Is robotic IoT the future of manufacturing?

## Robotics IoT is an emerging development that promises to bring industrial robots and IoT sensors together These two valuable technologies come together. Will the Internet of Robotic Things become mainstream in manufacturing?

What is the Internet of Robotic Things?

The Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) is a form of network that connects robots to the Internet. These robots use IoT sensors to collect data and interpret their surroundings. They are often combined with various technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing to speed up data processing and optimize resource utilization. The development of IoRT enables robots to sense and respond to environmental changes more intelligently, bringing more efficient solutions to various industries. By integrating with IoT technology, IoRT can not only achieve autonomous operation and self-learning, but also achieve higher levels of automation and intelligence

Artificial intelligence plays a key role in the Internet of Things, helping devices to be identified more accurately and understanding its surroundings. AI can differentiate between workers and equipment more precisely than traditional IoT. While sensors can detect motion, process visual information and measure distance, they cannot perform the same deep analysis as AI algorithms. Therefore, combined with artificial intelligence technology, IoT devices can more intelligently sense and respond to changes in the environment, improving overall efficiency and accuracy.

Traditional robots are often considered to lack gentleness, care and detail, but the introduction of IoT technology may change this perception. By being equipped with IoT sensors and visualization technology, robots can better interact with their surroundings. They can easily pick up fragile items without damaging them, navigate complex spaces and intentionally avoid collisions with workers.

Manufacturers and warehouses can now apply IoT technology in any area where only traditional robots have been used in the past. The introduction of robotic IoT can improve production accuracy and work efficiency, which is a significant technological advancement. Although this technology is relatively new, various industries are actively exploring its potential applications, especially in manufacturing. This trend of combining robotics and IoT is expected to bring greater productivity and benefits to businesses, while also creating a safer and smarter work environment for workers.

Why is robotics combined with the Internet of Things?

In recent years, the application of industrial robots has shown a rapid growth trend. Robot density almost doubled between 2017 and 2021. While some say this is a good achievement, there is still room for improvement. As industry experts realize this, they are turning their attention to IoT.

The Internet of Things is attractive because it can add millions of dollars of value to robotics. Experts believe the economic impact could be as high as $11.1 trillion by 2025. Both technologies are rapidly evolving and becoming more valuable, so combining them was an easy decision.

In addition to the potential added value, IoT and robotics work well together - a combination that solves one of the biggest pain points in the field. Safety has been one of the biggest issues facing industrial robots for many years. Sensors can now track proximity, motion and video to ensure worker safety.

Unfortunately, the industries that use industrial robots the most have been facing widespread labor shortages for years. In the U.S., 77% of manufacturing leaders believe they will continue to have difficulty recruiting and retaining employees. Fortunately, IoT can work independently as it can interpret and react to its surroundings in real time.

How does the Internet of Robotics differ from the Internet of Things?

IoRT and IoT have many similarities. First, they all use various sensors to collect information about the surrounding environment. They convert light, vibration, proximity, motion or speed information into electrical signals and place them into digital storage.

Both IoRT and IoT provide data-driven performance and maintenance insights. For example, they can track the vibration and speed of a machine to determine when it begins to behave abnormally. From there, they can send real-time alerts to management.

The Internet of Things and IoT technology both maintain a constant connection to the Internet. They all stay online permanently because this allows them to connect over a shared network. This way, they can coordinate and send information to the same storage system.

Generally, that’s where the similarities end. Standard IoT devices can only collect data from their surroundings—they often need to be integrated with another technology to perform analysis. Robotic IoT, on the other hand, can analyze and interpret information locally.

Additionally, IoT can only collect data in real time, while IoT can respond to new information as it is being processed. Therefore, it can interact with its surroundings and respond to stimuli and events. For example, a robot might stop moving when it senses a worker nearby—traditional sensors must be connected to something else to trigger action.

Real-life examples of robotic IoT

The robotic IoT can come in many forms.

Collaborative robot

A collaborative robot (often called a cobot) is an industrial robot that operates alongside humans. Unlike traditional colleagues, it's safe to work next to them. Most use IoT sensors to determine the location of workers. If someone gets too close, they'll stop what they're doing.

Mobile Robot

A mobile robot can move around, so it is usually much smaller than most industrial types. Many people follow a predetermined path. They're often used in distribution centers and warehouses so employees don't have to lift, bend or squat as often - they keep people in better shape and go faster.

Many mobile robots use IoT technology to coordinate so that they don't bump into anything. Because their sensors allow them to react to their surroundings in real time, they can decide where to go instead of being stuck on a preset path—which helps when obstacles suddenly appear.

Network Robot

Network Robot is a collection of IoT machines that operate as a whole. They all operate on the same network, exchanging information and coordinating actions. If someone reports a delay or unusual event, others will know immediately.

Cognitive Robots

Cognitive IoT leverages technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and sensors to help devices understand their surroundings and develop logic skills over time . When combined with robotics, the result is a machine capable of reasoning.

In practice, cognitive IoT technology can predict people’s needs and respond accordingly. For example, a manufacturing robot can adjust its speed to match workers. Alternatively, warehouse machines can switch their order picking routes to avoid delays.

Is the Internet of Things the future of manufacturing?

In the past few years, industrial robotics has received increasing attention. It is one of the fastest growing sectors and has significantly reshaped the manufacturing industry. Many manufacturing professionals have realized how lucrative robotic IoT in manufacturing can be through strategic integration.

As the increasingly popular technology of the Internet of Things has entered people’s horizons, it may only be a matter of time before the Internet of Things becomes the new standard in manufacturing. The industry is already exploring the boundaries of robotic IoT in manufacturing, including collaborative and mobile robots.

The Internet of Robotics could have a huge, permanent impact on the industry. Because it adds value to an already valuable technology, it may increase a manufacturer's return on investment. Once they see significant returns, they'll want to take it further.

Robotic IoT in manufacturing is cost-effective, so widespread adoption should come sooner rather than later. With more than 62% of manufacturers saying robotics reduces labor costs, adding IoT technology and its data-driven insights could save them even more money.

Potential to become an industry mainstay

Robotic IoT is likely to be a disruptor. Whatever role it plays in manufacturing, it could permanently change the way industry professionals approach robotics.

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