Why excellent software is crucial for industrial robots today

Ten years ago, the starting signal was given for the term "Industry 4.0". Early concerns about the consequences of this fourth industrial revolution are history; today, there is widespread confidence about whole new possibilities in the world of work. Along with Industry 4.0, classic industrial robots are also evolving - into digital robots.

Companies recognize Industry 4.0 as an opportunity and a prerequisite 

Digitization is one of the megatrends of the 21st century. It affects not only our private lives but also how companies produce and how we will work in the future. You have probably heard or read about the term Industry 4.0 in this context. It describes the fourth industrial revolution – following the steam engine, the assembly line, and the computer. In production, Smart Factories will gradually replace conventional workshops.

Possible or already implemented developments in these Smart Factories:

• Machines autonomously control the production process.
• Industrial robots take on strenuous or monotonous tasks, allowing skilled workers to focus on more varied and pleasant activities.
• Autonomous transport vehicles handle logistics tasks.

While we may not be at the point where the fourth milestone in industrial development accompanies us from the first spark of an idea for a new product to its disposal, the topic has certainly arrived in the working world. In fact, as of 2020, six out of ten companies were already using Industry 4.0 applications. The further development of this trend is seen by more than 90 percent of German companies as both an opportunity and a prerequisite for maintaining the local economic standing. It's no wonder that interest in Industry 4.0 is so high in Germany: after all, the term itself was not coined in Silicon Valley but was first announced publicly in 2011 at the Hannover Messe trade fair.

Inextricably linked to the ongoing fourth industrial revolution are the possibilities of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Put simply, without IIoT, there is no Industry 4.0! With the "Internet of Things," companies can intelligently utilize, evaluate, and exchange the growing amount of data, both internally and externally, according to their own needs. It goes without saying that through IIoT, production can be more efficient and goal-oriented, and the error susceptibility of individual processes decreases.

.At the same time, networking the systems provides more transparency for automating companies: Consider, for example, the monitoring of maintenance cycles or the performance of individual machines.

Industrial robots become Digital Robots

For the field of robot-based automation, the Industrial Internet of Things opens up entirely new possibilities. Conventional, non-networked industrial robots, which are less intelligent and less adaptable, will become relics of the past in the medium term. The 21st century belongs to interconnected, easy-to-use Digital Robots.

What distinguishes them is the interplay of hardware, control software, and IIoT platform. Especially in the entry into automation, this already represents a simplification for companies looking to work with the assistance of robots.

In networked operations, you can:

• Maintain your automated processes even more efficiently, with greater simplicity and oversight.
• Simplify your fleet management and system monitoring.
• Access assistance (such as tutorials, video training, or FAQs) for your specific use case.
• Directly get in touch with the robot manufacturer for support questions.

Furthermore, innovative robot providers utilize networking to regularly supply their customers with updates, featuring software improvements and advancements.

Kurz: Digital Robots stehen für Einfachheit, Zukunftsfähigkeit, Flexibilität und Transparenz – die Kontrolle bleibt beim nutzenden Unternehmenn short, Digital Robots stand for simplicity, future viability, flexibility, and transparency – with control firmly in the hands of the using company.