Robotics is evolving at a phenomenal pace, and in 2024 there will be even more focus on how robotics technology will impact the way we live and work. We will discuss how innovations are emerging in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, services, and entertainment, along with specific examples.
Robotics Technology Breakthroughs to Watch in 2024
The Evolution of Industrial Robots: Powering the Factories of the Future
Evolving Industrial Robots: Fusion of AI and Sensor Technology
In 2024, industrial robots are undergoing further innovation. Until now, industrial robots have been machines that repeat monotonous motions, but now, thanks to advances in AI and sensor technology, robots with more flexible and human-like decision-making capabilities are playing an active role in the manufacturing field. In the automotive industry, for example, modern robots are assembling and inspecting complex parts and even performing quality control, contributing significantly to reducing product defect rates. 2022 research shows that industrial robots have increased productivity by up to 30% and reduced labor costs by an average of 15%.
[Reference URLhttps://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/robot-sales-rise-again
The Future of Medical Robots: Safer, More Precise Surgery
Evolution of Surgical Assist Robots: From Rehabilitation to Diagnosis
Robotic technology in the medical field is also becoming even more precise by 2024. Of particular note is the evolution of surgical support robots. These robots are able to perform operations with millimeter-perfect precision, which was previously difficult to achieve with human hands, and are now able to perform safer and more accurate surgeries. For example, the da Vinci robot has been used in cardiac surgery and cancer treatment, contributing to shorter recovery times and fewer postoperative complications. One study found that the average length of hospital stay for patients who underwent robot-assisted surgery was reduced by three days.
Reference URL】: [Reference URL https://www.intuitive.com/en-us/about-us/company/legal/safety-information
In addition, the rehabilitation robot provides training tailored to the needs of each patient and supports the recovery of motor function. This is expected to shorten the rehabilitation period and improve its effectiveness.
The Potential of Service Robots to Change Everyday Life
Service robots are playing an increasingly important role in supporting and improving the comfort of our daily lives, and by 2024 we will see robots in the household and hospitality industry playing a variety of roles, from reducing the burden of household chores to relieving labor shortages.
Evolution and diffusion of household robots
Household robots have a wide variety of functions to assist us in our daily lives, ranging from cleaning robots and cooking assistance robots to even nursing care assistance robots. For example, the latest cleaning robots not only map the entire house and follow an efficient cleaning route, but also learn the shapes of furniture and walls to thoroughly clean even the smallest crevices.
In addition, nursing care support robots are attracting particular attention as they address the growing needs of caregivers in an aging society. For example, the Robear nursing care robot combines a gentle touch with strength to assist the elderly and disabled with mobility and peace of mind. Such robots are expected to reduce the burden on caregivers at home and contribute to improving the quality of life for the entire family.
Reference URL】: [Reference URL https://www.riken.jp/en/news_pubs/research_news/pr/2015/20150223_2/
The Potential of Service Robots in the Hospitality Industry
Service robots are being introduced in places such as hotels, restaurants, and airports. These robots are improving the quality of service by automating tasks such as assisting with check-in, carrying luggage, and even serving food in restaurants. For example, in some hotels in Japan, robots such as "Pepper" and "Whiz" are taking on information and cleaning tasks, reducing the burden on staff and providing a new experience for visitors.
In addition, airports have introduced luggage-handling robots and robots that guide passengers through the boarding process to facilitate passenger movement, and by linking with AI technology, robots are now available in multiple languages to not only meet the needs of tourists, but also provide more personalized service.
Reference URL】: [Reference URL https://www.softbankrobotics.com/emea/en/pepper
Frontiers of Robotics R&D by Top Companies
In the field of robotics, top companies such as Honda, Sony, and Softbank Robotics are developing the next generation of robots, and all eyes are on how they will revolutionize our lives.
Honda's multi-fingered hand robot assists future work
Honda's multi-fingered hand robots are expected to be used in fields where precision work is required, because they provide delicate and flexible movements like human hands. For example, in the manufacturing industry, the robot can be used to assemble precision parts, inspect products, and perform other tasks requiring fine adjustments. In the medical field, multi-fingered hand robot technology is expected to be useful in areas such as surgical operations and rehabilitation support.
Honda aims to create an environment where robots can work safely alongside humans, and is focusing on improving their adaptive capabilities as cooperative robots. In the future, we are looking to develop robots that can assist humans in harsh environments, such as disaster response.
Reference URL】: [Reference URL https://global.honda/innovation/robotics/
Sony's Entertainment Robot Pioneers New Experiences
Sony is also using AI technology in the entertainment field to create new experiences. For example, the AI-based pet robot "aibo" can understand emotions through interaction with the user and respond in a unique way. This allows aibo to provide healing and enjoyment in the home, and to share this experience even with families that cannot afford a pet.
Sony is also incorporating robotics technology into games and attractions to explore new forms of entertainment that cross the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds. These efforts have great potential to enrich people's experiences, hinting at the future of robotics and entertainment.
Reference URL】: [Reference URL https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/aibo/
Softbank Robotics' International Robot Deployment
SOFTBANK Robotics is deploying its robot technology internationally through robots such as Pepper and Whiz. These robots not only improve the operational efficiency of companies, but also play an important role in the search for a new symbiosis between humans and robots.
For example, "Pepper" is multilingual, making it useful as a guide for global hotel chains and event venues. Whiz" also contributes to improved hygiene management by automating cleaning tasks in office buildings and hospitals. Through these robots, SOFTBANK Robotics aims to advance robotics technology from a global perspective and enrich people's lives.
Reference URL】: [Reference URL https://www.softbankrobotics.com/emea/en/whiz
Looking to the Future of Robotics: The Outlook for 2025
Robotics technology will increasingly permeate society and fundamentally change our lives; by 2025, self-driving cars and remote-controlled medical robots will be the norm, and it will not be long before robots linked to 5G will support urban safety management and logistics as part of smart city infrastructure. As robot technology continues to innovate, the society of the future will be a world of greater efficiency and improved quality of life for people.
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