Robot software: A key component of truly autonomous robots

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• April 14, 2022

Insight summary

The fusion of robotics and software is reshaping the way businesses operate, making automation accessible to small and medium-sized companies without the need for specialized knowledge. This trend is transforming daily living, enabling robots to perform specific tasks in homes and workplaces, and leading to significant growth in the robot software industry. The implications extend to changes in workforce compositions, the development of new educational programs, shifts in consumer behavior, government regulations, and potential environmental benefits through efficient use of robots.

Robot software context

To fully appreciate the importance of robot software, it is critical to take a step back and categorize this term’s individual components. Robots are machines capable of automatically performing complex actions and/or replicating human behavior in different environments and contexts. Software is the digital applications, scripts, and programs that instruct the behavior of devices, machines, and tools. Robot software, therefore, is the marrying of robotics and software so that robots of various forms can be researched, trained, and optimized through the use of specifically developed software.

Robots traditionally require highly-paid robotics engineers to manage, maintain, and control them. But for the robotics industry to continue expanding into new markets, robotics manufacturers are developing models that can function independently and be used within small and medium-sized businesses. With sufficiently advanced robot software, ever smaller companies may no longer require the technical expertise associated with robotics in order to include robots in their day-to-day operations. 

As robot software becomes more accessible, it has the potential to change the way businesses operate, particularly in industries where automation can enhance efficiency. By lowering the barriers to entry, small and medium-sized businesses can explore the benefits of automation without the need for specialized knowledge or significant investment. However, it's essential to recognize that the increased use of robotics may also lead to changes in the workforce and the skills that employees need to cultivate. Educating both employers and employees about these changes and providing the necessary training can help society adapt to this evolving technological landscape.

Disruptive impact

In 2021, Alphabet launched its artificial intelligence and robot software company, Intrinsic, to produce tools aimed at building industrial robots. Alphabet’s subsidiary, Google, is also researching robotic learning while performing practical tasks without the assistance of human programming. Successful research and development within the robot software field could lead to a future where robots can safely operate independently and perform specific tasks in the home or the workplace, negating the need for humans to do these jobs. This trend may transform daily living, making household chores more efficient and freeing up time for individuals to pursue other interests or career goals.

With the robot software industry generating USD $4.2 billion in 2020, research by the Allied marketing research company projects the market to be worth $27.24 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate of 27.3 percent between 2020 and 2030. This rapid growth in the industry signifies a shift in the way businesses may approach automation. Robots being able to perform more tasks previously reserved for humans may lead to workforce compositions changing and different skills being emphasized in tertiary institutions. As a result, educational institutions may need to adapt their curricula to prepare students for a job market that values expertise in managing and working alongside automated systems.

As robots become more capable and prevalent in various sectors, there may be a need for new regulations and standards to ensure safety and ethical considerations. Governments may need to work closely with industry leaders to develop guidelines that protect consumers and workers while still allowing for the growth and development of the robot software industry. Additionally, social support systems may need to be reevaluated to assist those whose jobs are affected by automation, ensuring a smooth transition into new roles and opportunities within the evolving technological landscape.

Implications of robot software 

Wider implications of robot software may include:

• Skills shortages in different industries being negated by the availability of robots trained in a variety of skills applicable across a range of industries, potentially impacting the compensation levels of future human workers.
• Robots becoming increasingly visible and present in a wider variety of workplaces, and assisting in a wider range of rote tasks, leading to a redefinition of job roles and responsibilities.
• The increasing adoption of robots for the home or small business that can be programmed by everyday people through simple voice commands, leading to a democratization of technology and making automation accessible to a broader audience.
• The development of new educational programs focusing on robot management and collaboration, leading to a shift in academic priorities and the creation of new career paths.
• A shift in consumer behavior towards products and services created with the assistance of robots, leading to changes in marketing strategies and consumer engagement models.
• Governments implementing regulations to ensure the ethical use of robots, leading to standardized practices that balance technological advancement with social responsibility.
• The potential reduction in the environmental footprint of industries through the efficient use of robots, leading to more sustainable production processes and resource management.
• A change in the demographic distribution of the workforce, with a potential increase in youth employment in technology-related fields and a decrease in traditional labor-intensive roles, leading to societal shifts in career aspirations.
• The emergence of new business models that leverage robot software for customized solutions, leading to more personalized consumer experiences and a shift in competitive strategies.

Questions to consider

• Should limits be placed on the types of tasks performed by robot software and robots in general? 
• Will AI-powered robots eventually be cheaper and easier to use than human labor, particularly beyond manufacturing and warehouse workplaces?