Stäubli Robotics: the future of the industry is starting now!
A huge and growing market
Almost 300 000 industrial robots are sold per year in the world, with China as the first consumer. The market’s growth is about +16%. The International Federation of Robots foresees about 520 000 industrial robots sold in 2020. France hasn’t not yet ‘robolutionized’ its industry but is the 3rd producer and user in Europe, juste after Germany and Italy.
How does robotics influences industry 4.0
The major trend is definitely pushed by collaborative and mobile robots. When used as a real help in the work of human beings, Vincent CHEMINEL, Business Developper at Stäubli Robotics, likes to say : « We replace the human-robots duel into a duo ». The robots thought to collaborate actively with individuals during the production processes are called co-bots. With artificial intelligence and machine learning, this co-work will offer undoubtedly a wide range of process optimizations and innovations. « They also represent a real support for human work, especially in specific work environment with risks or arduousness » says Elodie VITTOZ, Marketing & Communication Manager of Stäubli Robotics in France.
Robots for the cosmetic industry : science-fiction?
Industrial robots are meant to work in various sectors, such as food, health or aeronautic industries. In this growing market (+ 20%/year, especially in Asia), France is the 9th producer in the world. It focuses more and more on collaborative robots and co-bots. The word « robot » is both buzzing a lot, but is also associated with fear as soon as we talk about employment. Therefore, associations of robots producers are gathering to communicate of the opportunities robots will offer to industry. Robots may help in many ways during the production processes. Collaborative robotisation is possible. Such as in GT Logistics at the heart of Cosmetic Valley. The site is specialized in cosmetic logistics and preparation. For the last 6 months, the collaborative robot Sawyer is operational. At the beginning of the production line, it opens boxes for the human worker and puts the lid on the line. Moreover, it adapts its speed of work to the worker’s one.
Future of the cosmetic industry is already there
Few schools are teaching robotization yet. Though it will be more and more frequent for the youngest generations.The market evolves in the same direction. Between 2010 and 2016, approximatively 2500-3000 robots were sold per year, whereas more than 4000 were sold in 2016 (src : IFR). Thanks to great research in artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IOT), robots will take part of our work in terms of communication, simulation or virtuality. They clearly represent a stake holder of the industry 4.0. By the way, they already display vision sensors, environment analysis abilities… The future of the industry is starting now !
Many solutions already exist. As an example, Staübli Robotics, is a creative and innovative robot producer. For instance : mobile robots that are moving around production plants, that offer more agility and proximity services. They can ensure tasks that don’t have any added value. Staübli Robotics develops a range of standard robots that may be declined in specific models.
What is the next innovation ?
The future models of robots will be faster and more adapted to specific environments (dirty or very clean ones). A large range of new applications and investigations will concern user interface, user experience and simplification of use, programming, etc…
This field will request some skills and talents such as integration, computer science, neuroscience, robot coaching… and development of softwares and maintenance.
Please find more and see some demonstration on Staübli robotics Stands R1-P2, during your visit at Cosmetic 360 17-18 October 2018 in Paris.