As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we interact with our environment. Robotics is no exception to this evolution, and one of the more impactful advances in the field is that of the robotic joint.
Capable of providing precise, reliable, and efficient movement, robotic joints are set to revolutionize robotics in a number of industries, innovation that is driven by the market’s growth. According to a Zion Market Research study, The Industrial Robotics Market was worth around USD 41.7 billion in 2021 and is estimated to grow to about USD 81.4 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 11.8 percent over the forecast period.
Even as the industry continues to grow, robots are already being used in a variety of applications, and as we see the demand increase, we can expect to see advances in:
- Industrial automation
- Medicine, to include surgical procedures and device manufacturing
- Safety-sensitive manufacturing
- Precision-focused trades like painting and welding
Let’s look at some of the ways we anticipate future growth and advancement in robotic joints.
The Future of Robotic Joints in Industrial Fields
Robots are becoming increasingly popular in industrial automation because they offer a number of advantages over traditional methods of automation. According to a study by McKinsey, 88% of businesses worldwide plan to adopt robotics automation into their company infrastructure.
Why are we seeing this growth in industrial robotics? Robotic joints offer superior precision, accuracy, and speed compared to traditional methods, making them ideal for industrial applications and work that can replace humans. They also offer a much wider range of motion than the traditional methods driven by humans, allowing for greater flexibility and versatility in automation processes.
The growth of robotics related to the increased focus on robotics automation will likely follow suit, as these joints are one of the most critical components of widely used industrial robots. The demand for new technologies like collaborative robots (cobots) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is also expected to contribute to the demand for robotic joints throughout industrial automation uses.
Robotic joints also come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different automation needs. They can be customized for specific tasks, such as gripping, turning, and reaching which increases their versatility for a wide range of business needs. They also come in different configurations, such as linear, rotary, and spherical, allowing for even greater flexibility in automation.
Robotic joints are also capable of performing complex tasks, such as sorting, assembling, and packaging. This makes them perfect for industrial applications, an area where accuracy and speed is necessary.
Robotic Joints Increase Productivity, Precision and Profits
We can’t talk about the fact that robots are more precise and reliable without discussing how this impacts companies from an efficiency and cost-savings perspective. Being able to perform tasks more easily, precisely, quickly and with less human capital saves time and money for organizations.
Implementing robots reduces costs for a variety of reasons. Because they can work 24/7 through human breaks, weekends, holidays, and attrition, labor costs can be significantly reduced. Robotics automation can save companies up to 20% in costs. As robots become more sophisticated and technologically advanced, this number will increase. It is expected to hit 22% by 2025.
Modernization of the robotic joint is also becoming increasingly popular in safety-sensitive industrial environments. They can be used to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace which can disrupt operations, increase company liability, and cause harm to employees.
The Use of Robotic Joints in Medical Industries
In medical applications, robots are being utilized in a variety of use cases, but most notably in robotic prosthetics and surgical instruments. Robotic joints are typically powered by a combination of actuators, sensors and controllers, which enable them to precisely control the movements of the joint. This allows the device to be used in a variety of procedures, such as joint replacement, orthopedic surgery and arthroscopic surgery.
In addition to more involved surgeries, robots can be used for minimally invasive procedures, as they can be inserted through small incisions, reducing the risk of infection. Robots can also be used for image-guided surgery, which allows surgeons to accurately assess the position of the joint and plan their surgical approach.
Exoskeletons and prosthetic devices also rely on robotic joints for their mobility and functionality. Robots provide increased range of motion and control of movement for those with limitations or disabilities, allowing them to perform tasks that may have previously been impossible or difficult.
When looking at the potential future advances of robots, they can be used for remote surgery which would allow doctors to perform operations from a distance. This could be particularly useful in rural or remote areas where access to medical care or specialists is limited.
Given the extensive use cases for robots in the medical industry, the market is expected to see a CAGR of around 23% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights. The increased demand for minimally invasive procedures with greater precision, and the growth of chronic disease across the world continues to drive the demand for robotics automation in medicine.
The Future of Robotic Joints Doesn’t Stop Here
Robots are increasingly being used in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to agriculture. And robotic joints are the element of robots becoming an increasingly important part of industrial automation, providing high levels of accuracy, repeatability, and reliability.
We’ve only just scratched the surface of robot usage and can look at additional, everyday uses such as:
- welding,
- painting,
- automotive,
- and assembly.
In welding, robots are used to accurately position the welding torch and ensure a consistent and reliable weld. In painting, robots are used to precisely align the painting arm and ensure a consistent and reliable finish. In assembly, robots are used to accurately and quickly assemble parts, ensuring high levels of accuracy and repeatability. In food processing, robots are used to precisely and quickly cut, shape, and package food products. Robots are also used in a wide array of research and development applications.
The growth in the robotic market is driven by increased demand across industries with both operational and cost-saving needs. The advancement in robotics technology drives the development of more precise and dependable robotic joints to enable automation in movements such as rotation, bending and translation.
We expect to see the Asia-Pacific market driving the highest growth rate due to its focus on manufacturing and the demand for automation across those industries. While robotics automation continues to make advancements, the robotics joint market has to meet the demands of the technology in this to-be-expected 81.4 Billion dollar industry.
Motus Labs and the ML2000 Robotic Gear Series
With robotic joint performance and precision top of mind, the Motus Labs ML2000 robotic gear series is designed to support advanced robotic arm use cases across a variety of industries. To learn more about what Motus Labs is innovating in the lab, visit our website. To learn more about the ML2000 gear series to support the future of robotics, view the ML2000 product specs and watch the videos to see the ML2000 gear series action.
