this field. ABB is a global leader in artificial intelligence robots. It offers a wide range of industrial robots and automation solutions. ABB is famous for its experience, reliability, and advanced technology. It is based in Switzerland.
ABB provides high-performance robots for tough tasks, supported by deep industry knowledge.
Top models:
IRB series: Small, flexible robots great for handling and assembling small parts
YuMi: Collaborative robots made to work safely with people
Pros:
The IRB series works well in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. YuMi is ideal for small parts assembly and teamwork between humans and robots.
Cons:
Businesses that need to handle very heavy loads, want little automation, or lack technical skills should avoid some ABB robot models.
Diligent Robotics
Diligent Robotics has an AI-powered robot named Moxi. This robot helps hospitals run smoothly. Moxi can assist staff with tasks that do not involve patients. It can do other tasks such as delivering supplies and lab samples. Moxi quickly learns and adapts to new places, such as different hospital floors or buildings. The Diligent team can also customize Moxi’s tasks to fit specific workspaces.
Pros:
Diligent Robotics leads in social robotics, creating robots that help in healthcare and make a real difference in hospitals. Some workers say the company offers chances to grow and make an impact AI in healthcare, especially for those who take the lead.
Cons:
Some reviews point out a lack of diversity at the company, which could cause problems.
Scythe Robotics
Scythe Robotics’ self-driving lawn mowers use advanced AI to follow the shape of lawns, handle slopes, and change cutting patterns to keep grass neat. The AI helps the mower work safely without a person nearby by detecting obstacles like people or pets. It can avoid objects like poles and will stop its blades if it senses a human or animal in its path.
Pros: Scythe lawn mowers have many benefits, as they reduce noise and the cost of labor requirements.
Cons: Even after being equipped with safety mentions, they might still require maintenance costs.
Starship Technologies
Starship Technologies’ delivery robots use AI and GPS to plan routes for food, drinks, and small packages on college campuses and other areas up to four miles wide. The robots know their surroundings well, including road crossings, and AI helps them learn more over time. Starship robots cross streets over 140,000 times daily worldwide and have completed more than six million deliveries so far.
Pros: Robots can be less expensive than human delivery drivers, especially for short trips, because they don’t need pay, insurance, or other employee costs.
Cons: Robots are usually made for short-distance deliveries, so they might not work well in every situation.
Locus Robotics
Locus Robotics has changed the industry by creating self-driving robots for warehouses. The LocusBots use AI to handle the busy warehouse environments. They avoid obstacles and move easily around people in those tight areas.
Pros: Locus Robotics’ solutions, such as the LocusOne platform and multiple robots working together, can greatly increase warehouse productivity by cutting down on unnecessary walking and improving workflows.
Cons: Although LocusBots are made to work alongside people, there is a chance that some jobs could be lost if robots start doing tasks that humans used to do.
FAQs
What Are AI Robots?
AI robots are robots that are automated through AI and can perform tasks through machine learning.
Where Is It Used?
AI robots are used in many different sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and space.
Are AI Robots Safe To Use?
Yes, they are definitely safe to use. However, errors can still happen.
Can AI Robots Replace Jobs?
No, AI is going to help human in their jobs per AI won’t replace jobs.
What Is The Difference Between A Regular Robot and An AI Robot?
A regular robot is installed with pre-instructions, while an AI robot learns from data.
Conclusion
The demand for AI robots is increasing as industries seek more automation and advancements in technology. Despite facing obstacles such as high expenses and regulations, there are significant opportunities for expansion in healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer robotics. Businesses looking to venture into AI robotics should navigate these challenges cautiously by leveraging new technologies and innovative marketing strategies.
