Forecast These four trends are shaping automation in 2024

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The groundbreaking trends of 2023 will continue to shape society in 2024. But how will they affect robotics and automation, and what can the manufacturing industry expect this year? Anders Beck, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Universal Robots, makes four predictions.

The year 2023 was an exciting year full of innovations. The emergence of technologies with artificial intelligence (AI), such as generative AI, attracted global attention and dominated the headlines. However, the use of generative AI in businesses is still in its infancy, and the question of how companies can best utilize it remains to be clarified.

Trend 1: AI will accelerate the development of robotics and automation solutions

With AI, the development of software will become significantly more cost-effective, faster, and more efficient. Software is a key component of automation, and with AI, software developers will be able to create customized and optimized solutions for various tasks and challenges. Thus, AI will revolutionize production in the future. However, expertise in the field of automation will continue to be a scarce and valuable resource in the entire process. 
It was interesting and perhaps surprising to see how AI has already changed the daily work routine in offices. In the future, it will also have a stronger impact on workflows in production, and I am looking forward to seeing more manufacturers benefit from the advantages of machine learning in 2024. After all, the technology is already here – we have many partners developing applications with AI, enabling our robots to perform more complex and diverse tasks. For example, AI allows robots to have human-like perception or to handle variations. Furthermore, thanks to AI, robots are capable of moving parts with precision, adapting to changing environments, and learning from their own experiences. Over time, these capabilities will lead to unprecedented flexibility, quality, and reliability in manufacturing.

Trend 2: Shared use and reusability of automation solutions thanks to new software

Until now, robotics software has created a digital connection between users and their mechanical tools that goes beyond mere physical interaction. New software developments are expanding this dimension of collaboration: they connect people who use robots with each other. In 2024, software developments will significantly simplify the shared use and reusability of automation solutions. There's no need to reinvent the wheel every time. Instead, existing software components, interfaces, and algorithms can be used across different applications. This principle is already the foundation of our UR+ partner ecosystem, which streamlines innovations and shortens the time to market. I am excited to see how this will develop in the next year.

Trend 3: Companies will merge IT and OT and use data to improve operational processes

The future of manufacturing is closely linked to IT/OT integration, as data will form the basis for innovation and efficiency. Studies show that the manufacturing industry is leading the way in adopting cloud-based software services, and we are already seeing some customers using these to improve quality, cost efficiency, and predictability. Therefore, I am confident that in 2024, data-driven logistics and manufacturing systems will be on the rise. 
In many operations, there's still an outdated notion that the cloud is merely a data collection and backup function, as we know it from our private lives. However, the real potential and power lie not in storing data or even in connecting machines. Instead, significant changes occur when cloud-based software services connect people and machines, thus helping manufacturers simplify complex processes and make smarter decisions. 
The benefits of this digital development are considerable. Remote access to manufacturing data allows for quick responses to issues and continuous improvement of automation. As dynamic systems are indispensable today, trusted cloud technologies provide the latest in security and state-of-the-art services. Companies engaging with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) underscore this development and promise improved efficiency and reduced downtime through the visualization of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and predictive maintenance.

As we head into 2024, manufacturers can benefit from these advancements by achieving higher quality, reduced downtime, better predictability, and cost optimization. This transition is a strategic necessity, as it supports the shift towards production with high volumes and high mix ratios, stable supply chains, competitive use of data, and sustainability goals.

Trend 4: Logistics will be a focal area of robotics

At the beginning of last year, Interact Analysis examined the projected growth rates for robot deliveries in various industries. Logistics emerged as an outstanding growth area. Here, Interact Analysis estimated the average annual growth rate for collaborative robots (Cobots) at 46% for the period from 2023 to 2027.
 Like in the manufacturing sector, many logistics companies are facing a serious shortage of skilled labor, while the pressure from globalization, e-commerce, and complex multi-channel supply chains is increasing. More and more logistics, warehousing, and distribution centers will turn to automation this year to deliver their services faster and with greater accuracy.
 For example, a logistics company we worked with revolutionized its fulfillment center with collaborative robots, leading to a 500% increase in the efficiency and accuracy of orders. The automation system, capable of processing thousands of orders daily, particularly excelled during peak times, such as on Black Friday, when a robot handled up to 4,400 orders in a single day with only a small team for replenishment. Robots – and the intelligent use of data – are set to revolutionize logistics companies across the entire value chain, from package reception to outbound logistics. 
The pace of robotics development continues to be impressive – I am looking forward to another exciting year of progress with great anticipation.