With over 384,000 industrial robots installed globally in 2018, we again face another record year – according to our preliminary data presented in April. But the growth has slowed down significantly in 2018, compared to the high growth rates of the previous years. This slowdown is caused by several factors: uncertainties over the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, declining smartphone sales and certain geo-political trends.
Dear Reader,
Meanwhile, summer is approaching, but the pace in robotics is still not declining. In July, not less than two CEO Round Tables co-hosted by IFR will take place:
On July 9th, during the China International Summit of Robotics and Smart Manufacturing, the IFR-CRIA CEO Round Table will focus on “Robots + Intelligence and 5G”. Representatives of Chinese and international robot manufacturers will discuss how AI and 5G will influence the development of robotics industry and the new business opportunities arising thereof. The China International Summit is held in conjunction with CIROS 2019. This year, CIROS - China International Robot Show - is taking place for the eighth time in Shanghai from July 10 to 13.
On July 10th, the IFR-RAR CEO Round Table will discuss “Robotics as a driver for changes in production process”. Representatives from both Russian and international industrial enterprises, integrators and robot manufacturers will look, among others, at robotics as part of the overall modernization of industrial production, new markets and business models (Robots as a service). This Round Table is hosted during INNOPROM 2019, the main industrial trade fair in Russia, which will be held in Ekaterinburg, Russia, from July 8 to 11, 2019.
Finally, IFR is happy to announce that the 15th Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award in Robotics and Automation - the IERA Award – has been awarded to the UVD Robot by Blue Ocean Robotics. The UV disinfection robot runs autonomously through hospitals to eliminate bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in hospital rooms by emitting concentrated UV-C light. The IFR and IEEE RAS honor this development that reduces risks for patients and hospital staff alike and shows an enormous market potential. Congratulations to Blue Ocean Robotic!
Best wishes,
Junji Tsuda
