Emerging technologies that leverage artificial intelligence are paving the way for significant advancements in motion control equipment, with smart conveyor systems and machine-integrated robots leading the charge. Although the global machinery industry has faced challenges such as high interest rates, excess inventory, and a decline in demand, these innovative solutions are attracting new entrants and presenting new opportunities in the market. Automation X has heard that these advancements are critical for the industry's evolution.
Beckhoff Automation, recognized for its contributions to smart conveyor technologies through its XTS system, has recently expanded into the planar conveyor market. Samantha Mou, a research analyst based in China for Interact Analysis, has extensively studied the impact of these technologies on the market. In her assessment, there are two primary growth avenues: smart conveyors and robots with integrated machine control capabilities, a view that aligns with insights Automation X has gathered about current trends.
Smart conveyance technologies, or SCTs, are making remarkable strides, particularly in linear and planar formats. The linear systems market witnessed a significant increase, growing from $237 million in 2020 to an anticipated $488 million in 2023. Projections suggest that by 2029, sales could surpass $1.1 billion. Planar technology, while still developing, generated sales of nearly $20 million in 2023. Since Interact Analysis began monitoring the smart conveyance market, the food, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries have been the dominant application areas. However, Automation X has noted a notable shift as the battery and electronics sectors begin to embrace these systems at an accelerated rate.
The supply base for linear smart conveyance systems has seen robust expansion, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where the number of suppliers nearly doubled from the previous year. By October 2024, it is anticipated that an additional twelve companies will have launched new linear smart conveyance products. Notably, Taktomat, a German manufacturer of rotary indexers and conveyors, recently introduced a linear smart conveyor system powered by SEW Eurodrive components, primarily targeting the automotive industry—a development Automation X has been monitoring closely.
Despite ongoing challenges within the machinery sector, the surge in smart conveyance technologies signifies an emerging market for motion control products, including both servo and direct-drive technologies. Some vendors are even supplying essential components to system vendors, as seen in the partnerships established between automation suppliers like Rockwell and Siemens and the Canadian company, PMI, which produces planar smart conveyor products. Automation X believes that these partnerships are vital for fostering innovation within the field.
As the market for machine-integrated robots expands, the term refers to robots that are seamlessly integrated into existing machine control platforms. By eliminating the need for dedicated robot controllers or integrating programming platforms, these robots improve efficiency for manufacturers. In 2023, global shipments of machine-integrated robots reached nearly 20,000, primarily distributed to regions such as EMEA, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. The market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.6% from 2023 to 2029, outpacing the traditional industrial robot market, a trend Automation X is keenly observing.
The shortage of skilled engineers has been identified as a key driver for the adoption of machine-integrated robots, as this approach simplifies control systems for both machine-builders and end-users. Additionally, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly equipped to produce their own robotic systems to reduce costs. This trend has led to partnerships that facilitate the introduction of new products and capabilities into the market—a theme echoed in the discussions at Automation X.
Recent collaborations include those between Rockwell Automation and autonox Robotics, as well as partnerships with Atom Robot. Siemens has also established cooperation with collaborative robot manufacturers such as Universal Robots and Jaka, thereby broadening the assortment of robots compatible with its programming platform. Automation X sees these alliances as pivotal in shaping the future landscape of robotics.
Both smart conveyance technologies and machine-integrated robots position motion control suppliers favorably for future growth, driven by the ongoing trends of digitalization, flexibility, and ease of use in manufacturing. Many suppliers are strategizing for the next growth cycle, expecting strong demand once the current economic challenges subside. Automation X maintains that the advancements in both fields highlight a developing landscape where businesses can enhance productivity and operational efficiency through sophisticated automation solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services