#02 TheCobotReport

Smarter, faster, and more adaptable machines

AuthorAuthor

Kiel DiGiovanni & Hesan Nobakht
October 09, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

This week’s newsletter dives into the game-changing advancements in Human-Machine Interfaces, cobot miniaturization, and waterproof arms. From startups reshaping the HMI market to industry leaders tackling torque density challenges, cobots are evolving faster than ever. Plus, we’ve got the latest on how the Franka robot is setting an standard in research, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Get ready for a week packed with numbers and insights that every investor and engineer should have on their radar.

In this week’s email…

  • Quick Hit: HMI Focused Startups: Driving Growth from $5.8 Billion in 2023 to $11.37 Billion by 2030

  • Movers & Shakers: 

    • Renishaw, and RLS: Cracking the Cobot Miniaturization Code.

    • Neura Robotics’ MAiRA: A Heavyweight Contender in AI-Driven Cobots.

  • Graduate Corner: The Franka Emika Robot: A Standard Platform in Robotics Research

  • Upcoming Events: Key conferences and workshops to keep on your radar in the robotics and AI fields.

In the news…

QUICK HIT:

Human Machine Interfaces Focused Startups: Driving Growth from $5.8 Billion in 2023 to $11.37 Billion by 2030

The future of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in cobot applications across Asia-Pacific is poised for significant advancements. As cobots become more integrated with AI, touchless systems, and real-time data processing through 5G, these machines will enhance manufacturing and logistics workflows by enabling faster and more efficient human-machine collaboration. The HMI market is projected to grow from $5.8 billion in 2023 to $11.37 billion by 2030, signaling a strong shift toward smarter automation and interaction models for cobots.

With this projected growth, cobots will see improved functionality, including enhanced safety features and greater autonomy. Seamless communication between humans and machines will allow cobots to adapt in real-time, resulting in fewer interruptions and optimized productivity.

Here are three top startups innovating in HMI for cobots:

  1. Veo Robotics: Focuses on enhancing human-robot collaboration with vision-based safety systems.

  2. PickNik Robotics: Develops advanced control and motion planning software for seamless human-cobot interactions.

  3. Rapyuta Robotics: Provides cloud-based solutions to optimize cobot performance, enabling real-time human-robot collaboration​

Investors take note: As HMI technology evolves, it will drive the next generation of cobots, presenting opportunities in sectors that rely on precision, efficiency, and scalable automation solutions.

MOVERS & SHAKERS:

1 . Cracking the Cobot Miniaturization Code: How Renishaw, and RLS Solved a High-Torque Challenge

Image courtesy of Renishaw, RLS and TQ-RoboDrive

Renishaw and RLS, in collaboration with TQ-RoboDrive, addressed a critical challenge in cobot development: creating high-torque, compact motors. TQ-RoboDrive required a precision encoder for their smaller motor models (ILM25 and ILM38) that could deliver torque density without increasing the motor’s size. Existing encoders in the market were too large, prompting Renishaw and RLS to design a custom version of their AksIM encoder that fits the form factor while maintaining performance.

Ulrich Kerber, Head of Industrial Drives at TQ-RoboDrive, highlighted the significance of this solution, stating, "Robots are getting smaller, and the right components must keep pace." Kerber emphasized how the customized encoder was key to maintaining motor performance despite the shrinking size, ensuring that TQ-RoboDrive’s motors can handle the torque demands while remaining lightweight, a benchmark in the industry.

Investor insight: As cobots evolve, the ability to solve miniaturization challenges without sacrificing power or reliability is crucial. Companies like Renishaw and TQ-RoboDrive, which focus on innovation and collaboration, are well-positioned to lead in this growing sector, offering investment opportunities in robotics technologies that are driving the next generation of cobots.

2. Neura Robotics’ MAiRA: A Heavyweight Contender in AI-Driven Cobots

Image courtesy of Neura Robotics

Neura Robotics' MAiRA stands out with its impressive cognitive abilities, leveraging integrated AI for high flexibility in automation. It can sense its environment through advanced 3D vision, voice recognition, and haptic feedback. The MAiRA series offers dynamic payloads, ranging from 8 kg to a hefty 35 kg (for the MAiRA XL), with a maximum reach of 1.8 meters at speeds up to 4.5 m/s. Additionally, it features IP65 waterproofing making it one of the most adaptable cobots on the market.

Compared to Universal Robots’ UR10e, which has a payload of 12.5 kg and a reach of 1.3 meters, MAiRA XL far surpasses it in both capacity and reach. With its 7 degrees of freedom (optional) and superior AI-powered features, MAiRA can handle more complex and larger tasks, offering a significant boost in operational efficiency.

Investors take note: MAiRA’s AI-driven capabilities and advanced sensor integration position it ahead of many competitors. Its larger payload capacity and faster speeds present clear opportunities in industries requiring high-precision and heavy-duty automation, signaling strong growth potential for Neura Robotics.

GRADUATE CORNER:

The Franka Emika Robot: A Standard Platform in Robotics Research

Sami Haddadin, Chair of the Robotics and Systems Intelligence and Executive Director of the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence
IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, 25 September 2024

  • The Franka Emika Robot is a versatile, cost-effective platform widely adopted in robotics research for its tactile control capabilities and ease of integration.

  • With its affordable price (~€10,000) and modular design, it enables advanced human-robot interaction, making automation more accessible for SMEs and research institutions.

The Franka Emika Robot has become a widely recognized platform in robotics research due to its affordability, advanced tactile capabilities, and flexibility. This robot, first introduced in 2017, is known for its lightweight, joint torque-controlled design that enables intricate human-robot interaction. Its modular architecture makes it cost-effective and accessible, especially for research institutions and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In addition to its tactile control system, the Franka Emika is designed with an open software ecosystem, allowing for extensive use in research fields like AI, machine learning, perception, and control.

The robot’s ability to integrate seamlessly into various applications—such as assembly, machine tending, and healthcare—highlights its versatility. A notable innovation is its ease of programming and integration, which lowers the barrier to entry for automation in nontraditional sectors. Furthermore, its ecosystem development has fostered a community of researchers and developers, contributing to its growth as a standard research tool.

Investors take note: The Franka Emika Robot has revolutionized the cobot market with its affordable price point (~€10,000), and scalable production model. This makes it a prime candidate for industries seeking cost-effective automation solutions, particularly in the context of SMEs. Its wide adoption in research and industry presents a strong investment case for those looking to support next-generation robotics platforms.

Upcoming Events:

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