What are autonomous industrial robots?

Autonomous robots can learn their environments and work without breaks. They can use infrared or ultrasound sensors to help increase their precision and accuracy. Depending on your production needs, there is an exact or customized solution for you through Robots.com.

Autonomous industrial robots have the ability to gain information about their environments and work for an extended period of time without human intervention. These self-reliant robots can move themselves throughout the operation without human assistance and can avoid situations that are harmful to themselves or people and property. Autonomous robots are also likely to adapt to changing surroundings.

Examples of autonomous robots

Examples of these robots range from autonomous industrial helicopters to robot vacuum cleaners.

How do autonomous robots work?

Simpler autonomous industrial robots use infrared or ultrasound sensors to see obstacles, allowing them to navigate around the obstacles without human control. More advanced robots use stereo vision to see their environments; cameras give them depth perception, and software allows them to locate and classify objects in real-time.

What are autonomous robots used for?

Autonomous robots are helpful in busy environments, like hospitals. Instead of employees leaving their posts, an autonomous industrial robot can deliver lab results and patient samples expeditiously. Without traditional guidance, these robots can navigate the hospital hallways, and can even find alternate routes when another is blocked. They will stop at pick-up points, and collect samples to bring to the lab.

DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is a division of the US Defense Department with the mission to create technological surprise for our enemies. This organization represents the cutting edge of military and disaster relief technology, and after developing autonomous industrial vehicles, they are focused on creating autonomous industrial robots that are capable of performing complex tasks in dangerous environments.

Another place autonomous industrial robots are useful is in our natural environment. In 2013, researchers at Virginia Tech developed an autonomous industrial robotic jellyfish with the intent of one day conducting undersea military surveillance or monitoring the environment. The 5-foot 7-inch jellyfish has a long duration and range of operation.

Major robotics companies like Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, and Motoman all offer autonomous industrial robots for manufacturing, assembly, and other applications.

Autonomous robots and humans

As emerging technologies become more prominent, the relationship between humans and robots is evolving. Autonomous robots can replace humans, such as a cognitive virtual assistant acting as an automated customer representative. Autonomous robots even have the ability to understand the emotion in a human’s voice. These trends towards robotic involvement in industry processes will allow companies to improve productivity and customer experience, and gain a competitive advantage.

Find the right industrial robot with Robots.com

If you are interested in incorporating one of the Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or Motoman autonomous industrial robots, contact Robots.com today for a free price quote and assistance on which robot is right for you. You can call us at 877-762-6881 or contact us online and we will get back to you quickly.