In 2018, we expect advanced commercial robotics to continue to emerge in many facets of everyday life. While there are already robots working in factories, this year we will increasingly see them in places like retail stores and in everyday life.
Until now, there has been a rise in industrial robots working in factories and manufacturing. According to robotiq.com, “…The number of industrial robots deployed worldwide is expected to increase to 2.6 million units by 2019. This would be one million units more than the record-breaking performance in 2015. Currently, 70% of industrial robots are working in the automotive, electrical, metal, and machinery industry.” This is a rise that has gone fairly unnoticed by those that are not in the manufacturing or robotics communities.
However; according to Forbes magazine when speaking about a huge trend for 2018, “agile, trainable, lightweight robots aren’t just found on the factory floor, they’re showing up everywhere”. This is proving to be true. Just this past week, there were eight robot bellhops deployed at the Sheraton Los Angeles Hotel San Gabriel. These robots have the ability to take guests where they want to go around the hotel, move their bags and deliver their food. According to Pasadena Star News, “what’s happening at the Sheraton is the just tip of the iceberg.” This is just one of the many ways that advanced commercial robotics are making life better for people.
Another exciting trend that we are seeing is the increase in floor cleaning robotics. According to the Robot Report “The International Federation of Robotics forecast that unit shipments for the global market for vacuum cleaning robots, lawn-mowing robots and other household cleaning robots will grow at a CAGR of 33% through 2019. Other research reports say revenue for the market will reach $2.5 billion by 2020 at a CAGR of 15%.” While our Own FX250 is geared towards industrial cleaning, the fact that there is an increase in floor cleaning robotics is a trend that we will continue to follow and contribute to as we move forward into an easier and cleaner 2018.