Electricity and Control February 2024

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

Looking ahead at robotics in manufacturing Leading robotics and automation company,Yaskawa Southern Africa is embracing industry-shaping trends. Here, National Sales Manager, JanT’Hart shares some insights on the future of automation, pointing to the trends set to redefine manufacturing in the country. Looking to the new year,Yaskawa is prioritising technological advances, industry

Jan T’Hart, Yaskawa Southern Africa.

specific needs, and its commitment to sustainability.

Emerging technologies and innovations Yaskawa expects to see a profound impact from advances in artificial intelligence (AI), anticipating enhanced percep tion and decision-making capabilities in robots. T’Hart high lights continuing advances especially in machine learning and deep learning, which are likely to extend the capabil ities of robots. “This includes improved perception, deci sion making and adaptability to dynamic environments,” he says. He also notes the role of edge computing: “Process ing data closer to the source, using edge computing, can reduce latency and improve real-time decision making in robots. This is particularly important in applications like au tonomous vehicles and drones.” Human-robot collaboration Collaborative robots (cobots) and safety technologies are enabling closer interaction between humans and robots in shared workspaces. With these evelopments, Yaskawa ex pects to see the seamless sharing of workspaces between humans and robots in South Africa’s manufacturing sector in the future, fostering productive and efficient working en vironments. “This is particularly relevant in manufacturing and healthcare settings,” adds T’Hart.

turing and logistics, our strategic approach at Yaskawa involves continuous product innovation, focusing on per formance, precision and safety. Additionally, our emphasis on cobots, customisation and digitalisation aligns with the diverse needs of South Africa’s manufacturing and logistics sectors, reflecting our commitment to meeting evolving de mands,” says T’Hart. Yaskawa recognises the transformative role of AI and machine learning, enhancing robots’ perception, adaptive decision-making, predictive maintenance, and task automa tion. These advances support the goal of incorporating intel ligent automation to boost productivity and competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape. T’Hart adds that “the growing trend towards the use of cobots in industry means Yaskawa, like other manufacturers, must focus on developing cobots with advanced safety features and user-friendly inter faces to facilitate human-robot collaboration.” Efficiency and adaptability take centre stage in the com pany’s commitment to user-friendly programming interfaces, simulation technologies, offline programming, and remote monitoring. These features enhance operational efficiency and cater to the evolving needs of South African industries aiming for streamlined processes and responsive operations. Safety features, ease of programming, flexibility, human centric design, and integration with other technologies define Yaskawa’s approach to human-robot collaboration. Autonomous robots Keeping pace with emerging trends in automation, T’Hart emphasises, “For Yaskawa, like many other companies in the industry, embracing the principles of Industry 4.0 is essential. This involves the integration of digital technolo gies, IoT (Internet of Things), and data analytics to create smart and connected manufacturing systems.” Additional ly, Yaskawa’s exploration of autonomous navigation, SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) technology, AI based decision making, and integration with the IoT and Industry 4.0 positions the company at the forefront of trends in autonomous robotics. This approach aligns with the growing demand for autonomous solutions in South Africa, offering a glimpse into a future where machines operate with increasing independence.

Advanced sensing technologies

Increased use of sensor tech nologies, including LiDAR or Light Detection and Ranging – a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances – and radar, as well as improved computer vision, will enhance the perception capabilities of robots. Ac cording to T’Hart, “This is im portant for navigation, object recognition, and interaction with the environment.”

Addressing growing demand

“In preparation for the grow ing demand for robotics in industries such as manufac

Efficiency, adaptability, safety, security and user-friendly design are key features of Yaskawa cobots.

Safety and security In terms of safety and security, the company adheres to

6 Electricity + Control FEBRUARY 2024