AMNYTT Nr 3 - 2013 | Page 33

ARC Rapport 33 / 107 AMNYTT #2 ARC Insights, Page 3 ness by offering mobile intelligence installable on any mobile platform. In contrast, MetraLabs is developing purpose-built mobile platforms for a variety of applications using its own mobile guidance and navigation systems. Robotic Assistant Carves a Niche in Staid Market The market for cage-less robots has been developing over the last year as startups such as Rethink Robots and Universal Robots have created a new category in the burgeoning robotic market. In addition to being able to be deployed without a cage, these systems can be “taught” without programming, even by workers with low skill levels. Kuka’s launch of the LBR iiwa robot at the Hanover Fair signaled the company’s entry into the light assembly market. With torque sensors in every joint, the company claims that LBR iiwa can replicate human touch. According to company representatives, the robot is viable for human-machine collaboration. However, at this time it has not received safety certification for this type of configuration. However, Kuka’s road map for the LBR iiwa makes it the first major robotic supplier to enter this new category or robots. Kuka finished 2012 with its best year ever and the LBR iiwa-class of robot should provide Kuka’s “LBR iiwa” Lightweight Robot with Integrated Forces Sensor in Each Joint the company with growth opportunities in previously untapped market sectors. The major robotic suppliers have been seeking diversification outside of the automotive industry and ARC believes that the combination of collaborative and mobile robotics will position the market for a sustained period of growth. Additive Manufacturing Complements Industry 4.0 By locating the additive manufacturing/3D printing technology suppliers, in the Digital Factory Hall, the event’s organizers helped underscore the importance of digital modeling and CAD/CAM design tools in the additive manufacturing design process. As explained in a recent ARC Insight, digital prototyping — combined with the rapid prototyping capabilities of additive manufacturing — reduces concept design costs, expedites time to market, and enables manufacturers to design products with features not economically feasible with traditional design processes. Moreover, designers now have the ability to actualize complex designs, which previously ©2013 • ARC • 3 Allied Drive • Dedham, MA 02026 USA • 781-471-1000 • ARCweb.com 2013