The Future of Robotics: Industry Perspectives and Technological Advancements

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, we now find ourselves at the crossroads of research and practical engineering, where robotics is igniting a revolution across diverse sectors. At this thrilling juncture, Mahmoodreza Forootan, an esteemed scientist and lead engineer, has emerged as a beacon of innovation. Forootan not only carved a niche for himself within this transformative field but also stands at the forefront of robotics, making strides with his unparalleled blend of research acumen and engineering expertise. His work consistently pushes the envelope, thereby elevating the potential for transformative advancements in robotics.

Forootan's expertise lies in developing pioneering solutions that are not just confined to the pages of academic journals but extend to real-world applications. During his Ph.D., he took a leap in the dark to develop a digital twin system, seamlessly merging a physical three-axis milling machine with its virtual counterpart implemented in the Unity game engine. This game-changing approach allows for real-time visualization of the manufacturing process, making the milling operations more accurate and efficient. By introducing a novel geometric approach for the real-time calculation of forces, combined with an AI methodology to update the force system dynamically, Forootan opened up new avenues for the future of manufacturing and milling machines.

His practical engineering prowess does not stop at the confines of academia. Forootan's professional trajectory is marked by his innovative contributions in the field of locomotive component fabrication. Taking on the responsibility as the lead engineer for complex projects like the BFC locomotive brake and the design and fabrication of a test bench, he demonstrated a keen eye for detail and an unfailing commitment to quality and safety.

These tangible accomplishments make Forootan a force to be reckoned with in his field. However, his journey to these career highlights was fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a passion for engineering, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early academic achievements, ranking consistently high in nationwide engineering examinations, to his enrollment at the prestigious Berkeley University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Forootan's dedication to pushing the limits of his knowledge is obvious.

Throughout Forootan's career, he demonstrated a unique blend of skills, marrying deep expertise in mechanical design, fabrication, and mechatronics with a powerful command of intelligent data analysis. This combination enabled him to lead complex projects, such as the development of a Segway robot, and contribute to the burgeoning field of intelligent-based models and cyber-physical systems.

Looking ahead, Forootan has his sights set on a future leadership role as the chief technology officer of a leading company in mechatronics, automation, robotics, or electric vehicles (EV). Given his remarkable track record and his unwavering dedication to driving innovation, this goal is well within his reach.

Mahmoodreza Forootan's story serves as a testament to the power of bridging the gap between academic research and practical engineering, proving that the fusion of these worlds holds the key to unlocking groundbreaking advancements in the future of robotics. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, leaders like Forootan provide an inspiring beacon, demonstrating that with expertise, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of innovation, we can shape a future that once existed only in the realms of science fiction.

Forootan provides a review of the history of robotic arms, discussing the introduction of various technologies and sharing predictions and perspectives for the future. 

The evolution of robotic arms began with Bill Griffith P. Taylor's crane-like robotic arm, The robot Gargantua, in 1937. This was followed by George Devol's hydraulic arm in 1954 and Victor Scheinman's 6-axis electric arm in 1969, known as the Stanford Arm. The 1980s witnessed the widespread adoption of robotic arms, leading to significant industry advancements and overall growth.

Prominent manufacturers such as ABB, FANUC, Seiko Epson Corporation, KUKA, Delta Electronics, Inc., YASKAWA, DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP, Omron Corporation, and Rockwell Automation, Inc. are known for their precision, speed, and reliability in producing robotic arms. These companies offer versatile solutions for various industries, showcasing continuous innovation in robotics and automation.

The robotic arm market experienced substantial growth due to the increasing demand for automation, reaching USD 26.24 billion in 2021. Predictions indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.90%, which is expected to result in a market size of USD 74.35 billion by 2029, highlighting the field's future significance.

To explore future trends in this field, it is crucial to study successful startups and their contributions to robotic arm technology. Some noteworthy examples include:

Flexiv: Founded in 2016, Flexiv offers advanced robotic arms with force control and adaptability for industrial automation and service robotics.

Formic Technologies: Founded in the US in 2020, Formic Technologies pioneers the "Robotics as a Service" (RaaS) model, making automation accessible to businesses.

OSARO: Founded in 2015 in the US, OSARO specializes in intelligent automation with AI-driven robotic arms.

Dobot Robotics: Established in China in 2015, Dobot Robotics provides desktop robotic arms and automation solutions, with their versatile Dobot Magician product gaining popularity among educators and researchers.

Kinova Robotics: Kinova Robotics has developed several key innovations, such as the Gen3 robotic arm, assistive robotic arms, and a cloud-based robotics platform. These advancements enable Kinova Robotics to offer its customers a wide range of benefits, including enhanced productivity, safety, and flexibility.

Rethink Robotics: Rethink Robotics introduced two significant innovations: Baxter, a lightweight, easy-to-use cobot for various tasks with safety features, and Sawyer, a powerful and versatile cobot with a seven-axis arm, sensors and a user-friendly graphical interface.

Righthand Robotics: RightHand Robotics' robotic arms are engineered for safety, ease of use, and adaptability. Equipped with a range of sensors, they interact safely and intuitively with the environment. They are ideal for picking and packing diverse items, including small, fragile, and irregularly shaped objects.

ABAGY: ABAGY software effortlessly generates welding trajectories based on welding parameters and CAD input files. What previously required hours of traditional programming can now be accomplished swiftly and seamlessly with ABAGY. It streamlines the trajectory creation process, saving valuable time and resources for users.

These companies are some examples of successful start-ups with innovative robotic arm technologies.

Based on the direction set by pioneering companies and successful startups, the future of robotic arms is anticipated to shift toward a "Robotic as a Service" model with enhanced intelligence, vision, and collaboration with humans. Advancements in processor power, AI knowledge, and digital twins will result in more intelligent, trustworthy, and accurate robots. These developments will lead to the realization of 24-hour workshops, zero-defect production, and improved quality, offering significant economic advantages.