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      The global stock of operating robots reached about 3.9 million units, setting a new record. This demand is driven by many exciting 

technological innovations. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) recently reported on five automation trends for 2024:

　　1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning

There is a growing trend towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics and automation. The emergence of generative 

AI has opened up new solutions. This subset of AI is dedicated to creating something new from what has been learned 

through training and has been popularized through tools like ChatGPT.

Robot manufacturers are developing generative AI-powered interfaces that allow users to program robots more intuitively 

using natural language rather than code. Workers will no longer need specialized programming skills to select and adjust 

the robot's movements.Another example is predictive AI, which analyzes robot performance data to determine the future 

state of the device. Predictive maintenance can save manufacturers money on machine downtime. According to the 

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, unplanned downtime per hour in the auto parts industry costs an 

estimated $130 million. This indicates that predictive maintenance has significant potential for cost savings.

Machine learning algorithms can also analyze data from multiple bots performing the same process for optimization. 

In general, the more data a machine learning algorithm provides, the better it performs.

      2. Collaborative robots expand to new applications

Human-robot collaboration remains one of the main trends in robotics. Rapid advancements in sensors, vision technology,

 and smart grippers enable robots to respond to changes in their environment in real-time, allowing them to work safely 

alongside human workers.Collaborative robot applications provide human workers with a new tool that reduces their 

burden and support. They can assist with tasks that require heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or working in hazardous

environments. The range of cobot applications offered by robot manufacturers is expanding.

The recent market development is the increase in collaborative robot welding applications, which is due to the shortage 

of skilled welders. This demand shows that automation is not causing labor shortages, but rather providing a solution to 

labor shortages. As a result,collaborative robots will complement, rather than replace, investments in traditional industrial 

robots, which operate much faster and are therefore still important forincreasing productivity to cope with low product margins.

New competitors are also entering the collaborative robot-focused market. Mobile robots are a combination of collaborative 

robotic arms and mobile robots (AMRs) that offer new use cases that can significantly expand the demand for collaborative robots.

      3. Mobile manipulatorMobile robots are automating material handling tasks in industries such as automotive, logistics or aerospace. 

They combine the mobilityof a robotic platform with the dexterity of a robotic arm. This allows them to navigate complex environments 

and manipulate objects, which is crucial for applications in manufacturing. These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras to 

perform inspection and maintenance tasks on machinery and equipment. One of the 

significant advantages of mobile manipulators is their ability to collaborate and support human workers. 

A shortage of skilled labor and a lack of employees applying 

for factory jobs can increase demand.

     4. Digital twinsDigital twin technology is increasingly being used as a tool to optimize the performance of physical 

systems by creating virtual copies. As robots become increasingly digitally integrated in factories, 

digital twins can use their real-world operational data to run simulations and predict possible outcomes.

Because the digital twin robot is purely a computer model, it can be stress-tested and modified without 

compromising safety while also saving costs. All experiments can be examined before touching the physical world itself. 

Digital twins bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

     5. Humanoid robotsRobotics is witnessing significant advancements in humanoid robots, 

designed to perform various tasks in various environments. The human-like design with two arms and two legs allows 

the robot to be used flexibly in a work environment actually created for humans. As a result, 

it can be easily integrated into existing warehouse processes and infrastructure.

        China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently announced China's goal of mass production of humanoid robots by 2025. 

It is expected that humanoid robots could become another disruptive technology, similar to computers or smartphones, that could change the 

way we produce goods and the way humans live.The potential impact of humanoid robots on various industries makes them an exciting area 

of development, but their large-scale market adoption remains a complex challenge. Cost is a critical factor, and their success will depend on 

their return on investment compared to established robotic solutions like mobile manipulators.Marina Bill, President of the International 

Federation of Robotics, said: "These five complementary automation trends in 2024 show that robotics is a multidisciplinary field where 

various technologies are converging to create intelligent solutions for various tasks. These advancements continue to shape the converged 

industrial and service robotics industry and the jobs of the future. ”

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