Third, robot manufacturers play a crucial role in further reducing the overall energy consumption of production systems, by designing energy-efficient units and end-of-arm tools. Second, robotic production reduces the share of rejects, lowering the carbon footprint by improving input-output ratios. This initiative will increasingly impact investment decisions where robotics have a multitude of impact:įirst, robots are crucial for cost-efficient production of green technology, for example solar panels and batteries for electric vehicles. Looking to COP 26, sustainability in manufacturing is no longer a "nice-to have". The case for robots has never been stronger.
These trends will be a driver for advanced robotics systems and provide a platform for fully digitalized production from order to delivery.
Lastly, “Batch size 1” production allows customized product variations at the unit costs of serial production. The growing supply of low-cost robots will further reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) opening robot usage in new markets. New business models such as Robots-as-a-service (RaaS) or Pay-as-you-use lower entry barriers. Localization and regionalization of supply chains will make them more resilient by bringing production closer to the customer. Several market trends are propelling the growth outlook. The outlook for 2021 is even more optimistic with a double-digit growth projected. Overall, 2020 was the third most successful year on record for the robotics industry.
China led the rebound ahead of the Americas and Europe. Despite the global pandemic, robot sales grew slightly in 2020 at a rate of +0.5%.
A record 3 million industrial robots are operating in factories around the world. Looking to our market there are encouraging signs. At the same time, China seems to have the situation under control by compromising freedom of travel and other restrictive measures intended to keep infections low.Ģ021 brought about the phrase "new normal", but we long for the "old normal", being able to travel freely and meet each other in person. Last-minute cancellations of trade fairs felt more like the prior year. In the recent weeks, Europe is speeding towards new lockdowns and restrictive measures to fight the pandemic. In January, there were hopes around the globe for a return to normal.
Another year is coming to an end - a year of many ups and downs.