Interview with Jörg Rommelfanger
Robotics in 25 years
The annual IFR report shows that the number of industrial robots is steadily increasing worldwide. They have already played an important role in ABB's portfolio for decades. In an interview with INDUSTRIAL Production, Jörg Rommelfanger, Head of ABB's Robotics division in Germany, talks about how robotics in industry will develop technologically in the near and distant future.
With 50 years of experience in robotics, ABB is looking to the future. What challenges do you see for ABB in the coming years?
We have to meet our customers in the complex situation in which they currently find themselves. We pursue common goals with our customers: Decarbonization, sustainable and durable products, resource-saving technologies and energy-efficient processes. The shortage of skilled workers requires a democratization of robotics. We must make it possible for employees without in-depth expert knowledge to operate robots. This requires robotics to adapt to the needs of users, and not the other way around.
What innovative robot technology are companies currently investing in?
Our customers use robot-assisted automation solutions to increase the robustness of their companies and supply chains. Robots relieve employees of heavy, unergonomic and monotonous tasks. They make it possible to deploy personnel for higher-value tasks. We also lower the barriers to entry with cobots and simple programming tools such as Wizard Easy Programming. Just a few minutes after installation, they are able to use their robot - no in-depth programming knowledge is required. This also applies to standardized production cells, which are ready for immediate use, and autonomous mobile robots (AMR). They all enable easier integration, even in industries that are traditionally less automated - such as construction, life sciences or healthcare.
What changes have you noticed in robot-based automation?
The demand for robotics and automation is increasing due to global megatrends - from the shortage of skilled workers and uncertainties in supply chains to the increased demand for individualized products and the growing pressure to operate sustainably. Flexibility and simplicity are the keys to success here. Mechatronics is no longer in first place. The next development push will be driven by the collection and analysis of data and the increased use of AI. The flexible manufacturing of tomorrow will combine AI-supported image processing, mobile robots, cobots and modular cells. The cells are networked with autonomous mobile robots (AMR), for example, which communicate and coordinate with each other via software.
When ABB celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2049, which technologies will shape the industry?
We expect today's developments to continue to accelerate. The factory of the future will be more networked and able to react flexibly. Topics such as interoperability and standardization will remain crucial, and artificial intelligence will continue to play a major role. Robots will interact more precisely and flexibly with dynamic environments thanks to AI-based technologies. Sustainability will also continue to come into focus. Our aim is to use resources even more sparingly through circular thinking and state-of-the-art technologies.
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