Nine robotics trends to keep your business ahead of the curve in 2024

In 2023, we saw many significant changes in the robotics sector, highlighted by rapid new advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. 

So where is this dynamic industry heading in 2024? 

The robotics experts at OMRON are predicting more technological innovation and the rise of even smarter robots. Robots will become more accessible across a broad cross section of industries. 

Expect to see a new wave of robotics applications and technologies across manufacturing, logistics, food processing and healthcare.  

Here are nine new robotics trends that should be firmly on your business radar: 

1.Collaborative robots (Cobots)

Collaborative robotics will be more in demand than ever. They will be more autonomous and capable of performing more complex tasks. Cobots will be easily programmable, with more advanced sensor technologies.

And they’re getting stronger and larger, capable of lifting much bigger payloads. This gives them a broader range of applications.

Expect to see more cobots employed for palletising tasks – minimising manual lifting.

This collaborative approach – humans working in harmony with machines – is not only expected to improve overall productivity but will contribute to a safer and more ergonomic work environment.  

2.Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) 

The use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for various applications, such as material handling, logistics, and healthcare will continue to grow. Expect more manufacturers to use AMRs to improve productivity, accuracy and uptime. You can also expect AMRs to take on new roles beyond traditional automation in 2024. They will have an increased presence outside warehouses – including outdoor environments – performing more intelligent tasks. As this technology continues to evolve, you’ll discover machines that are far more capable of adapting to their surroundings.  

3.More robotics in logistics  

More robots will be needed in the logistics sector which continues to face chronic labour shortages. They will be deployed to reduce manual labour and increase operational efficiency. Expect to see more manufacturers using AMRs, Cobots, Delta and SCARA robots to streamline production processes. These robots will carry out a broad range of tasks including transporting goods, handling parts, controlling stock or feeding production lines autonomously – ensuring continuous production and greater throughput. 

4.Fleet robotics 

The concept of fleet or “swarm” robotics involves the coordination of multiple robots working together to accomplish tasks. This trend is fast gaining momentum, particularly in applications such as warehousing and logistics, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue missions. The deployment of large fleets of robots can significantly boost your productivity. 

5.Sensory advancements 

Continued advancements in sensors, including vision systems and other sensing technologies, is expected. These improvements will enable robots to perceive and interact with their surroundings more effectively. 

6.Soft robotics 

Expect to see new advancements in “soft” robotics and the use of new materials in the year ahead and beyond. This includes grippers that can enable robots to perform more demanding tasks. These robots will be used to boost production in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical and healthcare. 

7.Robotics in healthcare 

The use of robots in healthcare applications, such as surgical assistance, rehabilitation, and patient care, is expected to expand further. Robotics plays a crucial role in improving precision and efficiency in medical procedures. 

8.    Artificial Intelligence Integration

The integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into robotics is expected to continue at a rapid pace in the year ahead. This integration is expected to enhance a robots' ability to learn, adapt, and perform complex tasks. 

9.Rise of humanoid robots 

For the first time, humanoid robots are set to be deployed in automotive production plants in the US this year. These purpose-built robots are becoming increasingly sophisticated and more intelligent than those developed in previous years. They are equipped with articulated fingers, rather than grippers so they can better manipulate certain objects. 

They will be able to perform the tasks that are now considered difficult, repetitive or in some cases dangerous for humans in the car manufacturing process. These robots should enable automakers to increase productivity while reducing costs. 

Want to take your robotics to the next level?  

It’s no surprise that more businesses are now turning to robotics and automation to streamline their daily operations and improve efficiency. 

Are you ready to take the journey? 

There’s never been a better time to invest. 

OMRON is a world leader in smart robotic systems, including collaborative and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) as well as high-performance 4-axis SCARA robots and delta pick & place robots.  

And to accelerate your robotics journey, we now have a broad range of flexible finance options available. 

Contact the experts at OMRON today.