Robotics & Motion Control - March 2025
From the operating room to the family farm to your next hotel stay, advances in robotics and automation are impacting a wide range of industries. Read all about it in this compendium of articles from the editors of Tech Briefs, Aerospace & Defense Technology, and Medical Design Briefs.
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Overview
The "Robotics & Motion Control Special Report" from March 2025 delves into the transformative advancements in robotics, particularly focusing on robotic surgery and industrial applications.
One of the key highlights is the evolution of robotic surgery, which emphasizes the indispensable role of surgeons, who can now operate robotic arms and instruments from a distance using sophisticated consoles. This innovation allows for greater precision and control, enabling surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced steadiness and accuracy. The report illustrates how this technology not only improves surgical outcomes but also expands the possibilities for remote surgeries, potentially making expert care accessible to patients in various locations.
The report also addresses the growing importance of automation in industries that have traditionally had low robot density, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. With the increasing shortage of skilled labor, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are positioned to boost productivity and competitiveness. Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics Division, notes that AI-enabled mobile robots are set to revolutionize sectors such as discrete manufacturing, logistics, and laboratories. These robots, equipped with advanced Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (Visual SLAM) technology, demonstrate improved mapping and navigation capabilities, allowing for greater autonomy and reduced infrastructure requirements compared to earlier generations of guided robots. This shift from linear production lines to dynamic networks is expected to create significant efficiencies and enable workers to focus on more rewarding tasks, while robots take on dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs.
The report outlines four distinct areas for industrial applications of AI-powered robotics: generating insights from large datasets for decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency, improving safety, and enabling new business models. The integration of AI into robotics is seen as a critical factor in driving innovation and operational improvements across various sectors.
Additionally, the report touches on the challenges faced in the development of soft robotics, which require complex designs and sophisticated fabrication methods to integrate sensory systems effectively. This highlights the ongoing research and development efforts needed to overcome these hurdles and expand the capabilities of robotic systems.
In summary, the "Robotics & Motion Control Special Report" provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of robotics in both medical and industrial fields. It underscores the significant advancements in technology that are reshaping how tasks are performed, enhancing efficiency, safety, and accessibility in various applications. As robotics and AI continue to evolve, they promise to play an increasingly vital role in addressing labor shortages and improving productivity across multiple industries.
