Over the past decade, robotic technology has dramatically improved in efficiency and cost of use. The advantages of using less floor space combined with lower energy usage and a reduction in labor costs are helping to fuel an upsurge in the use of robots in the industrial sector. According to RIA (Robotic Industries Association) statistics, orders for new robots increased 34% in North America and 143% outside of North America over the first nine months of 2010 when compared to the equivalent period in 2009.
Steve Banker of ARC Advisory Services, predicts that the use of robotics in warehouses will double as companies see the advantages in more flexibility, fewer employee injuries, and greater efficiency.
As the economy slowly recovers, experts say that the industries most likely to see growth and a need for robots to automate tasks include food, beverage and pharmaceuticals. Other areas for growth include packaging and palletizing activities. The automotive and aerospace industries as well as some small to medium sized businesses are expected to have a slower rate of recovery.
Another aspect to continued robotic use is the availability of capital and the willingness of companies to invest in high end equipment during an economic downturn. More positive economic indicators are helping to convince companies to part with hard earned capital to gain operational efficiencies.
Read these recent articles and case studies on the future of industrial robots and find out where they are being sucessfully integrated into warehouse, manufacturing and distribution center activities:
Resources and Associations related to the Robotics Industry: