As robotics manufacturers continue to innovate across functions, price points and form factors, robotics solutions are finding their way into a variety of industries that are growing relentlessly. Advances in computing power and AI capabilities mean that we can now use robots to perform important tasks in a multitude of ways.
While the applications of robotics are quite varied – providing instructions, shelving for storage, welding metal in hazardous environments, and more – today’s robots can be divided into six categories.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
AMRs move around the world and make decisions in near real time. Technologies such as sensors and cameras help them assimilate information about their surroundings. Onboard data processing equipment helps them analyze and make informed decisions, such as moving around an employee, accurately picking a bag or selecting the appropriate surface to disinfect. These are mobile solutions that require minimal human involvement to perform their tasks. Read more about AMR robots.
Automated Vehicles (AGVs)
While AMRs move freely through their surroundings, AGVs use trajectories or predetermined paths and often require operator supervision. They are typically used to deliver materials and move objects in controlled spaces, such as warehouses and factory floors.
Articulated robots (also called robotic arms) are designed to mimic the functions of a human arm. Typically, they can have two to 10 swivel joints. Each additional joint or axis provides a greater degree of motion, which is ideal for welding, material handling, machine tool maintenance, and packaging. Learn more about articulated robots and robotic arms.
Humanoids
Although many mobile humanoid robots may technically fall into the AMR category, the term is used to identify robots that perform human-oriented functions and often have a human-like shape. They use most of the same technological components as AMRs to define, plan, and act as they perform tasks such as providing instructions or providing concierge services.
Cobots
Cobots are designed to work alongside or directly with humans. While most other types of robots perform their tasks independently or in strictly isolated areas, cobots can be in the same space as employees to help them do more work. They are often used to perform manual, dangerous or heavy tasks in day-to-day work processes. In some cases, cobots can work by reacting to or learning human movements.
Hybrids
Different types of robots are often combined to create hybrid solutions that can perform more complex tasks. For example, an AMR can be combined with a robotic arm to create a robot for handling packages inside a warehouse. As more functionality is combined in a single solution, computing capabilities are also consolidated.
Fixed and non-fixed location robots
Robots can also be broadly divided into two groups: those that move in the surrounding space and those that do not.
Businesses and government agencies use robotics in a variety of ways. All five common types of robots are used to improve results and reduce the burden on employees so they can concentrate on the most important tasks.
Industrial System.
Industrial manufacturing has long been at the forefront of using different types of robots to achieve business results. AMRs, AGVs, articulated robots and cobots are used in factory floors and warehouses to speed up processes, increase efficiency and ensure safety, often in conjunction with programmable logic controllers. They are used in a variety of applications, including welding, assembly, material handling, and warehouse security.
Farming and agriculture
AMRs help farmers harvest crops faster and more efficiently and use impressive intelligence to do so. Agricultural robots can estimate the degree of maturity, remove branches and leaves along the way, and gently and accurately harvest crops without damaging them.
Health Care
Various types of robots are used in healthcare to improve patient care. AMRs are used to deliver medications, disinfect surfaces, or provide a mobile presence function. Cobots are also used as assistants for doctors during rehabilitation or to help nurses provide better patient care.
Logistics
Robotics helps logistics and transportation companies deliver products quickly and efficiently. They use AMRs and AGVs as warehouse robots to help them process materials, speed up work, and improve accuracy. They also use AMRs for the “last mile” section and to ensure safe delivery to customers.
Retail and Hospitality
Robotics can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the customer or guest experience. Retail and hospitality companies use robotics to automate inventory processes, provide concierge or navigation services, clean various areas and help customers with luggage or parking.
Smart Cities.
Robotics is helping to create smarter and safer cities. Humanoid robots offer navigation and information services. AMRs are used to deliver goods and perform routine patrols. Robotics also helps speed up the construction of buildings, conduct site surveys, and collect building modeling information.