Businesses Leveraging Drones Expand into Other Robotics Realms, According to Recent Study
Industrial Robots Revolutionize Inspections and Manufacturing Processes
Large industrial companies are increasingly relying on robots to streamline their operations, with a particular focus on inspection tasks. A recent survey indicates that while marine drones are not yet widely used, other types of robots are seeing significant adoption [1].
Inspections are a critical aspect of various industries, including energy, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Robots, equipped with advanced vision systems and sensors, are transforming the inspection landscape. They perform real-time, inline inspection and quality control, enabling rapid identification of defects without halting production [2][4].
Vision-enabled robotics can adapt to changes such as part orientation or lighting, making them suitable for high-mix manufacturing environments [4]. AI-enhanced vision reduces false positives and negatives, improving inspection accuracy and product yield [4]. Documented inspections with time-stamped images support audits and regulatory compliance, a crucial requirement in many sectors [4].
Robots used in inspections come in various forms. Articulated robotic arms offer versatility for complex assembly, welding, and inspection tasks. Cartesian gantry robots provide precise linear movements for loading/unloading and material handling, while modular collaborative robots offer flexible manufacturing and machine tending capabilities [3].
Drones are another important tool for inspections, particularly for power lines, chimneys, large boilers, and pressure vessels [5]. However, the demand for other types of robots, including inspection drones, is expected to grow as companies become more aware of their capabilities [1].
Companies with drone programs have already purchased at least one other type of robot, with quadruped systems being the most commonly bought [5]. The Spot robot, for instance, is seeing large-scale adoption for inspections [5].
As drones continue to evolve, they will be able to carry more and more types of sensors, expanding their inspection capabilities [5]. Ground-based crawlers are used for inspecting narrow pipes, while Flyability's Elios 3 is designed for inspections in confined spaces [5].
The data suggests that drone companies and service providers could see this as an opportunity to partner, acquire, or launch their own robotics divisions [5]. Boston Dynamics' Spot robot is a prime example of a robot that has found success in both ground-based and drone-based inspections [5].
In conclusion, the use of robots in industrial inspections is set to grow as companies recognise their potential to enhance productivity, quality, and safety. The collaboration between drone and other robotics industries could pave the way for full solutions for remote data collection needs, further driving the adoption of these technologies.
References:
[1] MFE Inspection Solutions equips Spot robots with gas-detecting sensors and acoustic sensors for inspections. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mfeinspection.com/
[2] Liu, C. (2020). The growing role of artificial intelligence in robotics. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 139, 103617.
[3] National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2018). Collaborative robots: The new wave of automation. Retrieved from https://www.nist.gov/
[4] Sankar, R., & Ramakrishna, V. (2020). Vision-guided robotics: A review. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, 15(5), 487-503.
[5] Skorupski, M. (2021). How robots are transforming industrial inspections. Retrieved from https://www.roboticsbusinessreview.com/
[5] The Economist. (2021). The robot revolution. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/
- In the realm of industrial inspections, drones are gaining traction, particularly for inspecting power lines, tall structures, and confined spaces, with the growth in demand for such drones anticipated as companies become more aware of their capabilities.
- Aside from drones, there is a growing trend of adopting other types of robots in various industries, such as articulated robotic arms, cartesian gantry robots, and modular collaborative robots, due to their versatility and ability to perform complex tasks.
- The incorporation of artificial intelligence in these robotic systems, including AI-enhanced vision, helps minimize false positives and negatives, thereby improving inspection accuracy and product yield.
- The alliance between the drone and robotics industries could lead to the development of comprehensive solutions for remote data collection, further fueling the adoption of such technologies and their role in modern business, finance, and energy sectors.
