The International Federation of Robotics has outlined the top five technologies that will be the main growth drivers in 2024 in the world of robots, which are also increasingly present in the household appliance industry. From AI to cobots and humanoid robots, innovation does not stand still.
In recent years, the rise of robotics has been relentless and characterised by various technological innovations. Figures released by IFR (International Federation of Robotics) show that around 3.9 million robots are in operation worldwide and are used in an increasing number of application areas, including the household appliance industry. Demand continues to increase and, according to the Federation, five top trends will act as further growth drivers, confirming robotics as a multidisciplinary field where technologies converge to create intelligent solutions to perform an ever-widening range of tasks.
The first trend concerns Artificial Intelligence. The use of AI in robotics and automation is increasing, and the emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence is driving the definition of new solutions. This subset of AI specialises in creating something new out of learned information: among possible applications, robotics manufacturers are developing AI-driven generative interfaces that allow users to programme robots more intuitively, using natural language instead of code. This means that operators will no longer need specialised programming skills to select and adjust the robot’s actions.
Another possible application of AI in robotics is predictive AI, which analyses robot performance data to identify the future state of equipment. Predictive maintenance is a strategic element that can help save on downtime costs, and Machine Learning algorithms can also analyse data from multiple robots performing the same process with a view to optimisation: the more information provided to the algorithm, the better its performance.
The second trend concerns cobots, whose range of uses is expanding. Thanks to advances in sensor technology, vision technology and intelligent grippers, these robots are able to react in real-time to changes in their environment, allowing humans to work safely alongside machines. Collaborative robotics can be a useful tool to support operators, assisting them in tasks that require heavy lifting, repetitive movements or activities in hazardous environments.
The third trend is mobile manipulators. Also called ‘MoMas’, these robots are automating material handling operations in various sectors. They combine the mobility of robotic platforms with the dexterity of manipulator arms. This enables them to work in complex environments and manipulate objects, activities that are crucial in the manufacturing sector. Through the sensors and cameras they are equipped with, MoMas are enabled to perform inspections and maintenance tasks on machinery and equipment. Finally, they offer the advantage of being able to collaborate with and support human workers.
The fourth trend involves digital twin technology, which is widely used as a tool to optimise the performance of a physical system by creating a virtual replica of it. As robots are increasingly integrated into factories at the digital level, digital twins can use real-world operational data to run simulations and predict likely outcomes. Precisely because the digital twin exists solely as a computer model, it can be subjected to stress tests and modifications without safety implications and cost savings. All the necessary experimentation and verification can thus be carried out before moving on to the physical world.
The latest trend identified by IFR relates to advances in the area of humanoid robots, designed to perform a wide range of tasks in various environments. The design similar to the human body (with two arms and two legs) allows these machines to be flexibly deployed in work contexts that were created for people. According to the International Federation of Robotics, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently published detailed targets about the country’s ambitions to mass-produce humanoid robots by 2025. This body predicts that humanoids are likely to become a disruptive new technology (like computers or smartphones) that could transform the way we produce and live. However, their adoption in the mass market remains a challenge because of the costs: the success of these robots will depend on the return on investment.
Household appliance companies and robotics
The world of household appliances is increasingly looking to robotics, not only to automate production processes but also to expand business in both the professional and domestic channels. LG, for example, to improve its capabilities in service robotics, recently announced a strategic investment of USD 60 million in Bear Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based start-up specialising in autonomous service robots driven by artificial intelligence. The Korean company also received the ‘Best of the Best’ award at the Red Dot Awards 2024 for the LG CLOi ServeBot, which had previously also won the CES Innovation Award 2024. This robot is designed for commercial applications where direct contact with customers is required, such as in the restaurant industry. The LG CLOi ServeBot can safely transport objects and foodstuffs: it is equipped with several compartments (which can be removed or placed higher or lower as required) and has a load capacity of up to 40 kilograms. Thanks to its six wheels and autonomous suspension, the CLOi ServeBot can move easily even on uneven floors. In addition, it has a 3D camera and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, through which it is able to recognise the environment in which it moves and communicate with other CLOi ServeBots to coordinate movements: this makes it possible for more than ten robots to be fully operational in the same space at the same time.
Also in the professional field, Miele undertook a project at Voco Hotel. This is located in the futuristic Living Tomorrow building in Vilvoorde (near Brussels), an experimental innovation centre involving several companies. In addition to setting up its Food Lab at Living Tomorrow, Miele has also developed a project involving service robots capable of moving around the hotel corridors and working for luggage transport and room service. In the latter case, the hotel guest places the order conveniently via an app, the robot is loaded with the ordered items and announces its arrival via the guest’s smartphone.
As far as the use of robotics in the domestic channel is concerned, one example is Samsung‘s Ballie, the rotating robot first presented at CES 2020 and returned at the 2024 edition with new updates. The machine now has AI and can interact with other smart devices to provide personalised services, such as taking care of routine tasks or projecting images and videos on walls to display information such as weather or other content, wherever the user is.
