The emerging trend of robots meets the growing demand for industrial automation, digitization, and sustainability. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) can automatically process materials in warehouses. On the other hand, collaborative robots work together with humans to perform picking and placing tasks in manufacturing operations. The robotics industry has also seen a significant amount of activity and investment in areas such as drones, humanoid robots, and robot network security. This report provides an overview of robot trends, from intelligent robots and robot as a service to the Internet of Things (IoT).

 

The Innovation Map outlines the top ten robot trends and 20 promising startups

 

In order to conduct in-depth research on the top ten trends in robotics and startups, we analyzed a sample of 8949 global startups and economies of scale. The result of this study is data-driven innovation intelligence, which improves strategic decision-making by providing you with an overview of emerging technologies and startups in the robotics industry. These insights were obtained through collaboration with our big data and AI driven StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, which covers over 250000 startups and scaled up enterprises worldwide. As the world's largest data resource for emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to quickly and thoroughly identify relevant startups, emerging technologies, and future industry trends.

 

In the innovation map below, you can roughly understand the top ten robot trends and innovations that affect 8949 companies worldwide. In addition, the Robot Innovation Map also showcases 20 carefully selected startups dedicated to driving emerging technologies in their respective fields.

 

 

Top 10 Robot Trends

 

(Autonomous mobile robots, intelligent robots, collaborative robots, robot as a service, robot network security, drones, robot human networking, humanoid robots, automatic guided vehicles, auxiliary robots)

 

Top 10 Robot Innovation Trends in 2023

 

01 Autonomous Mobile Robot AMR

Workers are exposed to hazardous environments in production environments, such as toxic chemicals, confined spaces, or heavy machinery. To alleviate this situation, startups and scaling up enterprises utilize AMR to automate various industrial processes. They combine sensors, artificial intelligence, and computer vision to understand the surrounding environment and navigate independently. For example, the warehouse AMR has a scanning function that can detect inventory levels and automatically handle material handling to prevent inventory depletion. AMR can also move sub components and parts over long distances within the factory to speed up operations and prevent workers from pushing heavy carts. In addition, they are also applied to cleaning workshops and hospitals through autonomous disinfection. AMR is also used for housekeeping services in the hotel industry and for transporting food and goods in hotels and restaurants. The Last Mile Delivery (LMD) robot has achieved rapid deployment of non-contact rapid delivery.

 

Ottobo Robotics Manufacturing Collaborative AMR

Türkiye start-up Ottobo Robotics builds collaborative AMR. They achieve material transportation automation without changing the warehouse infrastructure. AMR utilizes 2D and 3D light detection and ranging (LIDAR), depth cameras, and the Internet of Things to identify obstacles and autonomously navigate. They also have proprietary warehouse intelligence systems that can provide warehouse data analysis. This enables warehouse operators to optimize movement and maximize efficiency.

 

OttonomyIO provides automatic delivery robots

The start-up company OttonomyIO, headquartered in the United States, offers automated delivery robots. They follow behavior based contextual navigation and move accurately and autonomously in crowded areas. Robots allow businesses to provide non-contact delivery of food, beverages, groceries, and other items to roadside, last mile, and indoor environments. Through this approach, this startup company has solved the shortage of personnel in restaurants and retail stores, and reduced carbon emissions.

 

02 Intelligent Robot

The integration of artificial intelligence and robotics technology enables robots to utilize real-time information and optimize tasks. For this purpose, startups use computer vision, reinforcement learning, machine learning, dynamic modeling, and more. In addition, large datasets and real-time data are used to train robots to improve their accuracy and performance. Conversely, this enables them to quickly recognize objects and better perceive the environment for autonomous navigation. Implementing AI based robots in the manufacturing industry can automatically perform repetitive tasks from part picking and placement to 3D printing and quality inspection. Robots used in retail stores and hotels also utilize natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate customer interaction.

 

Sereact supports artificial intelligence driven picking

German startup Sereact has developed Capto, an intelligent software solution for robot picking. It utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize the picking of previously known items and accelerate the picking speed of new items. The software continuously learns from operations to adjust the robot's grasping performance according to requirements. This allows manufacturers to free operators from repetitive tasks and improve floor productivity.

 

Loop Robots Design Intelligent Disinfection Robots

Dutch startup Loop Robots has developed SAM, an intelligent robot that automates hospital disinfection. It autonomously navigates around hospital facilities and disinfects the air and surface of the ward. Robots have reduced the use of chemical disinfectants and prevented hospital acquired infections.

 

03 Collaborative robots

Unlike traditional industrial robots, collaborative robots have advanced sensors and software to ensure safe behavior around humans. They mainly adopt the form of end of arm tools (EOAT) to achieve automation of assembly tasks such as part welding and screw drilling. This type of robot lifts heavy objects such as metals, plastics, and other substances that pose a risk to human workers. In addition, collaborative robots have enhanced existing production lines to assist workers, thus requiring minimal production downtime for integration. This has accelerated their adoption in various industries to improve worker safety and output. In addition, advances in 5G and high-performance computing (HPC) will strengthen human-machine partnerships.

 

Rapid Robotics Manufacturing Arm End Tools

Rapid Robotics, a startup based in the United States, has established Rapid Machine Operator (RMO), an artificial intelligence driven EOAT. It is a six axis collaborative robot that can automatically perform injection molding, hot melt, ultrasonic welding, and transfer printing. Collaborative robots can automatically switch between tasks and are suitable for timed manufacturing operations. These features enable manufacturers to improve production efficiency and quality.

 

Safety Analysis of Collaborative Robots

Korean startup Safetics provides collaborative robot security analysis. This startup company utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze the collision safety of robots working with humans. It enables companies to develop security certified robots without installing safety fences or sensors. This in turn saves manufacturing costs and improves worker safety.

 

04 Robot as a Service RaaS

Developing and maintaining robots is an expensive and time-consuming process. Due to these limitations, many companies, especially small businesses, are unable to integrate robotics technology into their operations. On the other hand, RaaS provides a subscription based business model to leverage robotics technology. This method allows companies to rent robots on demand, making it easy to expand according to constantly changing market conditions. In addition, cloud based robotics technology enables service providers to quickly update existing configurations, thereby improving performance based on real-time data.

 

Dynamic Division provides industrial cleaning robots

Croatian startup Dynamic Division offers industrial floor cleaning robots on a subscription basis. This startup's cleaning robots are manufactured using remanufactured components to ensure cost-effectiveness and recyclability. It autonomously navigates and automates processes such as washing solution or water filling, charging, and cleaning. This allows small companies and warehouses to reduce physical labor and cleaning time, enabling workers to perform other important tasks.

 

Formic Fumec provides industrial automation robots

Formic, a startup based in the United States, provides robots as a service for industrial automation. This startup company collaborates with robot manufacturers to manufacture customized robots and offers them on a subscription basis. This enables manufacturers to automate machine maintenance, material handling, inspection, and welding. In addition, Formal enables them to scale operations faster and automate difficult, dangerous, or time-consuming tasks.

 

05 Robot Network Security

The integration of the Internet of Things and the growing demand for connectivity among robots make them easy targets for cyber attacks. In addition, the application of robots in defense, manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace industries requires the protection of robot solutions from unauthorized access. Robot network security solutions can protect endpoints and connection stacks to avoid data leaks and asset downtime. For this purpose, startups use AI or machine learning to deploy continuous network and device monitoring. This type of solution allows enterprises to monitor device activity in real-time and promptly flag security threats, preventing downtime and economic losses.

 

Alibaba Robotics provides robot endpoint security

Spanish startup Alibaba Robotics provides the Robot Immune System (RIS), which is a robot endpoint protection platform. It provides malware protection for robots and robot components. In addition, RIS also integrates functions such as antivirus, data encryption, and data loss protection to address various threats. This startup also provides a secure data logger for investigating network attacks or robot malfunctions. This enables robot developers and users to ensure the safety of robots in industrial and commercial spaces.

 

Dronesec provides drone security

Australian startup DroneSec has designed DroneSec Notify, a threat intelligence software for drones. It monitors the fleet to provide real-time visibility of drones. The software also implements an additional layer of data security by viewing the drone data stream and sharing it with whom. In addition, it also provides real-time notifications of any suspicious activities. Based on this data, the security team will ground or migrate the drone to a safer airspace to avoid sensitive information leakage.

 

06 Drone

Advances in edge computing, HPC and connectivity technologies enable start-ups to build UAVs with higher range and functionality. They are looking for cross industry applications to deliver packages, collect aviation data, inspect infrastructure, and more. On the other hand, agricultural drones track crops and monitor the movement of cows, and transport insecticides and plant seeds at precise locations. The flexibility of drones further accelerates their integration in the last mile delivery of groceries and medical supplies. In addition, startups use Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technology to improve the availability of drones in confined spaces. This enables emergency services to be provided in the event of natural disasters and epidemics.

 

AgMaps simplifies crop monitoring through agricultural maps

AgMaps, a startup based in the United States, manufactures drones for crop mapping and reconnaissance. They capture real-time aerial images to provide an overview and close-up images of plants, weeds, and soil. This enables farmers to accelerate reconnaissance and crop analysis, assist farm management, and maximize yield.

 

Arventek assists in architectural aerial surveying and mapping

Türkiye start-up Arventek provides UAVs for remote construction management. This startup's drones use computer vision to capture geographic data. Then, Arventek's cloud platform, Remote Site, created a 3D digital twin for construction sites to facilitate analysis, quality monitoring, and budget control. This enables project managers and clients to track progress, manage construction assets, and make data-driven decisions.

 

07 Machine Character Networking

The Internet of Things supports sensing, monitoring, and tracking, while robots focus on production, interaction, and autonomous behavior. Interconnected robots collect data and send it to edge computing platforms, which drive their performance to achieve feedback driven workflow. The latest developments in the edge of the Internet of Things have also enabled robot manufacturers to transfer computing to locations closer to data sources. This enables the robot system to utilize almost real-time data and optimize task efficiency. In addition, machine to machine (M2M) and machine to person communication enable better collaboration between humans and robots.

 

SKY POWERLINES helps with power line inspection

Portuguese startup SKY POWERLINES has developed an IoT drone for aerial photogrammetry. It captures images of transmission and distribution lines to create a 3D map. Then, the startup's SaaS platform analyzes the collected images and provides analysis reports. This improves inspection operations and provides utility companies with cost-effective alternatives to large helicopters, manned aircraft, and laser scanners.

 

Marut Drones provides agricultural drones

Indian startup Marut Drones has created agricultural drones that support the Internet of Things. They use the Internet of Things and cameras to collect on-site data for remote data support management. This startup's drone Agricopter achieves precision agriculture by providing accurate fertilizer delivery, irrigation, direct seeding, pest management, and crop monitoring. This can protect farmers from related health risks and accelerate operational speed. Another drone, Seedcopter, is searching for land restoration opportunities to sow seeds, promoting rapid afforestation and reforestation.

 

08 humanoid robot

Start ups develop humanoid robots for various applications in the education, entertainment, hotel, and healthcare industries. The post pandemic world has witnessed the rise of humanoid robots for non-contact cleaning or hospital operations. In addition, they can also be used for inspection, maintenance, and disaster recovery operations in power plants, freeing human workers from hazardous environments. In addition to serving as hosts to welcome customers at the reception, they also provide companionship for the elderly and patients. Like other robots, they can also automate tasks to save costs and improve productivity.

 

Doozy Robotics manufactures artificial intelligence humanoid robots

Singapore startup Doozy Robotics has developed Doozy, a humanoid robot. By utilizing artificial intelligence based facial recognition and 3D depth sensing, robots can detect an individual's emotions, gender, age, and race. It combines LiDAR to distinguish between objects and people and accurately respond. Doozy performs tasks such as teaching, assisting, and social interaction with others.

 

Jumple improves in store experience

Italian startup Jumple produces humanoid robots for retail stores. This startup's robots display product information and promotional activities as multimedia or gamified content. It interacts with consumers to improve customer experience and purchasing opportunities. The robot also collects data to analyze their purchasing behavior, enabling brands to improve product recommendations and marketing strategies.

 

09 Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV)

AGVs or self guided vehicles mainly transport materials in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Their movements are guided through a predictable path through a combination of software and sensor based navigation systems. For example, Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGC) transport various light to heavy materials, while Forklift AGVs can move pallets without manual intervention. This type of robot reduces operating costs and time. In addition, operators use computer software to precisely control the acceleration and deceleration of AGVs, reducing accidents and improving worker safety. The AGV also has an automatic obstacle detection bumper to ensure safe movement.

 

Filics realizes automated pallet transportation

German startup Filics provides AGVs for automatic pallet transportation. This startup company's AGV has two digitally controllable fork sections that can lift pallets and move them to the desired position. This allows for floor based pallet movement without the need for a separate transfer station. AGV can also classify pallets in narrow spaces and automatically load and unload them on trucks. This saves time and infrastructure costs required to replace transportation equipment.

 

Micro robots assist in material handling

Chinese startup Multiway Robotics is developing unmanned AGVs for material handling. With precise positioning and speed control functions, they can automatically stack, dock, and load trucks for internal logistics. This enables manufacturing companies to optimize on-site logistics while minimizing labor demand, time, and ground accidents.

 

10 auxiliary robots

Assistive robots are increasingly improving the independence and quality of life of individuals with different abilities. They combine sensors and intelligent algorithms to perceive and process sensory information and interact with humans. Startup companies have improved the cognitive decision-making of robots, enabling elderly, disabled, or sick individuals to complete activities of daily life (ADL). This enables them to live independently and safely in their own homes. In addition, robot assisted devices (such as power exoskeletons) can serve as rehabilitation tools for patients. These wearable robot units can restore the movement function of damaged individuals. They also ensure the safety of industrial workers by reducing repetitive stress injuries or fatigue, while providing ergonomic support.

 

ORTHOPUS develops external robotic arms

French startup ORTHOPUS manufactures robot exoskeletons for arm movement. They help people with movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders, and they find it difficult or tiring to lift their arms. Exoskeletons also allow users to freely or specifically adjust movement modes and can be installed on electric wheelchairs. This provides convenience for users and allows them to complete daily tasks independently of nursing staff.

 

Verve Motion manufactures industrial wearable devices

The start-up company Verve Motion, headquartered in the United States, has created SafeLift Suit, a wearable robot assistive device for industrial workers. Workers wear robot suits as backpacks to prevent injuries or strains during weightlifting. The outerwear further utilizes intuitive control systems and advanced motion analysis to customize the experience for each worker. This provides personalized care and protection for workers in logistics, retail, and manufacturing businesses.

 

Source: McKinsey. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.