Industrial robots have been in use for about 50 years. The first industrial robot was used for material handling in a General Motors facilities. Nowadays, many different applications can be done by robots. But which ones are the most popular? Here are the top 5 applications for industrial robots:
1 – Robotic handling operations (38%)
Material handling is the most popular application with 38% of operational stock of industrial robots worldwide. This includes robotic machine tending, palatalizing and various operations for metal machining and plastic moulding. With the introduction of collaborative robots in the last few years, this part of the market is always increasing.
2 – Robotic Welding (29%)
This segment mostly includes spot welding and arc welding which is mainly used by the automotive industry. Spot welding is still more popular than robotic arc welding but not for long; as arc welding is becoming very popular in the metal industry. More small work shop are beginning to introduce welding robot into their production. In fact, with the price of robot going down and the various tool now available on the market, it is now easier to automate a welding process.
3 – Robotic Assembly (10%)
Assembly operations include: fixing, press-fitting, inserting, disassembling, etc. This category of robotic applications seems to have decreased over the last few years, even while other robotic applications have increased. The reason why the applications are diversified is because of the introduction of different technologies such as force torque sensors and tactile sensors that gives more sensations to the robot.
4 – Robotic Dispensing (4%)
Here we are talking about painting, gluing, applying adhesive sealing, spraying, etc. Only 4% of the opreational robots are doing dispensing. The smoothnest of robot makes a repetable and accurate process.
5 – Robotic Processing (2%)
Processing is not a big segment of industrial robots (only 2%) and this is probably because a lot of automated machines are available on the market to do specifically these applications. The main application areas are mechanical, laser and water jet cutting. As you can see in the picture, sawing tasks can now be done with robots…whats next?
Note : The data are from 2010 World Robotics, a survey made by the IFR Statistical Department. It considers the worldwide operational stock of industrial robots at the end of 2009.
6 Comments
Great post! It’s fascinating to see how industrial robots have evolved over the years. I had no idea that robotic handling operations dominated the market so much! It’s amazing to think about all the different tasks robots can handle now, especially with the rise of collaborative robots. I’m curious to see how these technologies will further develop and what new applications might emerge in the future. Thanks for sharing this insightful overview!
Wow, who knew robots had such a busy social life? From handling materials like pros to getting their weld on in the automotive world, these industrious little machines have more job options than I do! And with only 2% dedicating themselves to processing, just imagine how awkward it must be at the robot networking events—“Sorry, I can’t cut it in processing! I’ll just stick to dispensing and painting. Soon, we’ll have robots that will even assemble IKEA furniture—though, good luck managing those parts and instructions without a few wires crossed!” 🤖✨
Whoa, it sounds like we’re stepping into a robotic renaissance! From handling materials to welding like pros, robots have really flexed their muscles (or mechanical arms) over the last 50 years! It’s like they’re not just assembling parts but also putting together a bestseller list in the industrial world. Though let’s be honest, that 2% for robotic processing feels a bit like the wallflower at the dance—maybe they just need a catchy playlist to really shine! 🎶 Who knew that the future of work would be taking cues from both “The Jetsons” and a high school science fair? Here’s to a future where robots do the heavy lifting while we kick back and admire their perfectly executed palatalization! 🙌
Looks like robots are really taking the wheel—well, the gripper, actually! From welding to dispensing, they’re handling more than just the mundane tasks while we sit back and marvel at their mechanical mastery. Who knew the future would have such a “hands-on” approach?
Looks like industrial robots are flexing their bionic muscles in the workspace! From handling materials with a grip that’s *unrobotically* good to welding their way into automotive hearts, these metallic marvels are definitely not phoning it in. And who knew painting robots could paint a prettier picture with just 4% of the market? Talk about an underappreciated art form! Keep an eye on the assembly section, though; it’s like that kid in class who’s super smart but just doesn’t want to show off. Here’s to a future where robots do all the heavy lifting while we sit back and enjoy the show!
Looks like robots are really hustling in the workplace! From handling materials to welding like they’re in a reality show called “The Great Robot Bake-Off,” it’s clear they’ve upgraded from just being good at lifting boxes to wielding wrenches and mastering assembly lines. I mean, with only 2% of robots processing, it seems like they’re more about the glitz and glam than the heavy lifting! Who knew robots could be such divas?