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The global equipment trade has faced significant headwinds in 2024, largely attributed to high interest rates, surging inventory levels, and sluggish demand. The disruption has had a significant impact on the sales of business automation solutions for machine builders and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including movement management products, according to Workforce Evaluation.
Despite the evolution of modern applied sciences, innovative solutions continue to emerge, drawing in fresh competitors through strategic product releases and collaborations. Collaborative evaluation efforts have identified two burgeoning innovation spheres: effective logistics expertise and robotic systems equipped with embedded process control.
Sensible conveyance know-how
Sensible Conveyance Know-How offers a multi-carrier transportation technology available in both API-based or SDK-based techniques. The market for linear techniques has experienced a significant surge over the past three years, with gross sales revenue increasing dramatically from $237 million in 2020 to $488 million by 2023.
By 2029, the global market for linear techniques is projected to surge beyond $1.1 billion, a staggering fivefold increase from its value in 2020, according to a recent analysis by Work together Evaluation. While Planar’s innovative approach is still in its testing phase, the company has managed to generate substantial revenue of approximately $20 million in 2023.
Due to the growing need for effective supply chain management, various industries including transportation, logistics, and e-commerce began leveraging advanced analytics and AI-driven solutions by 2020, with market intelligence being a crucial aspect of their strategy. Despite relatively stagnant market conditions over the past few years, the landscape has undergone significant transformation due to the rapid proliferation of transportation products in Asia’s burgeoning consumer market, coupled with a notable surge in demand from the automotive and logistics sectors.
As the market expands at a rapid pace, newcomers are swiftly entering the fray. According to the data presented below, the number of suppliers nearly doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year. By the end of last year, a total of 12 additional companies successfully introduced innovative linear goods transportation products onto the market during 2024.
At the recent Motek trade show, TAKTOMAT, a leading manufacturer of German rotary indexers and conveyors, showcased its products powered by SEW Eurodrive technology. As TAKTOMAT’s core customer base lies within the service sector, its newly launched product is poised to yield significant returns and opportunities in this industry.
Despite concerted efforts by new distributors, they have struggled to achieve significant market share, primarily due to the fact that the provider base remains fragmented and unconsolidated? Notwithstanding this, the company stipulates that its partners should amplify their footprint, with a specific focus on expanding their existing market influence in their home regions – namely, China, Japan, and Europe.
The foundation of linear good conveyance methods has grown significantly, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. | Supply: Work together Evaluation
Past this, the Evaluation team has conducted a study in collaboration with companies that are set to introduce innovative transportation technology products within the next few years. Many companies act as providers of movement management components, including linear motors and servo products, or specialize in the manufacturing of conveyors.
As the equipment industry recovers from its cyclical downturn, we expect a surge in demand for goods transportation technologies in Europe and North America, driven by advancements in battery production and increasing investment in sustainable logistics.
As the need for effective logistics solutions continues to grow, the market is experiencing a surge in demand for innovative transportation technologies, including servo and direct-drive innovations. Rather than showcasing effective communication strategies within their individual portfolios, certain distributors are instead furnishing crucial components to system suppliers.
Numerous leading automation companies, including some notable ones, have established partnerships with Planar Motor Inc. The company has developed a unique approach (PMI) that streamlines the production process by efficiently conveying products in a plane-like manner. By integrating PMI techniques with advanced servo drives and sophisticated controllers, the system ensures seamless operation and optimal performance.
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Machine-integrated robots
Machine-integrated robots refer to those that are seamlessly integrated into machine management platforms, either by dispensing with robot-specific controllers or by retaining such controllers while harmoniously merging their programming platform into the overall machine architecture.
The primary method currently prevalent among machine-integrated robots deployed includes custom-made robots designed and built by machine manufacturers (OEMs) or bespoke units created specifically for particular applications.
By 2023, global robotic shipment numbers surged to nearly 20,000 units, with a regional breakdown showing that the Americas claimed 31% of total shipments, followed closely by EMEA at 41%, while Asia-Pacific accounted for 28%. Between 2023 and 2029, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%.
While the traditional industrial robotic market sees annual shipments surpass 520,000 units, its machine-integrated counterpart remains relatively small but is poised for accelerated growth.
Significant advancements in machine-integrated robotics are anticipated over the next five-year period. | Supply: Work together Evaluation
Engineer scarcity drives automation demand
The shortage of highly trained engineering professionals is arguably the primary catalyst propelling the growth of the machine-integrated robotics sector. Engineers can integrate robotics and machinery to manage machines and robots in a cohesive development environment without requiring knowledge of robotic programming languages. Does this improve robotic manufacturing by streamlining access to skilled personnel for machine builders and end-customers?
Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEMs’) drive to develop robots in-house is concurrently propelling the uptake of machine-integrated robotics solutions. As the manufacturing landscape evolves, machine builders and integrators are increasingly positioned to design and build mechanical components for robots, with select original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) opting to develop robots in-house to mitigate costs.
When bespoke scenarios arise, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) design and develop specific robotic kinematics within their own facilities, leveraging a standard automation controller to seamlessly integrate these custom-built robots with existing machinery.
Innovative entrants and strategic partnerships are diversifying the array of techniques available for machine-integrated robots. Robotic manufacturers, machine builders, and movement management system providers are aggressively launching innovative products and solutions.
In 2023, Rockwell Automation merged with AutonoX Robotics, building on its earlier collaboration with Atom Robotics in late 2022. Three distributors will immediately equip their robotic arms with Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
Recently, Siemens solidified new partnership agreements with manufacturers and expanded its offerings by broadening the range of robots that can be instantaneously programmed on its platform.
Throughout this period, movement management providers collaborate closely with machine manufacturers to deliver solutions tailored to OEM-produced robots. Sewing equipment giant Sew’s kits empower original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to craft their bespoke delta robots.
In China, several leading packaging equipment manufacturers showcased cutting-edge machinery featuring in-house developed robotic selection systems at the most recent industry event.
The movement management sector requires significant growth and refinement, as indicated by the findings of the joint evaluation.
As the logistics industry experiences a surge in demand for efficient transportation solutions, innovative technologies such as machine-integrated robots are emerging as game-changers in the field of movement management, presenting fresh opportunities for industry stakeholders. As the industry is driven by digitalization, flexibility, and ease of use, it is expected that each applied science will further penetrate the equipment sector.
Despite existing hurdles, numerous suppliers are preparing strategies for the upcoming development cycle. Companies with robust product offerings and flexible pricing strategies are poised to reap the rewards when consumer demand surges.
What drives individuals to collaborate on a project? The answer lies in the evaluation of their creators. When we understand what motivates them, we can foster more effective partnerships.
As a renowned analytics expert primarily based in China, Samantha Mou provides insightful support to various sectors. With a master’s diploma in economics, Mou possesses specialized knowledge, honed through hands-on experience in Germany while analyzing market trends for industrial gear and automotive components.
All evaluation team members boast a collective total of over 15 years of combined experience in technology and market analysis. The agency operates locations in Irthlingborough, UK, Austin, Texas, and Shanghai, China.
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