Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can automate the handling of materials in warehouses. Collaborative robots, on the other hand, work alongside humans in manufacturing operations to perform pick-and-place tasks. The robotics industry is also seeing significant activity and investment in areas such as drones, humanoid robots, and robotic cybersecurity. This report outlines robotics trends, from intelligent robots and robots-as-a-service to the Internet of Things (IoT).
McKinsey analyzed a sample of 8,949 global startups and scaled companies to conduct in-depth research on the top ten trends and startups in robotics. The findings reveal data-driven innovation intelligence, improving strategic decision-making by providing an overview of emerging technologies and startups in the robotics industry. The results were derived in partnership with McKinsey's big data and AI-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, which covers over 2,500,000 startups and scaled companies globally. As the world's largest data resource on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to quickly and comprehensively identify relevant startups, emerging technologies, and future industry trends.
Top 10 Robotics Innovation Trends in 2023
1. Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
Workers are exposed to hazardous environments in production settings, such as toxic chemicals, confined spaces, or heavy machinery. To mitigate this, startups and scaling-up businesses are leveraging automated mobile robots (AMRs) to automate various industrial processes. These combine sensors, artificial intelligence, and computer vision to understand their surroundings and navigate independently. For example, warehouse AMRs have scanning capabilities to detect inventory levels and automatically handle materials, preventing inventory depletion. AMRs can also move sub-components and parts long distances within a factory to speed up operations and free workers from pushing heavy trolleys. Furthermore, they are used in cleanrooms and hospitals for autonomous disinfection. AMRs are also used in housekeeping services in the hospitality industry and for delivering food and goods in hotels and restaurants. Last-mile delivery (LMD) robots enable rapid deployment of contactless, fast delivery.
Ottobo Robotics manufactures collaborative AMRs
Turkish startup Ottobo Robotics is building collaborative automated mobile warehouses (AMRs). These automate material handling without altering warehouse infrastructure. The AMRs utilize 2D and 3D light detection and ranging (LIDAR), depth cameras, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to identify obstacles and navigate autonomously. They also feature a proprietary warehouse intelligence system that provides warehouse data analytics. This enables warehouse operators to optimize movement and maximize efficiency.
OttonomyIO provides automated delivery robots.
OttonomyIO, a US-based startup, provides autonomous delivery robots. These robots follow behavior-based contextual navigation, moving accurately and autonomously through congested areas. The robots allow businesses to deliver food, beverages, groceries, and other items to curbside, last-mile, and indoor environments without human contact. In this way, the startup addresses staff shortages in restaurants and retail stores while reducing carbon emissions.
2. Intelligent robots
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics enables robots to utilize real-time information and optimize tasks. To this end, startups use computer vision, reinforcement learning, machine learning, dynamics modeling, and more. Furthermore, large datasets and real-time data are used to train robots to improve their accuracy and performance. This, in turn, allows them to quickly identify objects and better perceive their environment for autonomous navigation. Implementing AI-based robots in manufacturing can automate repetitive tasks ranging from parts picking and placement to 3D printing and quality inspection. Robots used in retail stores and hotels also leverage natural language processing (NLP) to enhance customer interaction.
Sereact supports AI-driven picking.
German startup Sereact has developed Capto, an intelligent software solution for robotic picking. It utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize the picking of previously known items and speed up the picking of new items. The software continuously learns from operations to adjust the robot's gripping performance according to requirements. This allows manufacturers to free operators from repetitive tasks and improve floor productivity.
Loop Robots designs intelligent disinfection robots.
Dutch startup Loop Robots has developed SAM, an intelligent robot that automates hospital disinfection. It autonomously navigates around hospital facilities, disinfecting the air and surfaces in patient rooms. The robot reduces the use of chemical disinfectants and prevents hospital-acquired infections.
3. Collaborative robots
Unlike traditional industrial robots, collaborative robots possess advanced sensors and software to ensure safe behavior around humans. They primarily take the form of end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) to automate assembly tasks such as welding parts and drilling screws. These robots lift heavy objects, such as metals, plastics, and other materials that pose a risk to human workers. Furthermore, collaborative robots enhance existing production lines to assist workers, thus requiring minimal production downtime for integration. This accelerates their adoption across various industries to improve worker safety and productivity. Moreover, advancements in 5G and high-performance computing (HPC) will strengthen human-robot partnerships.
Rapid Robotics manufactures end-arm tools.
US-based startup Rapid Robotics has created Rapid Machine Operator (RMO), an AI-powered collaborative robot (EOAT). It's a six-axis collaborative robot that automates processes such as injection molding, hot melt welding, ultrasonic welding, and pad printing. Collaborative robots can automatically switch between tasks, making them suitable for time-sensitive manufacturing operations. These capabilities enable manufacturers to improve productivity and quality.
Safetics Collaborative Robot Safety Analysis
South Korean startup Safetics offers safety analytics for collaborative robots. The company uses artificial intelligence to analyze the collision safety of robots that work alongside humans. This allows companies to develop safety-certified robots without installing safety fences or sensors. This, in turn, saves on manufacturing costs and improves worker safety.
4. Robots as a Service (RaaS)
Developing and maintaining robots is an expensive and time-consuming process. Due to these limitations, many companies, especially small businesses, are unable to integrate robotics into their operations. On the other hand, RaaS offers a subscription-based business model for leveraging robotics. This approach allows companies to rent robots on demand, enabling easy scaling based on changing market conditions. Furthermore, cloud-based robotics allows service providers to quickly update existing configurations, thereby improving performance based on real-time data.
Dynamic Division provides industrial cleaning robots.
Croatian startup Dynamic Division offers industrial floor cleaning robots on a subscription basis. The startup's cleaning robots are manufactured using remanufactured components to ensure cost-effectiveness and recyclability. They autonomously navigate and automate processes such as filling with detergent or water, charging, and cleaning. This allows small companies and warehouses to reduce manual labor and cleaning time, freeing up workers to perform other critical tasks.
Formic provides industrial automation robots.
US-based startup Formic provides Robots-as-a-Service for industrial automation. The startup partners with robot manufacturers to create custom robots, which are then delivered on a subscription basis. This enables manufacturers to automate machine maintenance, material handling, inspection, and welding. Furthermore, Formic allows them to scale operations more quickly and automate difficult, hazardous, or time-consuming tasks.
5. Robot cybersecurity
The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the increasing connectivity demands of robotics make them easy targets for cyberattacks. Furthermore, the application of robots in the defense, manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace industries necessitates protecting robotic solutions from unauthorized access. Robotics cybersecurity solutions protect endpoints and the connectivity stack to prevent data breaches and asset downtime. To this end, startups are deploying continuous network and device monitoring using AI or machine learning. Such solutions allow businesses to monitor device activity in real time and promptly flag security threats, preventing downtime and financial losses.
Alias Robotics provides robot endpoint safety
Spanish startup Alias Robotics offers Robot Immune System (RIS), a robot endpoint protection platform. It provides malware protection for robots and robot components. Furthermore, RIS integrates antivirus, data encryption, and data loss protection to address various threats. The startup also provides a secure data logger for investigating cyberattacks or robot malfunctions. This enables robot developers and users to ensure the safety of robots in industrial and commercial spaces.
DroneSec provides drone security.
Australian startup DroneSec designed DroneSec Notify, a threat intelligence software for drones. It monitors the fleet to provide real-time visibility into the drones. The software also adds an extra layer of data security by viewing drone data streams and with whom they are shared. Furthermore, it provides real-time notifications of any suspicious activity. Based on this data, security teams can ground or relocate drones to more secure airspace to prevent the leakage of sensitive information.
6. Drones
Advances in edge computing, HPC, and connectivity technologies have enabled startups to build drones with greater range and functionality. They are seeking cross-industry applications for delivering packages, collecting aerial data, inspecting infrastructure, and more. On the other hand, agricultural drones are tracking crops and monitoring cattle movement, delivering pesticides and plant seeds at precise locations. The flexibility of drones further accelerates their integration into last-mile delivery, such as groceries and medical supplies. Furthermore, startups are using vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology to improve the usability of drones in enclosed spaces. This enables the provision of emergency services during natural disasters and pandemics.
AgMaps agricultural maps simplify crop monitoring.
AgMaps, a US-based startup, manufactures drones for crop mapping and reconnaissance. These drones capture real-time aerial imagery, providing overview and close-up views of plants, weeds, and soil. This enables farmers to accelerate reconnaissance and crop analysis, aiding farm management and maximizing yields.
Arventek assists in aerial surveying of buildings.
Turkish startup Arventek offers drones for remote construction management. The startup's drones use computer vision to capture geographic data. Arventek's cloud platform, RemoteSite, then creates 3D digital twins of the construction site to facilitate analytics, quality monitoring, and budget control. This enables project managers and clients to track progress, manage construction assets, and make data-driven decisions.
7. Robotics Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) supports sensing, monitoring, and tracking, while robots focus on production, interaction, and autonomous behavior. Connected robots collect data and send it to edge computing platforms, which drive their performance, enabling feedback-driven workflows. Recent developments in edge IoT have also allowed robot manufacturers to move computing closer to the data source. This enables robotic systems to utilize near real-time data and optimize task efficiency. Furthermore, machine-to-machine (M2M) and machine-to-human communication facilitates better collaboration between humans and robots.
SKY POWERLINES helps with power line inspection.
Portuguese startup SKY POWERLINES has developed an IoT drone for aerial photogrammetry. It captures images of power transmission and distribution lines to create 3D maps. The startup's SaaS platform then analyzes the collected images and provides analytical reports. This improves inspection operations and offers utility companies a cost-effective alternative to large helicopters, manned aircraft, and laser scanners.
Marut Drones provides agricultural drones.
Indian startup Marut Drones has created IoT-enabled agricultural drones. They use IoT devices and cameras to collect field data for remote, data-driven management. The startup's Agricopter drone enables precision agriculture by providing accurate fertilizer delivery, irrigation, direct seeding, pest management, and crop monitoring. This can protect farmers from associated health risks and speed up operations. Another drone, Seedcopter, seeks out land restoration opportunities for seeding, promoting rapid afforestation and reforestation.
8. Humanoid robot
Startups are developing humanoid robots for a variety of applications in the education, entertainment, hospitality, and healthcare industries. The post-pandemic world has witnessed the rise of humanoid robots for contactless cleaning or hospital operations. Furthermore, they are being used in power plant inspections, maintenance, and disaster recovery operations, freeing human workers from hazardous environments. In addition to greeting customers at reception desks, they also provide companionship for the elderly and patients. Like other robots, they can automate tasks to save costs and increase productivity.
Doozy Robotics manufactures artificial intelligence humanoid robots.
Singapore-based startup Doozy Robotics has developed Doozy, a humanoid robot. Utilizing AI-based facial recognition and 3D depth sensing, the robot can detect an individual's emotions, gender, age, and ethnicity. It incorporates LiDAR to distinguish between objects and people and respond accurately. Doozy performs tasks such as teaching, assisting, and engaging in social interactions with people.
Jumple improves in-store experience
Italian startup Jumple is producing humanoid robots for retail stores. The startup's robots display product information and promotions as multimedia or gamified content. They interact with consumers to improve customer experience and purchase opportunities. The robots also collect data to analyze their buying behavior, enabling brands to improve product recommendations and marketing strategies.
9. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
AGVs, or automated guided vehicles, are primarily used to transport materials in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Their movement is guided along predictable paths through a combination of software and sensor-based navigation systems. For example, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGCs) transport a variety of materials, from light to heavy, while forklift AGVs move pallets without human intervention. These robots reduce operating costs and time. Furthermore, operators precisely control the acceleration and deceleration of AGVs via computer software, reducing accidents and improving worker safety. AGVs also feature automatic obstacle detection bumpers to ensure safe movement.
Filics enables automated pallet transport
German startup Flics offers AGVs for automated pallet transport. The startup's AGVs feature two digitally controlled fork plates that lift pallets and move them to the desired location. This allows for floor-based pallet movement without separate transfer stations. The AGVs can also sort pallets in confined spaces and automate loading and unloading on trucks. This saves time and infrastructure costs associated with alternative transport equipment.
Micro-robots assist in material handling
Chinese startup Multiway Robotics has developed driverless AGVs for material handling. With precise positioning and speed control, they can automate palletizing, docking, and truck loading for internal logistics. This enables manufacturing companies to optimize on-site logistics while minimizing labor requirements, time, and ground accidents.
10. Assistive robots
Assistive robots are increasingly improving the independence and quality of life for people with varying abilities. They combine sensors and intelligent algorithms to perceive and process sensory information and interact with humans. Startups are improving robots' cognitive decision-making, enabling the elderly, disabled, or patients to perform activities of daily living (ADL). This allows them to live independently and safely in their own homes. Furthermore, robotic assistive devices, such as powered exoskeletons, serve as rehabilitation tools for patients. These wearable robotic units can restore motor function to impaired individuals. They also ensure the safety of industrial workers by reducing repetitive stress injuries or fatigue, while providing ergonomic support.
ORTHOPUS develops external robotic arms
French startup ORTHOPUS manufactures robotic exoskeletons for arm movement. They help people with movement disorders, neuromuscular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders who find raising their arms difficult or tiring. The exoskeleton also allows users to freely or specifically adjust movement patterns and can be mounted on an electric wheelchair. This provides convenience for users and allows them to complete daily tasks independently of caregivers.
Verve Motion manufactures industrial wearable devices.
Verve Motion, a US-based startup, has created the SafeLift Suit, a wearable robotic assistive device for industrial workers. Workers wear the robotic suit as a backpack to prevent injuries or strains during weightlifting. The suit further utilizes an intuitive control system and advanced motion analytics to customize the experience for each worker. This provides personalized care and protection for workers in logistics, retail, and manufacturing operations.
