Potential of robotics AI, ML, and sensor fusion bring robots into new areas

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Molex has released a new report on the future potential of robotics. It promises more intuitive, intelligent, and connected communication and collaboration between humans and machines. The provider of electronics and connectivity solutions predicts robots in factories, private households, training rooms, healthcare, and defense technology.

The "Molex Robotics Report 2024: How Robotics will Empower Human Potential" addresses a future in which advanced robotic systems and multipurpose robots transform fundamental aspects of daily life. It examines how

• factories can be better utilized;

• students can learn more optimally;

• smart homes become more efficient; patient care is improved, or

• military/defense operations can be more comprehensively supported.

Brian Hauge, Senior Vice President and President of Consumer and Commercial Solutions at Molex, says: "The role that robotics plays in various industries is becoming increasingly clear, as the future will be shaped by the evolving relationship between humans and machines. This new report highlights the promising future of human-machine interaction. It underscores the need for foundational engineering and seamless connections between robotic systems and their human counterparts to enable faster, more effective, and highly precise decision-making."

Fundamental technology drives robotics forward

The future of robotics largely depends on the continuous advancement of communication and data processing technology, which enables autonomous operation in dynamic environments. At the top of the list is fast data connectivity. Robotic systems rely on low latency communication and near-instant data transmission to react quickly and accurately. While 5G/6G networks enable high-bandwidth, low-latency communication, it is crucial to develop robotic solutions with multiple data connectivity options. This includes the ability to switch between 5G and Wi-Fi or satellite networks. Systems with multi-channel redundancy are in demand.

Equally important is that local data processing on nearby edge devices ensures uninterrupted, independent operation of robotic systems. With edge computing, these automated solutions can process data immediately, which is essential for applications requiring split-second decisions. In most automation or manufacturing environments, robots are always programmed with fail-safe protocols. This means their performance and function are throttled to a safe operational state if the data connection is interrupted or impaired.

Innovations in AI/ML and sensor fusion

The areas of AI and ML have the greatest impact on the adaptability of robots. AI algorithms enable robots to make informed decisions based on real-time data, quickly adapt to new circumstances, and even predict future conditions based on past interactions. Through ML, robots can analyze patterns to optimize their behavior. At the same time, they enhance their efficiency and accuracy by continuously learning, adapting, and improving their performance. Sensor fusion combines data from various sources such as LiDAR, cameras, and depth and force sensors to help multipurpose robots better perceive depth, movement, and obstacles in different environments.

Factors for better human-robot interaction

According to the Molex Robotics Report, robots will soon be able to understand, respond to, and even anticipate human emotional and contextual needs. With Natural Language Processing (NLP), robots can follow spoken commands, conduct dialogues, and adjust actions based on contextual understanding. Emotional AI enables robots to recognize and respond to emotional signals by analyzing human tone of voice or facial expressions. Molex expects that this increase in human-centered interactions will foster a deeper "togetherness." Future robotic systems and autonomous robots will thus be able to adapt more easily to complex home environments, allowing them to take on new roles as personalized tutors, surgical assistants, and continuous patient monitoring systems.

With the onset of Industry 4.0, collaborative robots (cobots) are becoming increasingly important for more complex tasks in industrial environments. Robotic systems and entire robot fleets not only ensure the smooth operation of production lines but also anticipate potential bottlenecks in manufacturing and assist in developing better products. In the future, cobots will help redefine precision and personalization in every setting, including operating rooms, classrooms, and war zones.

Significant advances in robotics and increased interaction capabilities with these systems will require innovations in data connectivity, power supply, and data processing. Molex's range of robust and reliable connectors aims to enable ever-closer collaboration between humans and machines to support demanding applications across a wide range of industries.