Robotics is a multifaceted technology sector presenting many capabilities to expand into a variety of applications, from automotives and warehousing and logistics, to domestic functions. IDTechEx‘s portfolio of Robotics & Autonomy Research Reports covers the extensive range of robotics, including humanoids, collaborative robots, and mobile robotics.
Humanlike robotics for automotives and warehousing
Humanoid robots possess advanced technologies to be able to carry out tasks with humanlike capabilities. LiDAR and 3D visual systems enable humanoids to have an awareness of their surroundings, with the use of cameras and sensors providing a constant stream of data to help them make decisions.
IDTechEx’s report, “Humanoid Robots 2025-2035: Technologies, Markets and Opportunities“, identifies the automotive industry as a large market for humanoid uptake, with fitting car parts potentially being amongst their most beneficial purposes. In the short to medium term, humanoids will be deployed in automotive manufacturing and logistics as part of production lines to automate processes such as material handling, inspection, and badge labelling. Many humanoid applications within this sector are still operating in early stages, with incumbent systems needing to become accustomed to the integration of these new workers. However, IDTechEx predicts that by 2033, humanoids could be assigned more complex tasks.
Within warehousing and logistics, expected to be the second largest humanoid application, training will need to be undergone in order for workforces to work harmoniously alongside the robots. The collaboration of human and robotic workers could one day see efficiency rise, with combined skillsets allowing for greater productivity. However, until training programmes become widely available, this will be a costly process, for both time and money. Despite the advantages of humanoids, IDTechEx touches on the potential data privacy risks of using these robots, considering their extensive use of sensors and cameras, within their report. Visit, “Humanoid Robots 2025-2035: Technologies, Markets and Opportunities“, for further details.
Soft gripper technology and collaborative robotics
Robotics could also be useful in a different kind of environment, where soft gripper technology can allow certain types of robots to know when to handle items with care and delicacy, such as fruit and vegetables in supermarkets. IDTechEx’s report, “Collaborative Robots 2025-2045: Technologies, Players, and Markets“, outlines the pneumatic or hydraulic systems responsible for this capability, and presents robots as not simply heavy-handed pieces of machinery, but tools to fill labour gaps or encourage growth within some companies. Collaborative robots could use this soft gripper technology, along with other sensors in their system, to determine the potential shelf life of products or know how gently to handle goods.
Collaborative robots could also be used to assemble car components within the automotive industry or carry out quality inspections for batteries and semiconductors. With the use of artificial intelligence and voice recognition, these robots will be able to receive instructions and commands within warehouses, making their presence amongst humans as seamless as possible.
The use of robotics within warehouse settings could lead to reduced human error and uninterrupted work hours, for increased productivity and output. Mobile robots in particular, covered in IDTechEx’s report, “Mobile Robotics in Logistics, Warehousing and Delivery 2024-2044“, could be put to use in a wide variety of environments. Drones or other types of robots could even be deployed for postal services, acting as robot postmen, and finishing the last-mile delivery services.
IDTechEx’s extensive research covers the many fast-growing applications for robots and the different branches within robotics offering intelligence and accuracy amongst several sectors. For more information, visit the portfolio of Robotics & Autonomy Research Reports.
