After entering the 21st century, under the background of global economic depression, the United States proposed “new industrial revolution” , Europe proposed “re-industrialization” , and China proposed “seven strategic emerging industries” . According to the British economist Paul Mckiley, the third industrial revolution, which is based on the Internet, new materials and new energy, with digital intelligent manufacturing as the core, is coming. And the protagonist of digital intelligent manufacturing is industrial robots.
The core technology of robot is motion control technology. Industrial robots are developing along two paths: one is simulating the multi-dimensional motion of robot arm, which is typical in application of spot welding and arc welding robot, and the other is simulating the motion of human lower limbs to carry out material transportation, transfer and other handling functions, such as AGV handling robot. With the development of new technologies such as microelectronics, new materials, control and sensing interaction, the function of AGV carrying robot will be more powerful through software optimization.
Today, people enjoy the benefits of the third industrial revolution: easily manage and control people, machines, equipment, and infrastructure within an integrated network in real time via IoT applications. On this basis, human beings can manage production and life in a more delicate and dynamic way to achieve a perfect interactive state, greatly improving the resources utilization rate and productivity levels, and further improving people’s quality of life. With 3D printing, people can print more desirable objects, and although the technology is not yet widespread, people are confident about its future.
On the other hand, the rapid development and practical application of industrial automation and intelligence are gradually replacing the vast number of front-line workers. Partially, the use of industrial robots is obvious. An AGV robot can replace the workload of at least 5 workers, and greatly improve the efficiency and quality of work. Now, as manufacturing technology upgrades, these industrial robots that replace workers and even advanced technicians are becoming more and more popular. FOXCON’s robots may be just the beginning, more companies will be using industrial robots only in manufacturing in the near future.