Latest Blog Posts
Up-skilling today and tomorrow’s workforce for automation
The Challenge of the 2020s
Jan 05, 2021 — Experts in a virtual executive roundtable discussion hosted by IFR together with Messe München agree the most urgent challenge in up-skilling is ensuring effective collaboration between public and private-sector organization.
Strong growth forecast for sales of professional and domestic service robots
with boom in 2019 sales
Dec 01, 2020 — New sales of professional service robots increased in 2019 by 32% over 2018 to US$ 11.2 billion, while the sales value of service robots for personal use is up 20% to US$ 5.7 billion.
Automation strategies drive 12% increase in number of robots at work globally
Collaborative industrial robots show strong growth
Oct 29, 2020 — Manufacturers turn to automation in order to remain competitive in an environment characterized by customer demand for individualized products, labour shortages and a rapidly expanding range of robot capabilities and automation technologies.
The rise of robots in machining
Aug 12, 2020 — Robots have historically not been widely used in machining applications, but that may be about to change. We look at the benefits of robots in machining, and how researchers are overcoming some of the traditional constraints of using robots for machining applications.
New IFR ‘World Robotics R&D Programs’
Providing unique overview of government focus and investment in main robot markets around the world
Jul 17, 2020 — A new paper, ‘World Robotics R&D Programs’ from the IFR Research Committee sets out for the first time an overview of public-sector research and development programs, policies and investment in robotics in the major robot-producing countries.
Faster robot communication through the OPC Robotics Companion Specification
May 28, 2020 — A new communications technology model developed by OPC Foundation members together with the mechanical engineering industry association in Germany and Europe (VDMA) paves the way for seamless communication between robots and other automation equipment.
How robots help UK manufacturers face the headwinds of Brexit and COVID-19 coronavirus
by Mike Wilson, Chairman of the British Automation & Robot Association (BARA)
Apr 27, 2020 — UK manufacturing faces multiple headwinds. A long-term stagnation in productivity growth has been compounded by Brexit. The coronavirus brings new investment uncertainty and strain on labour productivity. The UK’s manufacturing sector must follow the example of its global competitors and turn to automation to regain its footing.
Robots on the front line of keeping people safe from the coronavirus
Apr 01, 2020 — Robots are playing an important role in combatting the coronavirus. We look at some of the ways in which robots are keeping people safe, fed, and able to access the care they need through the pandemic.
