ARC Rapport
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AMNYTT #2
MAY 2, 2013
Emerging Technology Provides a Backdrop of
Innovations at 2013 Hanover Fair
By Scott Evans and Sal Spada
Keywords
Mobile Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, Navigation, Robotics, Drives
Overview
As ARC Advisory Group witnessed at this year’s annual Hanover Fair in
Germany, the elements of "Industry 4.0," (the fourth industrial revolution)
were most notably manifested in the robotics hall. These elements included embedded intelligence, autonomy, networking, and distributed
Industry 4.0's roadmap is well under way as
numerous examples of embedded
intelligence pervaded even relatively
intelligence.
Industry 4.0's roadmap is well
under way as numerous examples of embedded intelligence pervaded
markets that
mundane markets, such as forklift trucks.
typically, undergo relatively little change, such
Society’s greater acceptance of self-
as forklift trucks. Society’s greater acceptance
navigating machines in chaotic
environments along with a steadily declining
cost of technology and sensors will create
the perfect storm for Industry 4.0.
of self-navigating machines in chaotic environments along with a steadily declining cost
of technology and sensors will create the perfect storm.
ARC believes that Industry 4.0 will exceed the expectations of industry veterans as a new wave of IT technology will be embedded in the machinery,
creating a more robust, self-regulating manufacturing environment.
Catalysts for Mobile Robotics
An increased number of exhibitors at the Hanover Fair filled the robotics
hall with mobile technology. Unleashed, unguarded, and free-roaming robots crisscrossed the exhibition. Well-established robotics suppliers such as
Adept demonstrated a second generation of mobile technology. Adept’s
Lynx robots, for example, have already proven their commercial viability in
healthcare facilities and semiconductor fabs. Kuka’s mobile platform, omniMove, has been integrated with an autonomous navigation system called
VISION, EXPERIENCE, ANSWERS FOR INDUSTRY
2013