5 Robotics Predictions For the Workplace in 2023

As the field of robotics continues to advance across industries, what changes can we possibly expect in 2023 in the world of robotics and the workplace? Keeping in mind how workplaces everywhere are rapidly becoming more tech-driven, these are the top five robotics predictions for this coming year in said field and industry.

More Accessible Automation Due to Turnkey Solutions

In past years, creating a robotic system has always been a long and tedious process; a single robotics system will require hardware development, software development, application development, sensors, interfaces, and many more. This poses challenges in efficiency and finances to many companies looking into integrating robotics systems in their workplace.

Having known this problem, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are looking into creating turnkey solutions for 2023. By combining technologies that can help deliver complete solutions for most common workplace applications, turnkey solutions will make automation more accessible for many.

One OEM company called Enabled Robotics has been working on providing turnkey solutions since 2016 through hybrid technology that combines collaborative robot arms (cobots) with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This type of turnkey solution is now operating in industries such as warehouse management and production.

Upward Trend For Modular Production Amongst Manufacturers

Commonly, traditional industrial robots are large, bulky, and heavy. Although they can be helpful, this build and design can be limiting in terms of flexibility and adaptability for many workplaces looking into using these robotics.

For 2023, it is predicted that more manufacturers will help solve this issue while also being more cost-effective by deploying modular production of cobots. Although these are smaller and lighter in comparison with traditional industrial robots, cobots can perform similar activities and are in fact more flexible and adaptable.

They may also be useful in applications such as packing, palletizing, welding, and assembly. With that, the modular production and deployment of cobots may experience an upward trend amongst manufacturers.

Based on the reasons aforementioned, the cobot industry is also even projected to grow to USD 2.2 billion by 2026.

More Flexibility and Convenience Due to Higher Payload and Longer Reach Cobots

A worry for many companies who handle heavy payloads is the shift to cobots. Given the lightweight build and small design, one may doubt the abilities of cobots. However, it is expected that the performance of cobots will drastically improve this 2023 due to a higher payload and longer reach.

Universal Robots alone has already unveiled their new cobot, UR20, which can take on higher payloads and perform at faster speeds while sporting a lightweight and small footprint system. The cobot can withstand a 20-kilogram payload and has a 1,750 mm reach that can be useful for various applications.

Long-term Increases in Industrial Robot Installations

Although the growth of robotics in the workplace sector slowed down in 2022, we can expect for this to turn around and experience an upward trend in 2023 largely due to cobot automation.

As felt by many restaurants and retail stores, the shortage of labor has led them to turn to robots for help in running day-to-day businesses and we can only expect more workplaces to follow suit.

Consumer-centric Robotics Product Development

As robots are intended to help and assist humans, product development of robotics systems will still largely rely on consumer-centric wants and needs. Human collaboration and input will still be at the heart of every robotics product development to help with fully understanding the solutions needed to address workplace concerns and problems.

Final Word

Ultimately, we can expect for robots and robotics systems to continue aiding workplaces in achieving maximum efficiency and productivity in various applications. As we step into 2023, the rapid changes in tech, digital, and innovation in the field of robotics make for an exciting year ahead.