This blog post was originally published at IDTechEx’s website. It is reprinted here with the permission of IDTechEx.
‘Robotics’ takes on many different forms today, from cars pre-empting a driver’s needs and making coffee-stop decisions in their best interest, to humanoid robots operating in warehouses and cobots assisting humans in production lines. IDTechEx’s portfolio of Robotics & Autonomy Research Reports is home to a multitude of diverse possibilities arising within the robotics sector, including forecasts and predictions for developments and uptake in the short to medium future.
The developing intuition of in-cabin sensing
The driver monitoring system (DMS) and the occupant monitoring system (OMS) are two vital roles within autonomous vehicle systems that utilize technologies such as near-infrared cameras and radar to monitor drivers’ states and improve passengers’ safety. These systems are drawing attention as a result of a number of regulations, particularly in line with vehicle autonomy ramping up globally. DMS will see drivers’ states of awareness monitored, as the systems pick up on potential drowsiness or fatigue by gaze tracking and detecting eyelid movement. The DMS also includes hands-on detection, so the car becomes aware when the driver removes their hands from the wheel.
Working in line with the implementation of AI within vehicles, in-cabin sensors could relay information to the vehicle’s intelligence system, which could then make the decision to suggest scheduling in a coffee stop or snack break along the route. The increased intelligence and autonomy of a vehicle’s internal systems means that they are becoming trained to always be aware of the welfare of passengers, allowing for safer and more comfortable driving.
IDTechEx’s report, “Autonomous Driving Software and AI in Automotive 2026-2046: Technologies, Markets, Players“, covers vehicle software and systems that assist the driver on the road, providing extra layers of personalization and safety. “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets” further explores the use of different technology types in the makeup of in-cabin sensing systems, and the regulations surrounding their uptake.
Vehicle autonomy, radar systems, and ADAS
Front and side radars can provide all round protection for vehicles on the road, serving unique purposes and working together to enhance their effectiveness and safety. The front radars on a vehicle require both long range and angular resolution to be able to detect objects, people, or other cars with as much time as possible to ensure the best course of action can be taken and that the driver is aware. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is one of the main features enabled with a vehicle’s front radars, that works as part of a vehicle’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) to increase safety.
Junction pedestrian automatic emergency braking will allow vehicles able to stop on their own to prevent collisions, should the driver not be able to act quickly enough. Both front and side radars will be both be responsible for this particular function, to ensure a wide coverage around the vehicle at short distances. Side radars, however, have exclusive functionality for lane change assist and blind spot detection, and are known for having a much wider field of view than front radars, in order to keep tabs on the places the driver can’t see.
The future of radar could see the technology being used to enable real-time maps and share information with other road users in order to avoid collisions and traffic jams. This may be referred to as a ‘radar mesh’ – a large system of shared information across central compute platforms. As this network expands, it could be imagined that traffic lights may be able to be controlled with on-the-go data from vehicles in surrounding areas, for safer and more efficient journeys.
IDTechEx’s report “Automotive Radar Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis & Autonomous Cars” covers radar use in autonomous vehicles and robotaxis, and the varying types of technologies that have either been commercialized or are in developmental stages. IDTechEx predicts that the radar market for automotives will reach 500 million annual sales in 2041 – a forecast which showcases the scope for the market’s success in becoming increasingly well established.
ADAS Level 2 is a relatively new phenomenon that is reshaping vehicle safety, with even more advanced capabilities than with previous systems. Sensors can be used in ADAS, alongside radar, to provide higher levels of protection on the road. Cameras can classify information, unlike radars, to identify specific objects and road signs.
Hands-free driving can also be enabled as a result of ADAS, so drivers can sip their coffee as the car drives. Though they are currently required to keep their eyes on the road, drivers could one day also see the possibility of being able to remove their gaze to chat to the passenger or reply to an email. However, liability challenges are currently a large barrier to Level 3 ADAS adoption. IDTechEx’s report, “Passenger Car ADAS Market 2025-2045: Technology, Market Analysis, and Forecasts” covers the up and coming features of ADAS that will increase both the safety and autonomous functions of vehicles.
Robotic coworkers – humanoids and cobots
Outside of vehicle capabilities, robotics and autonomy have a large part to play in sectors such as warehousing and manufacturing, where a more traditional representations of robots can be seen. Humanoids are designed to have humanlike movement capabilities and are being deployed for their ability to be used as general-purpose machines. Their actuators, tactile sensors, and AI-driven software and sensors make them capable of working independently in industrial and non-industrial environments. The former would require humanoids with larger battery packs, and the latter sees a need for light weight and lower force, proving this type of robot to be adaptable to varying environments, from vehicle assembly and manufacturing to moving boxes around warehouses. IDTechEx’s report, “Humanoid Robots 2025-2035: Technologies, Markets and Opportunities“, covers the primary applications for humanoids, and predictions for their uptake across sectors over the next decade.
Collaborative robots (cobots) share the helpfulness of humanoids, though are designed to work effectively alongside humans to increase efficiency in factories and assembly lines. Compared with traditional industrial robots, cobots are slower moving, and more light weight, and are equipped with soft gripper technology for increased sensitivity while working around delicate components. As a result, they can also be used in quality inspections, packaging, and machine tending. IDTechEx reports that they are lower in cost than alternative machines and have a small footprint as well as ease of programming and flexibility. The report, “Collaborative Robots 2025-2045: Technologies, Players, and Markets“, explores the diverse capabilities of cobots further.
For more information on the latest developments within the robotics sector, visit IDTechEx’s expansive portfolio of Robotics & Autonomy Research Reports.
