Robots have been part of automation systems for a very long time, and in public perception, they are often synonymous with automation and industrial revolution per se. Fueled by Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) concepts as well as by new software technologies, the field of robotics in industry is currently under-going a revolution on its own. This ar-ticle gives an overview of the evolution of robotics from its beginnings to re-cent trends like collaborative robotics, autonomous robots, and human–robot interaction. Particular attention is de-voted to the deep changes of the last decades, from the traditional industri-al scenario based on isolated robotic cells up to the most recent coworking and collaborative robots. The role of robotics in the Industry 4.0 framework is analyzed, and the relationships with industrial communications and soft-ware technologies are also discussed. Some future directions for robotics are envisaged, focusing on the contri-butions coming from new materials, sensors, actuators, and technologies. Open issues are highlighted as well as the main barriers that currently limit the deployment of industrial robots in the small and medium enterprise (SME) world.
Robots in Industry.Past,present and future of a growing collaboration with humans
Lo Bello L;
2021-01-01
Abstract
Robots have been part of automation systems for a very long time, and in public perception, they are often synonymous with automation and industrial revolution per se. Fueled by Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) concepts as well as by new software technologies, the field of robotics in industry is currently under-going a revolution on its own. This ar-ticle gives an overview of the evolution of robotics from its beginnings to re-cent trends like collaborative robotics, autonomous robots, and human–robot interaction. Particular attention is de-voted to the deep changes of the last decades, from the traditional industri-al scenario based on isolated robotic cells up to the most recent coworking and collaborative robots. The role of robotics in the Industry 4.0 framework is analyzed, and the relationships with industrial communications and soft-ware technologies are also discussed. Some future directions for robotics are envisaged, focusing on the contri-butions coming from new materials, sensors, actuators, and technologies. Open issues are highlighted as well as the main barriers that currently limit the deployment of industrial robots in the small and medium enterprise (SME) world.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
