In the last decade, there are few industries in which robotics have not been a disruptive force. From food production to aerospace, autonomous technology is everywhere and the prevalence of robotics is growing at an exponential rate.
Though there have been many companies that have opened their doors to ride the robotic wave into the future, there are a few stalwart firms that have been at the forefront of innovation from the beginning.
The list below consists of some of these tech leaders, all of which should be on your radar for 2020.
Boston Dynamics
Founded in 1992, Boston Dynamics is probably best known to the average person for developing the quadruped robot Spot, whose test videos became an Internet sensation.
For 2020, Boston Dynamics is set to showcase the SpotMini, a nimble, multi-faceted robot that will be positioned as a construction site inspector.
Known for its ability to map terrain and navigate effortlessly through all manners of environments, the sheer number of applications inherent in the SpotMini are seemingly limitless – so much so that we anticipate additional commercial applications to be unveiled soon.
NVIDIA
Though consumers like seeing complete, autonomous robots in motion, none of it would be possible without the further development of core component technology.
So, NVIDIA has poised itself to develop the “brain” for the next-generation fleet of robotics. Next to be released is the Jetson AGX Xavier Module, a system consisting of a whopping nine billion transistors.
With it, robots leaving the production line will be much better equipped to interact and navigate within the world around them, and learn continuously in their environment.
UBTECH
Looking for an excuse to add industrial automation training to your resume? UBTECH may need your help in launching its fleet of humanoid robots in the not too distant future. The tech firm has already raised more than $1 billion.
According to UBTECH, a fully humanoid prototype of the robot was built in 2019 and boasts enough intelligence to complete small tasks at home or in the office.
Could 2020 be the year UBTECH unveils a fully functioning bi-pedal robot with the functionality to perform real-world tasks? Be sure to stay tuned.
Universal Robots
An undisputed leader in cobotic technology (robots that have been designed to work collaboratively with humans), Universal Robotics already has more than 25,000 units operating in the real world.
Why is that significant? Simply put, the volume of experience and data collected means they are perfectly poised to unveil the next generation of intuitive cobots in the industrial automation space.
Mitsubishi Robotics
If there’s one thing that drives innovation, it’s knowing and sticking to your target market.
Mitsubishi Robotics has chosen to focus solely on industrial robotic applications, a path that has made the company an expert in automating processes like material handling, assembly, dispensing, and packaging.
At its core, Mitsubishi Robotics is in the business of reducing the operating costs of its customers by streamlining the manufacturing process using robotics. This alone makes it one of the companies to watch in 2020.
Worth keeping tabs on
To be fair, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of companies developing robotic technology, many of which are worth keeping tabs on.
It is exciting however to see how established companies will continue to drive the industry and push the envelope in terms of what is possible in industrial robotic technology.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting and burgeoning field and are interested in building your technical knowledge and skills in industrial robotics, George Brown College’s Robotics Technician Certificate Training Program may be the right fit for you.
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