Top 10 Industrial Automation Trends to Know in 2023

The Top 10 Industrial Automation Trends in 2023 are illustrated below

Industrial automation improvements boost output efficiency, cut costs, and streamline procedures. Manufacturers are using industrial automation because of this. Startups further expedite this process by providing off-the-shelf, readily integrable, and scalable automation solutions. An overview of the top 10 industrial automation trends for 2023 is given in this article. They include wearables, blockchain, sophisticated robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Discover how they affect your business by reading on.

1. Artificial Intelligence: AI allows robots to learn, adapt, and decide independently. It helps manufacturers find asset trends and anomalies so they can optimize output and cut down on downtime. Industrial robots and drones with built-in AI are more precise and help with jobs like material handling, maintenance, and inspection. As a result, there will be less need for human involvement and less chances of mishaps. AI thereby increases the effectiveness of maintenance procedures and extends the life of the equipment. To create these solutions, startups use machine learning (ML), deep learning, and computer vision.

2. IoT: All industrial machinery and equipment must be connected to gather and evaluate real-time data for industrial automation. This is possible by IioT, enabling industrial organizations to optimize production, lower downtime, and enhance safety. It also allows production managers to keep an eye on the settings and circumstances on the floor. In addition, IIoT-powered systems warn staff members and operators of possible dangers, track staff members' whereabouts and health, and provide more effective emergency responses. To shift data processing closer to the source, startups also focus on edge IoT and artificial intelligence of things (AIoT).

3. Contemporary Robotics: In risky situations, robots help employees to reduce accidents and address labor shortages. Cobots, or collaborative robots, cooperate with people and change to fit their environment. This enables them to carry out a variety of jobs, including assembly, packing, and equipment maintenance. These robots lower labor expenses and improve the effectiveness of production lines. Additionally, startups are developing mobile robots that can move across unstructured areas and robotic arms that have improved dexterity and accuracy. As a result, such end-of-arm tools (EOAT) automate welding, picking, placement, and 3D printing operations. Robots with self-healing capabilities also require less upkeep.

4. Edge Computing: The need for real-time data processing and low-latency connectivity in industrial environments motivates edge computing. Cloud-based solutions can ease distant data access for enterprises while lowering IT overhead. Thus, for industrial automation, factories combine edge and cloud computing. For instance, whereas cloud computing enables data analytics, storage, and access, edge computing handles real-time monitoring and equipment control. Startups help with this by providing platforms and devices that can be integrated into current equipment to allow edge or cloud computing, reducing the need for internal product development.

5. VR & AR: The use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) increases worker productivity and security. As an illustration, VR mimics real-life circumstances to assist in the training of personnel, enabling them to train in secure and regulated surroundings. Additionally, immersive technologies enable real-time information exchange to raise worker productivity and lower human mistake rates. Startups are developing AR software for supported industrial equipment maintenance and providing digital twins of factories and assets utilizing immersive reality technology. Immersive technologies, therefore, help process automation, enhance worker security, boost output, and decrease downtime.

6. The requirement for precise, accurate, and complicated part geometries, necessitating expensive gear, slows production processes. The creation of parts is automated in additive manufacturing, shortening the lead time for product development and prototyping. Additionally, 3D printing enables producers to design unique goods and parts. It reduces tooling costs and material waste to a minimum. Therefore, startups use cutting-edge 3D printing technology and materials to boost printing speed and accuracy.

7. Automation of manufacturing workflows through industrial digitalization is required, which raises the danger of cyberattacks. Downtimes, the loss of private information, and financial harm result from this. Cybersecurity for enterprises becomes crucial to safeguarding production operations. These technologies shield industrial control systems (ICS) from unwanted access. Additionally, cybersecurity solutions shield intellectual property (IP), which costs money and harms reputation, and stop data breaches. AI-based cyber threat detection and comprehensive security options for IIoT systems are further alternatives. Startups also develop operational technology (OT) device security software solutions integrated into current systems.

8. Production floors incorporate 5G to provide real-time communication and data processing due to higher data rates, lower latency, and more capacity. This is essential for industrial automation because it makes M2M communication more dependable. Workflows for producing things become more productive and efficient as a result. Additionally, 5G allows for equipment management and remote monitoring. Additionally, 5G enables the integration of data-intensive technologies for more effective production systems, including IIoT, AR, VR, and AI. Entrepreneurs are developing hardware and software to implement 5G networks and devices powered by 5G in industrial settings.

9. Blockchain provides safe data exchange across devices, people, and organizations and decentralized communication. Startups also provide smart contracts for tracking and authenticating goods along the supply chain, decentralized equipment control and monitoring, and supply chain management. This improves data access and sharing while automating stakeholder coordination and cooperation. Therefore, blockchain creates a transparent, secure, and self-managing industrial ecosystem.

10. Industrial wearables capture worker-specific data and provide workers with real-time production insights. They may access information and instructions right in their field of vision (FOV) thanks to smart glasses and gloves. Using a hands-free workflow, they can finish jobs more speedily and precisely. Additionally, organizations can pinpoint inefficiencies and improve manufacturing procedures thanks to the data provided by wearables. Startups for industrial automation are developing various wearable technologies. Exoskeletons that aid employees in lifting big things and smart gear that keeps an eye on their vital signs and working circumstances are examples of this.