Three factors driving robot integrator growth

Robot integrator growth is being fueled by the rise of industrial and collaborative robotics, an increase in workplace safety, and technological innovation.

By Robotic Industries Association (RIA) March 2, 2018

The global market for robot integrators is looking strong, with solid growth forecasts over the next few years. A report form Technavio estimates the robot integrator market will be worth $3.3 billion by 2021, growing at a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The North American robot integration market is expected lead the way, both in terms of revenue generated and incremental growth until 2021.

Robot integrators play a unique role in the automation process. They’re important to robot suppliers and manufacturers for launching robotic systems and making more robot sales, respectively. Because of this, the growth of the robot integrator market is tied to growth and technological advances in other industries.

There are many factors that impact the growing robot integrator market, but three in particular have had a major impact.

1. The rise of industrial and collaborative robots

The market for industrial and collaborative robots is expanding rapidly, and the robot integrator market is following suit. Integrators ensure a robotic system is achieving maximum efficiency and productivity levels during the implementation and launch phase. This service is a fundamental part of automating tasks—the need for integration services has risen in-step with the growth of industrial and collaborative robotics.

2. Workplace safety

In today’s manufacturing environment, safety often means productivity. Limiting downtime, protecting workers and avoiding fines and lawsuits can make a big difference on a manufacturer’s bottom line. Industrial robots can be dangerous, but when integrated properly, they have an exceptional track record of safety. As manufacturers begin to see safety as a means of productivity, they adopt automation technology that requires integrators to properly install and maintain.

3. Technological innovation

Technological advances in industrial and collaborative robotics lead to higher adoption rates, which lead to a greater need for robotic integration. But the robot integrators themselves have delivered innovation through detailed robot simulation software. This software improves the integration process greatly, consistently delivering robotic systems with maximum productivity potential, which solidifies robot integrators role in automating production processes.

The outlook for the robot integrators market is strong, particularly in North America. Integrators play an essential part in automation and their growth will be intimately tied to the growth of robotics as a whole.

This article originally appeared on the Robotics Online Blog. Robotic Industries Association (RIA) is a part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.

Original content can be found at www.robotics.org.