Industrial collaborative robotics : a sectorial and technological watch

Energy transition, ecological transition, organizational transition, digital transition, societal transition... our industrialized societies are in the throes of change. If we are to respond effectively to these challenges, a new model of factory that is agile, networked, clean and resolutely focused on innovation must emerge. The concept of the factory of the future is France's response to the need to maintain and develop a competitive industrial sector that generates wealth and jobs.

It's been over 60 years since robotics entered the industrial landscape with the arrival of Unimate robots. Initially designed to be totally autonomous, robotics is finding a new place in the Industry of the Future by becoming collaborative. Indeed, the industry of the future is resolutely human-centric: we now know that while robots cannot one day replace humans, they can free them from the most arduous tasks. Exoskeletons, mobile robots, collaborative islands, robotic arms - these new tools are of growing interest to manufacturers: in 2017, investment in industrial robots rose by 30%, and the cobotics market is set to explode in the very near future. This article explains what collaborative robotics and associated technologies are, as well as the issues and challenges ahead.