New Innovations Driving Robotics
In 2024, ABB is taking big steps in robotics and AI, venturing into industries that haven’t widely used robotic automation before. Marc Segura, President of ABB’s Robotics Division, highlights three major trends shaping AI-driven robotic solutions that will change how industries work in the coming year.
AI Enhances Robot Autonomy
Artificial intelligence is improving robots’ ability to operate on their own. Robots can now perform tasks like gripping, moving objects, and navigating through busy environments with greater speed and accuracy. ABB’s Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (Visual SLAM) technology allows robots to map and move through spaces with fewer resources, reducing the need for traditional infrastructure. This means that robots will be able to handle more complex jobs in places like factories, warehouses, and laboratories, while helping human workers move to more skilled roles.
Segura points out that AI is pushing robots beyond simple tasks, turning static production lines into dynamic systems that create huge efficiency gains across industries.
Robots Break Into New Industries
Thanks to AI, robots are now breaking into industries like healthcare, retail, and construction. In the construction sector, for example, AI-driven robots can help improve safety, speed up tasks like bricklaying and modular assembly, and reduce emissions by handling on-site tasks. These robots will address challenges like worker shortages and productivity issues while also supporting more sustainable building practices.
Segura emphasizes how AI-powered robots will transform industries like construction by tackling labor shortages and boosting safety, all while increasing efficiency.
Transforming Education and Training
AI advancements are also opening up new learning opportunities, making robots easier for more people to use. With AI simplifying robot programming, workers can now instruct robots verbally rather than relying on complex coding. This shift makes robots more accessible, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses, and creates new job opportunities by lowering the barriers to automation.
According to Segura, AI is helping close the skills gap, enabling more businesses to integrate robots into their operations by making them easier to program and manage.
Celebrating 50 Years of Robotic Innovation
As ABB celebrates 50 years of robotic innovation, its AI-powered technologies continue to help companies boost efficiency and productivity across industries. ABB’s solutions, which include robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and machine automation, support businesses of all sizes in moving toward more connected and flexible operations.
In 2024, ABB remains committed to pioneering the next wave of robotic automation, empowering industries to operate smarter and more sustainably.
