The internet is a miracle on its own. According to statistics on internet usage, it has taken the world by storm.
Then, the Internet of Things arrived to help humans connect smart devices and improve the functionality of homes and factories.
Still, there’s more improvement to come. The ever-evolving robotics already merged with the IoT, generating something called the Internet of Robotic Things. Here’s what it is and what it can do.
The Definition and Technology
The Internet of Robotic Things can be defined as a concept where intelligent devices can monitor events, fuse sensor data from multiple sources, use intelligence to determine the best course of action, and manipulate objects in physical reality.
The essential difference between IoT and IoRT is that besides sharing data and communicating, the devices in IoRT can also move in the physical world and interact with existing objects. This means there are several components of the IoRT:
- Robots have embedded monitoring and sensing capabilities
- They can analyze data they collect
- They can use that data to determine what they should do with the object
The most commonly used technology in the IoRT includes the combination of Industrial Internet of Things, intelligent connectivity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital twins, distributed ledger technology, and many others.
The Implementation of IoRT
There’s enormous potential in combining robotics with the Internet of Things. While robots have the power to help reduce human involvement and manipulate the physical world, the IoT can provide independent, smart networks that robots can use to communicate.
IoRT and Possible Implementations
Robotics and the Internet of Things are most commonly found in all areas of the supply chain. For example, IoRT exists in maintenance where robots can autonomously detect and fix problems in the existing systems.
Automated manufacturing systems can also help in mass production. Additionally, e-commerce provides enough space for IoRT implementation so that robots can find, pack, label, and send the products after they’re ordered on a website.
Healthcare is another industry where IoRT can be implemented. Intelligent robots can help humans with patient care, monitoring, and even surgery.
Today’s consumers are also hoping they will soon have personal robots in their homes. Robots can become an ideal addition to other smart devices and automated systems. They can improve comfort and convenience by cleaning the home or walking the dogs.
Finally, another area where robots would be helpful is security and monitoring. Robots would be an ideal solution in disaster management, where there’s a huge risk for personnel. In addition, they can transport supplies and provide help to victims.
IoRT in Practice
At the moment, Amazon utilizes the power of IoRT with its robotic fulfilment centers, where robots work together with humans and help them pack boxes and move inventory. According to the latest data, Amazon has about 200,000 robots across its fulfilment centers in the US.
Conclusion
It was only a matter of time before the Internet of Things expanded from smart devices to robotics. Based on the latest trends on the Internet of Robotic Things, robots might soon take over many physically demanding and repetitive jobs and minimize human involvement.
Some of the best applications might involve healthcare, manufacturing, supply chains, and security. Amazon stands as one of the best examples of how IoRT can help employees manage complex operations.
