Recently, the global president of ABB’s robotics business unit, Marcus Scomb, outlined the three major drivers of robotic artificial intelligence solutions in 2024, and said that ABB will also continue to explore new areas not previously covered by robot automation technology.

1783-BMS10CGN Marcus Scone, global president of ABB’s robotics business unit, said that the key role of artificial intelligence will become more prominent in the coming year. From mobile robots and cobots to enabling new robotic applications for new fields and creating new opportunities for people to learn and grow, these new frontiers of artificial intelligence are redefining the future of industrial robotics.

Artificial intelligence will push robot applications to a new level of autonomy

1783-BMS10CGN ABB autonomous mobile robot using VSLAM navigation technology

Rapid advances in the field of artificial intelligence are redefining what is possible with industrial robots. Artificial intelligence is improving robots’ capabilities in everything from picking and placing, to mapping and navigation in dynamic environments. From mobile robots to collaborative robots and more, AI is giving robots unprecedented speed, precision and load capacity, enabling them to take on more tasks in flexible production environments such as factories, warehouses, logistics centers and laboratories.

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1783-BMS10CGN Ai-enabled mobile robots could transform industries such as discrete manufacturing, logistics, and laboratories. For example, robots equipped with ABB’s new 3D Vision Synchronous Positioning and Map Building technology (VSLAM) have advanced mapping and navigation capabilities that allow for a higher level of autonomy while significantly reducing the infrastructure required for guiding mobile robots of the previous generation. This paves the way for a shift from traditional linear production lines to dynamic production networks, creating significant efficiency gains and taking on more boring, dirty, and dangerous tasks, enabling workers to do more valuable work.

Artificial intelligence will lead robots into new areas

ABB’s 3DQI inspection unit is capable of detecting defects less than half the diameter of a human hair

1783-BMS10CGN Ai-enabled robots are gradually crossing the boundaries of manufacturing and moving into a wider world. Looking ahead to 2024, these technologies are expected to shine in dynamic environments such as healthcare, life sciences and retail, greatly improving industry efficiency. Another example is the construction industry, where AI-powered robots can not only substantially increase productivity, but also enhance construction safety and drive sustainable construction practices, while boosting growth.

The construction industry is facing many challenges, such as worker shortages, safety issues and productivity bottlenecks, and AI robots provide innovative solutions to solve these problems and create real value. Through the strong recognition and decision-making capabilities enabled by artificial intelligence technology, together with the technological progress of collaborative robots, robots can safely work side by side with people. These not only enable robots to complete critical tasks such as bricklaying, modular assembly and 3D printing with greater precision and speed, but also reduce carbon emissions generated by on-site concrete mixing, reducing the need to transport materials over long distances and on-site assembly, thereby driving sustainable development in the construction industry.