Robots in Industry: The Past, Present, and Future of a Growing Collaboration With Humans

TLDR

Robots have long been integral to automation, and the field is now undergoing a revolution driven by Industry 4.0, IoT, and new software technologies. The article reviews the evolution of industrial robotics—from early automation to collaborative and autonomous systems—and outlines future directions driven by new materials, sensors, actuators, and technologies. It examines how industrial robotics has shifted from isolated cells to coworking and collaborative robots, analyzes their integration within Industry 4.0, and highlights open issues and barriers limiting deployment in SMEs.

Abstract

Robots have been part of automation systems for a very long time, and in public perception, they are often synonymous with automation and industrial revolution perse. Fueled by Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) concepts as well as by new software technologies, the field of robotics in industry is currently undergoing a revolution on its own. This article gives an overview of the evolution of robotics from its beginnings to recent trends like collaborative robotics, autonomous robots, and human- robot interaction. Particular attention is devoted to the deep changes of the last decades, from the traditional industrial scenario based on isolated robotic cells up to the most recent coworking and collaborative robots. The role of robotics in the Industry 4.0 framework is analyzed, and the relationships with industrial communications and software technologies are also discussed. Some future directions for robotics are envisaged, focusing on the contributions coming from new materials, sensors, actuators, and technologies. Open issues are highlighted as well as the main barriers that currently limit the deployment of industrial robots in the small and medium enterprise (SME) world.