Molex has released a new report looking into the future of the robotics industry and exploring the huge potential for human-machine collaboration

Molex, a global leader in the electronics industry and manufacturer of innovative connectors, has released a forward-looking industry report that looks at the future potential of robots in the field of human-machine communication and collaboration, pointing out that with robotics, we can expect to achieve more intuitive, intelligent and connected interactions. The Molex 2024 Robotics Report: How Robotics Can Unlock Human Potential describes how highly advanced robotic systems and multi-functional robots will revolutionize fundamental aspects of the future of life - from making factory operations more efficient and revolutionizing student learning, to enhancing smart home performance, optimizing patient care, and enhancing support for military operations.

Brian Hauge, senior vice president and president of Consumer and Business Solutions at Molex, said: "As we study the role of robotics in different industries, we increasingly realize that the future of robotics will be defined by the evolving human-machine relationship. "This latest industry report reveals unprecedented advances in human-computer interaction, while highlighting key enabling technologies and the need for seamless connectivity between robotic systems and humans to enable faster, more efficient and extremely precise decision-making."

The fundamental technology that drives the advancement of robotics

The future of robotics depends heavily on continued advances in communication and computing technologies that enable robots to operate autonomously in dynamic environments. High-speed connectivity is most important because robotic systems require low-latency communication and near-instant data transmission to react quickly and accurately. 5G/6G networks will provide high-bandwidth, low-latency communication services, but when designing robotic solutions, multiple connectivity methods will need to be considered, including switching between 5G, Wi-Fi or satellite networks to ensure multichannel redundancy.

Equally important is the ability of edge devices to process data nearby, ensuring independent and continuous operation of robotic systems and robots. Edge computing enables automated solutions to process data in real time, which is critical for applications that require instantaneous decision-making. In most industrial automation or manufacturing environments, robots are typically equipped with safety emergency protocols to ensure that power and functions are reduced to safe operation in the event of a connection interruption or damage.

Robotics benefits from AI/machine learning and sensor fusion innovations

As the biggest driver of robot adaptability, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are crucial. Ai algorithms enable robots to make informed decisions based on real-time data and quickly adapt to new situations, even being able to predict future conditions based on past interactions. With machine learning, robots can analyze patterns to optimize behavior and, at the same time, improve efficiency and accuracy by constantly learning, adapting, and improving. Sensor fusion technology combines data from multiple sources such as lidar, cameras, depth and force sensors to help multipurpose robots better sense depth, motion and obstacles in different environments.

Key factors to enhance human-machine interaction

According to the Robot report provided by Molex, the market is on the verge of robots that can understand, respond to and even anticipate human emotions and situational needs. For example, through natural language processing (NLP), robots can understand verbal commands, engage in conversations, and adjust their behavior based on context. In addition, emotional AI enables robots to recognize and respond to emotional cues by analyzing a human's tone of voice or facial expressions. Molex anticipates that the rise of this human-centered interaction will enable future robotic systems and autonomous robots to better adapt to complex home environments and take on new roles such as personalized educational tutors, essential surgical assistants, and patient monitors providing ongoing services.

With the advent of Industry 4.0 era, the application of cooperative robots (Cobots) in the industrial field is more and more extensive, and the tasks they undertake are more and more complex. They not only ensure the stable operation of the production line, but also anticipate and solve potential production bottlenecks, while helping engineers design better products. Going forward, collaborative robots will reinterpret concepts of precision and personalization in environments as diverse as the operating room, classroom, and battlefield.

A key driver of robotics change

Taking advantage of significant advances in robotics and seizing broader opportunities for interaction will rely on innovations in connectivity, power management and data processing. Molex's robust and reliable connector portfolio will support the growing need for human-machine collaboration, meeting the most demanding requirements in various industry application scenarios.