#04 TheCobotReport

Automation Growth, Cobot Advancements, AI Integration...

AuthorAuthor

Kiel DiGiovanni & Hesan Nobakht
October 23, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

This week’s edition dives into the surging Robotic Paint Booth Market, projected to reach $10.68 billion, driven by automation and eco-friendly trends. We also spotlight DARDO, transforming robot programming with its cutting-edge vision-based system, and Kassow Robots' Edge Edition, a cobot revolutionizing space efficiency. Plus, explore how collaborative robots are advancing human-centered manufacturing, and catch up on key industry news, including Universal Robots' latest welding breakthrough and a robot-conducted orchestra.

In this week’s email…

  • Quick Hit: Robotic Paint Booth Market Set to Hit $10.68 Billion by 2031, Growing at 12.7% CAGR

  • Movers & Shakers: 

    • DARDO: Revolutionizing Robot Programming.

    • Kassow Robots' Edge Edition: A Space-Saving Game-Changer.

  • Graduate Corner: Towards sustaining human-centered part manufacturing under workforce restrictions.

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

In the news…

QUICK HIT:

Robotic Paint Booth Market Set to Hit $10.68 Billion by 2031, Growing at 12.7% CAGR 

Image generated by DALL-E

The global robotic paint booth market is forecasted to reach $10.68 billion by 2031, exhibiting a robust 12.7% CAGR from its 2021 valuation of $3.09 billion. Automation is driving this growth, with industries like automotive, aviation, and consumer goods adopting robotic systems to boost productivity, reduce labor costs, and enhance safety. Robotic paint booths minimize waste, offer consistent results, and handle both liquid paints and powder coatings - perfect for high-precision applications.

Growth drivers:

  • Increasing demand for automation and advanced robotics, like AI enabled systems, allows for more efficient and precise painting processes.

  • Safety regulations push industries to adopt robotic booths to reduce human exposure to hazardous chemicals.

  • Sustainability focus: Robotic systems help optimize eco friendly coatings, reduce waste, and use resources efficiently.

In 2021, the "Others" segment (which includes 5-axis robots) led the market in terms of type, while hardware (robots, atomizers, controllers) dominated the sales segment. The Asia-Pacific region leads the market, driven by rapid industrialization in countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and India.

Investor takeaway: The booming demand for automation and sustainability in manufacturing presents a prime opportunity for investors. With major players like ABB, Durr, and KUKA leading innovation in AI enhanced robotics, investment in this sector looks promising. Consider focusing on companies advancing collaborative robots, which are becoming essential across industries due to their flexibility and ability to improve production speed and safety. As industries continue to prioritize efficiency and eco friendly practices, now is the time to take a closer look at the robotic paint booth market.

MOVERS & SHAKERS:

1 . DARDO: Revolutionizing Robot Programming

Image courtesy of Glance Vision Technologies

DARDO, developed by Glance Vision Technologies, is transforming how industrial robots are programmed. This innovative tool uses vision-based technology, combining a wrist-mounted camera with a passive pointing device, to enable real-time trajectory teaching. The system allows operators to guide robots simply by moving their hands, with DARDO capturing up to 40 points per second. It eliminates the need for external power sources or cumbersome cables, making it both precise and highly versatile.

Why it matters: DARDO is a game-changer for industries like manufacturing and automotive, where precision and speed are critical. Its user-friendly design and seamless integration with platforms like Universal Robots make it a must-have for companies looking to optimize automation and reduce costs. For businesses - especially SMEs - seeking to streamline their robotic operations, DARDO offers an efficient, cost-saving solution.

Who it is for: DARDO is designed for industries that rely heavily on precision and efficiency in automation, such as manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and metalworking. It’s particularly useful for companies needing fast, flexible robot programming, especially for repetitive yet highly accurate tasks like welding and material handling. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without large programming teams will also find DARDO’s simplicity a huge advantage, making automation more accessible and scalable.

Investors take note: With the rising demand for robotic automation, DARDO is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market. Its compatibility with existing robotic platforms and ability to streamline complex operations make it attractive for industries looking to cut costs and boost productivity. As companies worldwide adopt automation to stay competitive, DARDO’s potential to simplify robot programming could drive strong returns for investors backing Glance Vision Technologies.

2. Kassow Robots' Edge Edition: A Space-Saving Game-Changer

Image courtesy of Kassow Robots

Kassow Robots has launched its 7-axis Edge Edition cobots, featuring a breakthrough integration of the controller into the base, making external controllers obsolete. This advancement slashes the controller’s footprint by 90%, leaving a base of just 160x200mm, perfect for confined spaces or mobile applications. These cobots are ideal for industries where floor space is a premium, such as manufacturing, logistics, machine tending, and packaging. The compact design is especially suited for mounting on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs).

Key Specifications:

  • 7-axis design for enhanced flexibility, enabling the cobot to reach hard-to-access areas.

  • Controller integrated into the base, reducing the need for external hardware.

  • Direct DC power connection (42VDC to 58VDC), allowing it to run directly from mobile robots' batteries.

  • Remote power control capability (on/off via AGV or PLC).

  • 60 easily accessible I/O connections for seamless integration of peripherals like grippers or vision systems.

  • Available in five models, including the KR1410 with a 1400mm reach and 10kg payload, and the KR810, KR1018, KR1205, and KR1805, offering varying payloads and reach to suit diverse industrial applications.

Why it matters: In environments where mobility and space efficiency are crucial, a cobot with an integrated controller is indispensable. For instance, mobile robotics requires compact designs to enhance movement flexibility. These cobots allow automation in spaces that previously couldn't accommodate it, ideal for machine tending, palletizing, dispensing, packaging, and CNC operations. The reduction in external hardware also streamlines setup and minimizes maintenance.

Investor take note: For investors, Kassow Robots’ Edge Edition offers a competitive edge in the booming automation market. The product's focus on space efficiency and mobility solves critical issues for industries needing compact, flexible cobot solutions. Its potential to transform how SMEs and large companies implement automation makes it a highly attractive opportunity.

GRADUATE CORNER:

Towards sustaining human-centered part manufacturing under workforce restrictions

Taimur Kausar Khan, Margit Pohl, Philipp Schworm, Matthias Klar, Achim Ebert
ECCE '24: Proceedings of the European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics 2024

  • Cobots enhance productivity while working safely alongside humans, even under workforce restrictions.

  • These robots enable human-centric manufacturing, improving both job satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Collaborative robots (cobots) are revolutionizing the manufacturing sector by allowing seamless collaboration between humans and machines. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are designed to work safely alongside human workers, often handling repetitive or hazardous tasks, while humans focus on higher-value activities like problem-solving. This approach is especially useful in maintaining productivity under workforce restrictions.

Industry 5.0 emphasizes a human-centered approach, with cobots playing a critical role in achieving sustainable production systems. By integrating advanced sensors and AI, cobots not only boost efficiency but also enhance worker safety and adaptability. They help bridge labor shortages, allowing industries to continue operating smoothly even when human resources are limited.

As manufacturing evolves, cobots will be key in supporting dynamic, flexible, and resilient production environments that place workers’ well-being and skills at the forefront.

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