EMERGING TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION!
13 Sep 2023
Automation: as a technology is growing from strength to strength. The global industrial automation market is projected to grow from USD 205.86 billion in 2023 to USD 395.09 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.8. Companies incorporate a wide variety of technologies, including telemetry and communications, robotics and expert systems, cybersecurity tools, electro-optics, sensors, process measurement and control, wireless applications, test measurement, and systems integration to solve real-world industry challenges.
In the coming years, smart cities, home automation, and human-centric automation are the prime focus for automation solutions providers. Also, the integration of advanced technology like AI, ML, IoT, 5G, and blockchain in automation solutions will be the next focus for investors. Automation becomes more integrated into complex processes, and because of this, opportunities for automation will play a big role in the future of UX/UI design as well. Automation could be the next big thing in the UX design industry, impacting everything from optimizing the process of providing design feedback to streamlining and transforming the way teams operate and increasing the ability to develop more appealing products.
1. Artificial Intelligence AI allows robots to learn, adapt, and decide independently. It helps manufacturers find asset trends and anomalies so they can optimize output and cut down on downtime. Industrial robots and drones with builtin AI are more precise and help with jobs like material handling, maintenance, and inspection. As a result, there will be less need for human involvement and less chances of mishaps. AI thereby increases the effectiveness of maintenance procedures and extends the life of the equipment. To create these solutions, startups use machine learning (ML), deep learning, and computer vision.
2. IoT : All industrial machinery and equipment must be connected to gather and evaluate realtime data for industrial automation. This is possible by IioT, enabling industrial organizations to optimize production, lower downtime, and enhance safety. It also allows production managers to keep an eye on the settings and circumstances on the floor. In addition, IIoT-powered systems warn staff members and operators of possible dangers, track staff members’ whereabouts and health, and provide more effective emergency responses. To shift data processing closer to the source, startups also focus on edge IoT and artificial intelligence of things (AIoT).
3. Contemporary Robotics : In risky situations, robots help employees to reduce accidents and address labor shortages. Cobots, or collaborative robots, cooperate with people and change to fit their environment. This enables them to carry out a variety of jobs, including assembly, packing, and equipment maintenance. These robots lower labor expenses and improve the effectiveness of production lines. Additionally, startups are developing mobile robots that can move across unstructured areas and robotic arms that have improved dexterity and accuracy. As a result, such end-of-arm tools (EOAT) automate welding, picking, placement, and 3D printing operations. Robots with self-healing capabilities also require less upkeep.
4. Edge Computing: The need for real-time data processing and low-latency connectivity in industrial environments motivates edge computing. Cloud-based solutions can ease distant data access for enterprises while lowering IT overhead. Thus, for industrial automation, factories combine edge and cloud computing. For instance, whereas cloud computing enables data analytics, storage, and access, edge computing handles real-time monitoring and equipment control. Startups help with this by providing platforms and devices that can be integrated into current equipment to allow edge or cloud computing, reducing the need for internal product development.
5. VR & AR : The use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) increases worker productivity and security. As an illustration, VR mimics real-life circumstances to assist in the training of personnel, enabling them to train in secure and regulated surroundings. Additionally, immersive technologies enable real-time information exchange to raise worker productivity and lower human mistake rates. Startups are developing AR software for supported industrial equipment maintenance and providing digital twins of factories and assets utilizing immersive reality technology. Immersive technologies, therefore, help process automation, enhance worker security, boost output, and decrease downtime.
Types of Automation
Fixed automation (hard automation) :
It has a continuous workflow, set tasks, a high barrier of entry, and large volume production
Programmable automation: This type is associated with batch production, and it works well for producing dozens to thousands of units.
Flexible automation: It involves less human interaction, reduces downtime, and increases the range of products/goods produced on the production line or one machine
Integrated automation: IIoT and Industry 4.0 progress production lines and independent machines can communicate on a network, allowing them to become more flexible and move toward on-demand manufacturing and increased customization.
Manufacturing: Increased use of robotic tools or production management software to operate a production unit is one of the major trends in the manufacturing industry. Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Siemens is an example of automation in manufacturing. TIA portfolios can include innovations from new technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, autonomous systems, augmented reality, cognitive engineering, blockchain, and 5G.
Warehousing: Warehouse automation includes all hardware, software, people, and processes needed to automate warehouse tasks to improve accuracy and efficiency. This may involve everything from capturing warehouse data, labeling inventory items, retrieval of items, automated storage, and back-office report generation. Oracle offers Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, inventory management software, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for warehouse automation.
Automotive: Automotive manufacturers are using some degree of automation in nearly all stages of vehicle production. Robots, automation, and machine vision work together and can complete an array of tasks from assembly and welding to testing and inspection. Dynamic design solutions build and design custom automation systems for Motion Control Equipment, Motors, and many more similar automated solutions.
Logistics/Mobility : Logistics automation is simply an application of automated machinery or computer software to improve the efficiency of logistics operations.
Latest Ongoing Developments of Automation Increasing demand for convenience from consumers : Consumers across industries have evolving expectations for convenient and faster deliveries. Service providers are also integrating automation solutions to gain customer interest and increase their market position. Currently, automation in e-commerce is being applied as any technologically-driven task triggered by a non-action or action from a customer or user. For example, in marketing or branding, certain emails or ads are triggered to be sent to certain target audiences. In fulfillment, orders are trigger messages to help users to manage inventory, including “sold out” notifications.
Customer satisfaction helps e-commerce companies increase revenue by up to 10% and reduce costs by up to 25%. To stay competitive in the market, business owners seek innovative ways to stay nimble and move faster. Automation helps in scheduling sales promotions and enables eliminating discontinued products, tracking purchases, personalizing rewards, adjusting prices, applying discounts, and automating new product release announcements, etc. As a result of this, automation through apps and e-commerce increases convenience for consumers. Data-driven operations can replace incidentdriven operations using 5G. Additionally, it drives automation that is human-triggered toward results, initiates processes, and starts a lot of machine-tomachine contacts. In addition, once network slicing becomes a reality, network slices will contain SLA delivery models. IoT has significantly increased the number of endpoints that need to be controlled. To effectively manage their 5G networks and enable new 5G products, enterprises must concentrate on adding automation at every stage as they integrate their networks with cloud assets, databases, and application assets.
Diversification of workforce and automation integration : AI and RPA are technologies that can be used to connect an organization’s short-term objectives with a more long-term infrastructure that considers an organization’s new realities. Automation provides IT support to staff, with essential technical support that reduces their effort and allows them to perform more complex tasks. Enterprises can use natural language processing (NLP) to quickly answer support tickets within their contact centers, eliminate wait times and increase staff efficiency. In addition, integration RPA that is programmed to retrieve crucial data to address employee demands, combining data from several sources as necessary and then using AI to determine how to resolve the issue.
RPA helps IT teams resolve issues quickly. Automation helps in remote working and minimizes security concerns. Remote work has helped to save businesses millions of dollars. Furthermore, the productivity of employees has increased by 65% when they work from home. IT departments can manage remote teams with the help of automation and protect teams from communication silos. Automation bridges the gap between legacy and modern technology and allows organizations to have the stability and security to support core operations. Companies such as Automation Anywhere offer automation solutions such as RPA workspace, bot insight, bot store, document automation, and process discovery. RPA Workspace helps to eliminate automation silos across enterprise systems and functions, whether legacy tech or SaaS apps.
Mainstream adoption of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) : 70% of deterministic, manual, and repetitive operations can be automated using RPA bots. Several repetitive business application operations can be automated. RPA and AI can integrate to develop more sophisticated automation, with the AI providing the selfcorrection and requisite context to the automated. RPA helps in boost employee productivity, freeing workers from time-consuming and repetitive operations. The adoption of AI-powered RPA solutions will accelerate Industry 4.0’s efficacy
across the value chain. Robot Control Start-Ups : With time, business models need to evolve owing to many reasons such as resulting in the emergence of exciting new trends, the integration of advanced technology, the advent of technology, etc. Many startups are receiving funding to develop robotic controls using advanced technologies. In a “smart city,” data is collected from different sensors across the city and sent to centralized data centers, where it is used to boost system performance and enhance citizen services. Exploiting major advances in ML and computer vision, service robots have developed from performing various tasks to the role of museum guides, hotel concierges, home assistants, waiters in cafes and restaurants, automated delivery drones, and more. Robots can access smart city data to obtain information related to the task at hand. Robots, on the other hand, can serve as mobile sensors and actuators for the smart city, aiding in the collection of data. UiPath provides RPA software that makes it easy to deploy, build, and manage software bots that can emulate human actions interacting with software and digital systems.
Emergence of Industry 5.0 : The European Commission (EC) developed the idea of “Industry 5.0” to address the transition of industrial norms to encourage innovation. Industry 5.0 is built on the connection between ecology, industry, and society through technologies such as robots, IoT, AI, ML, augmented reality, collaborative robots (Cobots), digital twins, and similar technologies. Industry 5.0 is driven by the introduction of new technologies such as quantum computing, metaverse, and 6G Communications. Through digital twins, Metaverse will make it possible for the industrial industry to collaborate on goods and solutions more quickly and remotely. Blockchain workflow automation helps organizations to rely heavily on document and transactionbased processes that take the next step in digital
transformation. Smart contracts and blockchain technology eliminate the need for middlemen to verify transactions, enforce contracts, or perform background checks. Integration of all these technologies with business process management software suited to naturally complement smart contracts. A smart contract is a part of a larger business process and more complex. Blockchain can collect all funds in your main address (wallet) and generate hot deposit addresses. Airbus and Boeing, two giant industrial companies, have jumped on the Metaverse bandwagon. Boeing is to run R&D for its new jet variants and aircraft by building digital twins in the metaverse. Thus, such development by the leading companies ultimately augments the automation industry in the forthcoming years.
Transformation of automation through Artificial intelligence and machine learning Companies now have access to more data than ever before, and tools such as AI and ML that help to make the most of that data are have a significant impact on production. AI describes a computer system’s capacity to identify patterns and draw logical inferences that might assist manufacturers in making data-driven decisions. Many areas of a Manufacturing operation can be improved with AI and ML, including inventory management, supply chain visibility, warehouse cost reduction, asset tracking, forecasting accuracy, transportation cost reduction, and more. Using a cloud-based automation system like YayPay, businesses may significantly cut back on their use of paper and ink. Direct cloud storage of customer data eliminates the need for expensive and cumbersome paper file systems while safeguarding records from potential destruction in the case of a natural disaster. Cloud migration drives an 84% reduction in carbon emissions and a 65% decrease in energy consumption. Thus, the increasing use of AI and ML in automation leads to carbon emission energy management. Intelligent Automation and IBM, help improve decisionmaking and reduce manual business processes by combining core automation tools like RPA chatbots along with AI and business process management.
Top Trends of Industrial Automation 2023 Artificial Intelligence: AI allows robots to learn, adapt, and decide independently. It helps manufacturers find asset trends and anomalies so they can optimize output and cut down on downtime. Industrial robots and drones with builtin AI are more precise and help with jobs like material handling, maintenance, and inspection. As a result, there will be less need for human involvement and less chances of mishaps. AI
thereby increases the effectiveness of maintenance procedures and extends the life of the equipment. To create these solutions, startups use machine learning (ML), deep learning, and computer vision.
IoT: All industrial machinery and equipment must be connected to gather and evaluate real-time data for industrial automation. This is possible by IioT, enabling industrial organizations to optimize production, lower downtime, and enhance safety. It also allows production managers to keep an eye on the settings and circumstances on the floor. In addition, IIoT-powered systems warn staff members and operators of possible dangers, track staff members’ whereabouts and health, and provide more effective emergency responses. To shift data processing closer to the source, startups also focus on edge IoT and artificial intelligence of things (AIoT). Contemporary Robotics: In risky situations, robots help employees to reduce accidents and address labor shortages. Cobots, or collaborative robots, cooperate with people and change to fit their environment. This enables them to carry out a variety of jobs, including assembly, packing, and equipment maintenance. These robots lower labo expenses and improve the effectiveness of production lines. Additionally, startups are developing mobile robots that can move across unstructured areas and robotic arms that have improved dexterity and accuracy. As a result, such end-of-arm tools (EOAT) automate welding, picking, placement, and 3D printing operations. Robots with self-healing capabilities also require less upkeep.
Edge Computing : The need for real-time data processing and low-latency connectivity in industrial environments motivates edge computing. Cloud-based solutions can ease distant data access for enterprises while lowering IT overhead. Thus, for industrial automation, factories combine edge and cloud computing. For instance, whereas cloud computing enables data analytics, storage, and access, edge computing handles real-time monitoring and equipment control. Startups help with this by providing platforms and devices that can be integrated into current equipment to allow edge or cloud computing, reducing the need for internal product development.
VR & AR : The use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) increases worker productivity and security. As an illustration, VR mimics real-life circumstances to assist in the training of personnel, enabling them to train in secure and regulated surroundings. Additionally, immersive technologies enable real-time information exchange to raise worker productivity and lower human mistake rates. Startups are developing AR software for supported industrial equipment maintenance and providing digital twins of factories and assets utilizing immersive reality technology. Immersive technologies, therefore, help process automation, enhance worker security, boost output, and decrease downtime. The requirement for precise, accurate, and complicated part geometries, necessitating expensive gear, slows production processes. The creation of parts is automated in additive manufacturing, shortening the lead time for product development and prototyping. Additionally, 3D printing enables producers to design unique goods and parts. It reduces tooling costs and material waste to a minimum. Therefore, startups use cutting-edge 3D printing technology and materials to boost printing speed and accuracy. Automation of manufacturing workflows through industrial digitalization is required, which raises the danger of cyberattacks. Downtimes, the loss of private information, and financial harm result from this. Cybersecurity for enterprises becomes crucial to safeguarding production operations. These technologies shield industrial control systems (ICS) from unwanted access. Additionally, cybersecurity solutions shield intellectual property (IP), which costs money and harms reputation, and stops data breaches. AI-based cyber threat detection and comprehensive security options for IIoT systems are further alternatives. Startups also develop operational technology (OT) device security software solutions integrated into current systems. Production floors incorporate 5G to provide real-time communication and data processing due to higher data rates, lower latency, and more capacity. This is essential for industrial automation because it makes M2M communication more dependable.
Workflows for producing things become more productive and efficient as a result. Additionally, allows for equipment management and remote monitoring. Additionally, 5G enables the integration of data-intensive technologies for more effective production systems, including IIoT, AR, VR, and AI. Entrepreneurs are developing hardware and software to implement 5G networks and devices powered by 5G in industrial settings. Blockchain provides safe data exchange across devices, people, and organizations and decentralized communication. Startups also provide smart contracts for tracking and authenticating goods along the supply chain, decentralized equipment control and monitoring, and supply chain management. This improves data access and sharing while automating stakeholder coordination and cooperation. Therefore, blockchain creates a transparent, secure, and self-managing industrial ecosystem. Industrial wearables capture worker-specific data and provide workers with real-time production insights. They may access information and instructions right in their field of vision (FOV) thanks to smart glasses and gloves. Using a hands-free workflow, they can finish jobs more speedily and precisely. Additionally, organizations can pinpoint inefficiencies and improve manufacturing procedures thanks to the data provided by wearables. Startups for industrial automation are developing various wearable technologies. Exoskeletons that aid employees in lifting big things and smart gear that keeps an eye on their vital signs and working circumstances are examples of this.
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