Stretching beyond the idea of artificial intelligence in robotics
Implications - Though the initial intention of robotics is to automate, today's individuality-driven consumer is seeking something less cold from their automatons. This stretches past artificial intelligence and into the realm of artificial emotion. Robots are being programmed to respond, conversate and nurture to provide the tech-obsessed consumer with a companion, not just a helper.
Trend Themes
1. Artificial Emotion - Consumers are seeking emotionally-engaging companion robots that nurture and interact with them, which is driving the development of artificial emotion technology.
2. Touch Replicating Sensors - Developing human-like senses in robots using sensors that detect touch is opening up innovative applications for both prosthetic technology and overall human-robot interaction.
3. Responsive Robots - Smart robots with advanced perception, adaptive problem solving, and learning capabilities like Cornell University's 'Tell Me Dave' project, are driving innovation in robotics especially in household applications.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare and Education - The development of robots as social companions for those with autism, vision or hearing impairment is opening up new opportunities for growth in healthcare and education industries.
2. Consumer Electronics and Toys - The trend of emotionally-engaging companion robots is driving innovation in the consumer electronics and toys industries, creating opportunities for market growth and diversification.
3. Manufacturing and Logistics - Responsive robots with advanced sensing, analytical and problem-solving capabilities are opening up new opportunities for robotics in manufacturing and logistics applications.
